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Monday, July 21, 2014
Atlantic Small Dog Rescue Has Set Up a Veterinary Fund to Help Care for the Dogs From Puppy Mill in Virginia - Can You Help?
Now that they have been rescued their new lives will begin! ASDR will bring these dogs in to care, bring them to the vet, and ensure any medical problems are addressed. We already know that a number of these dogs have dental issues and will need deep cleanings, and possibly extractions. These procedures cost hundreds of dollars each, but mean a great deal when it comes to the future comfort and health of these dogs. Every dog will also be spayed or neutered before being sent to their new home.
We are also taking in at least one dog who may be pregnant, so her puppies will require their puppy vaccines and a thorough health check.
Are you able to donate even a little bit to our veterinary fund for these pups? Every dollar counts and will make a huge difference to these little guys!
Keep an eye out for their adoption advertisements to be posted on our Facebook page!
If you want to help these Puppy Mill dogs on their road to recovery, please consider a donation to our GoFundMe campaign. Every one of them will require spaying or neutering which will cost approximately $2,000 alone, and many will also need dental work. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/56n79c or email money transfer your donation to paypal@asdrescue.com every little bit helps! Even $1!
If you would like to donate to help these dogs, click HERE!
A full write up on the details of their rescue will be posted some time in the afternoon or evening for you all to see!
The dogs will NOT be available for adoption right away, but we will be posting photos of them as we can. If you are interested in adopting one, please be patient, and wait until we post the dogs as available. They will each have their own post in our "available dogs" photo album with as much of a writeup on them as we can manage. But remember, they are from a puppy mill, so their lives have not been the best before now. Thankfully most of them seem like nice dogs, and even a few are quite friendly! We will be doing our best to bring them out of their shells upon their arrival, but for some that may take a while!
Some statistics on the dogs coming in: of the 10 dogs who are coming to us 6 have known dental issues that will require treatment, 8 have skin issues including scabby ears and hair loss, 1 has a heart murmur, 1 is possibly pregnant, 1 has an eye infection, and 1 has a hernia! That's a lot of health issues for one small batch of pups! These dogs range in age from 1 or 2 years old up to possibly 10 years old, and approximately half of them are 5 or under. Just a bit more information to tide you over until we can give more!
The transport has been delayed by a week, which gives us a bit more time to get prepared! We're coming close to the $1,000 mark, do you think we can reach it today?
About: Atlantic Small Dog Rescue
Just in case anyone was wondering, not ONE person who does work for ASDR is paid for their time. In fact, board members and other volunteers often donate their own hard earned money to fundraisers to help the dogs we take in. 97% of all funds raised go directly towards helping the dogs in our care, the vast majority of which is veterinary bills. The remaining 3% of the money we take in is spent on administration (banking fees, promotional materials, etc). And of all of the money we take in, only 50% is from adoption fees. That means that in order to continue the work that we do we must fund raise! We just wanted to clear up some misconceptions about non-profit organizations in order to allow you, especially those who are new to us, to understand how we work!
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Saturday, July 19, 2014
ISPCA Warns That Casual Dog Fighting Is On The Rise
The ISPCA this week released photos of an English bull terrier named Garth who was found bloodied and beaten after a suspected dog fight.
The ISPCA’s Conor Dowling says that Garth’s case is not an isolated one.
“It is definitely a problem,” Dowling told TheJournal.ie.
He said that there is two forms of the bloodsport, with the second form becoming a problem.
Though dog fighting has been illegal for 170 years, it has still gone on and is generally linked to criminal community.
“These events would have their own rules and regulations, but it’s difficult to infiltrate.
“Previously, the fights would have been fairly organised and had weight classes and rules. But what we’re seeing is people just putting two dogs together that they think will fight.
“It’s called street fighting or rolling.
It’s a problem in built-up urban areas and is often linked to gangs. It is used to increase the macho image of someone and has been used to settle gang fights, rather than having two people fight.
As Garth proves, the impromptu nature of rolling doesn’t lessen the impact and damage on the dog.
There is also the danger that dogs are stolen for the purpose of rolling.
“There is certainly anecdotal evidence that people see what they think is a violent dog and steal them.”
For that reason, among others, the ISPCA says that anybody who has a dog should be micochipping it.
Dog fighting carries punishments including an up to €250,000 fine and two years in prison. The ISPCA has been buoyed by changes to the law that made attendance at a dog fight and keeping dogs for the purposes of fighting illegal.
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Friday, July 18, 2014
You May Have Seen an Editorial in the Washington Post titled "Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again" - An Advocate Responds to that Editorial - What She Had to Say
This is the response by, Nina Stively, Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer
When Misperceptions Cost Lives
I don’t know what possessed me to even read something entitled “Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again,” written by Erin Auerbach, who also wrote a story entitled, “I Hope My Dogs Die Soon ,” but call me a glutton for punishment.
I love shelter dogs. I also love purebred dogs (some breeds more than others). I don’t think loving one is mutually exclusive of the other — especially considering the frequency with which you can find purebred dogs in shelters and rescues. However, I know shelter pets need all the help they can get, so seeing someone in a high-profile publication stomp their feet and complain in circles, without taking the chance to educate people, is just plain sad.
What frustrates me most about these articles, is, when it comes to health, there are no guarantees. Not in humans, not in plants, and not in dogs. In an effort to create a healthy litter, a reputable breeder will screen their dogs for health problems that are common and inherited in that breed, before they plan the breeding. A French Bulldog, the type of dog the author chooses in this article, would at the very least, be screened for heart, eye, and knee problems common to the breed. Her first dog lived to be more than 10 years old and eventually succumbed to cancer; her second dog struggled with epilepsy. While I greatly value the importance of preventative screening, neither of these afflictions could have been predicted by a pre-breeding screen. The author herself claims her previous shelter dogs lived “extraordinarily long lives,” so, to me, this whole story seems like an unfounded rant taken out on a population who so desperately need someone to look their way, instead of swearing them off altogether.
Auerbach claims the 2-year-old dog she ultimately purchased was being sold because his color was not suitable for the show ring — even though most breeders state French Bulldogs develop their full adult color by 16 weeks of age. I have no doubt that the author loves her dog, but to suggest that a breeder did not realize the dog’s incorrect color in two years means perhaps, she did not do her research either. In which case, why are we listening to her?
There are no guarantees in life and there are no guarantees as to how any of us will die. I am very sorry Ms. Auerbach has chosen to use her public platform to decry the adoption of homeless pets when, without people fighting in their corner, millions will die each year for no reason other than for lack of a home.
If you are looking to buy a puppy and don’t want to check your shelter or purebred rescue, please consider responsible breeders, but just because saving a life is not what you choose to do, please don’t encourage others to do the same without doing your research. With 5 to 7 million pets entering shelters each year, we are their voices, and often the only ones they have.
Do you have an adopted pet who has changed your life? Let’s share some stories and get the word out there that adoption is an awesome option. Together, we can change misperceptions and save lives.
Nina Stively has worked in animal welfare for the past 10 years and is a Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer. She loves planning pet adoption events and is a closeted "cat person". She shares her home with two dogs, three cats, an assortment of foster animals, and one very patient husband.
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Does Your Cat Often Shake Their Head or Scratch at Their Ears? It Could Be an Ear Infection
The main causes of ear infections in cats are:
Ear mites (parasite)—especially in kittens; highly contagious among cats
An abscess from a bite wound or scratch
Growth in the ear canal
Allergies
Symptoms
If your furry friend has an ear infection, you might notice the following:
Discomfort when the base of the ears are massaged
Self-inflicted skin trauma from scratching
Dark or crusty debris in the ear canal opening
A wet sound when the ears are gently massaged
Head tilt or incoordination
Uneven pupil size
Diagnosis
Ear infections can resolve quickly or become chronic, depending on the cause and seriousness of the underlying condition. To diagnose an ear infection, your veterinarian will take a thorough history of your cat. This is very important to determine if an underlying disease may be the cause. They will also perform a complete physical exam and take a good look at your pet’s ears, using an otoscope to look down the ear canal. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, other tests or procedures may be performed for an accurate diagnosis. Some additional tests they may recommend are:
- Cytology, which identifies if yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms are present
- A culture to determine which type of bacteria is present
Treatment
Treating ear infections can be very tricky, especially if allergies are involved. Treatment will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of the ear infection. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment for your cat.
Treatment may include:
Antibiotic ointments, drops, sprays or creams for the ear
Oral antibiotics
Surgery (for cats with repeated ear infections or no response to other treatment)
Prevention
The best way to help your pet avoid ear infections is by watching for any signs of irritation. Keeping your cat indoors makes a huge difference if he has a history of recurring infections. In addition, keeping his ears dry will help prevent infections.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
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Does Your Dog Have "Dog Shaking Head Syndrome"? It Typically Means One Thing, There is Something Affecting its Ears, Causing Him Discomfort and Possibly Pain
Does your dog have any evidence of an ear infection?
Dog ear problems are easy to spot, but you must be able to differentiate between them to determine the best treatment. Floppy-eared dogs are more vulnerable to ear problems, but a dog ear problem can affect any dog.
The 7 most common reasons of a dog's ear problems are:
Allergies: The most common cause of dog ear problems is an allergic reaction of some sort. Allergies can be caused by food ingredients or environmental irritants such as pollen or dust. Itchy, inflamed ears and paws are symptoms of an allergy. Switch to a low-allergen food that does not contain wheat, soy or corn. Often, switching to a higher quality dog food reduces allergic reaction ear problems. Keep the environment as dust free and clean as possible.
Ear Infections: If you have a drop-eared dog, ear infection may be on ongoing problem. The warm, moist environment created by the fold in the ear flap is ideal for bacterial growth. Yeast and bacterial growth will cause odor in the ears. If the infection is confined to one ear, your dog may tilt her head in an attempt to equalize pressure. The ears may feel warm to the touch.
Debris in ears: Foxtails, plant awns and other debris can get inside a dog ear. Look inside your dog's ear with a flashlight; debris can wedge itself quite deeply. Do not insert anything inside your dog's ear-you may cause further damage.
Parasites: Ear pain and itching associated with parasites can cause ear problems in your dog; tick bites, mites and fleas can cause swelling, hair loss and crusty skin.
Trauma: An ear injury can cause swelling or a dog ear hematoma. An animal bite or other trauma can allow blood and fluid to accumulate between the cartilage and the skin of the ear flap. Even vigorous scratching or head shaking can cause this condition. The ear will become swollen and disfigured. An ear hematoma should be drained and surgically corrected. If untreated, the ear will be permanently disfigured.
Hormone Disorders: Certain hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism and adrenal malfunctions can cause ear problems. You may notice poor coat quality, behavioral changes and hair loss in addition to itchy, reddened skin around the ears.
Other Causes: In rare cases, ear problems are the result of a hereditary disorder such as dermatomyositis (a connective tissue disorder in Collies and Shelties) or seborrhea which causes hair loss and scaly skin. Cancerous condition such squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma may also affect the ears; check for darkened or scaly patches of hairless skin.
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Owner of Heavenly Kennels Near Cumming, Georgia Faces 264 Counts of Animal Cruelty After Cherokee County Marshals Took 357 Dogs Tuesday from Her Property
Joy Wise, owner of Heavenly Kennels near Cumming, Ga., faces 264 counts of animal cruelty after Cherokee County marshals took 357 dogs Tuesday from her property, authorities said. Officials found the animals living in their own feces without adequate cage space.
The number of animals nearly overwhelmed the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, which closed Wednesday to assess the dogs and begin their care. They are not available for adoption because of their needs and ongoing litigation, but the shelter is soliciting donations because of the unexpected expenses, officials said on their Facebook page.
To make a donation to help with the care of these dogs, click HERE!
Cherokee County is about 40 miles north of Atlanta and has about 225,000 residents.
"I saw dogs sleeping in food bowls so they could get off the wire screen" that was the bottom of their cage, designed so that when the dogs urinated, the mess would fall through the grate, Dr. Michael Good, a veterinarian in Marietta, Ga., who helped with rescue efforts, told WGCL-TV, Atlanta. "Imagine living your whole life on something like that. It's got to have an effect on your ligaments and your joints."
In Georgia, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor that alleges willful neglect of an animal, including not providing adequate food or water or sanitary shelter. Aggravated cruelty, a felony, is charged when an animal is knowingly killed or seriously disfigured, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
The investigation into Wise was begun earlier this year when a North Carolina woman bought a Yorkie-Chihuahua mix online that died days after she brought it home.
Recently, Wise had puppies of four different breeds offered online with prices from $350 to $750 at PuppyFind.com. Her information there stated she has been a breeder for 35 years, had been selling on the site for almost eight years and now was specializing in "designer" breeds.
Wise's husband has said he and his wife will fight the charges and will not forfeit the animals.
If you want a dog, the best thing you can do is adopt a homeless animal from a shelter or rescue group, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
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A Coon Rapids Home Containing Hundreds of Snakes Passed a Compliance Check
In 2011, authorities began investigating the house, located on the 10000 block of Grouse Street, after neighbors complained about a foul smell coming from the yard.
Upon inspection, officials found the home contained approximately 300 snakes, including boas and pythons, which are prohibited because they are constrictor snakes.
City officials say the home passed Wednesday's compliance check because the prohibited snakes had been removed.
Homeowner Scott Nellis says his passion for snakes started when he was about nine years old. Then, he would often see snakes in the grass walking home from school in Oklahoma.
"They are calming. I like to hold them and have them glide through my hands. I like all of the different color and pattern variations," Nellis said. "I like to watch their behavior as they crawl around the cage. Some people like aquarium fish. It is kind of the same thing with snakes."
Chuck Jacobson has lived in the neighborhood since 1982. He said the snakes haven't been a major problem for him because he lives a few doors down. Yet, he has some concerns.
"I am only concerned about what would happened if a tornado came through here. Who is gonna collect them?" he said. "There are a lot of kids around here and stuff. If they should ever get out, you don't want that to be happening to little kids in the area."
Nellis currently has about 200 snakes, and dozens of rodents to feed them. City officials say there is no limit to the number of snakes a homeowner can have. They also say Nellis can continue operating his home-based snake breeding business as long as "the use is secondary and not the primary use of the home."
"They don't bother anybody, they're contained in secure cages, in secure rooms, in my secure home. They can't escape, they can't get out, they can't harm the public," said Nellis.
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