The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Police Spotted a 150 Pound Giant Tortoise Strolling Down a Street in Suburban Los Angeles

Alhambra, Calif. – At least officers didn't have to issue a speeding ticket when they spotted a giant tortoise ambling down a street suburban Los Angeles.

The Alhambra Police Department joked on its Facebook page that the 150-pound reptile was captured Saturday afternoon after a brief pursuit.

"The tortoise did try to make a run for it; but, our officers are pretty fast," the post said.

It took two officers to heft the hard-shelled creature into a patrol car. They then took the reptile to the local police station before turning it over to animal control authorities.

Giant tortoises are not indigenous to the Los Angeles area.

Police are asking anyone with a big tortoise that went missing this weekend to contact them. They aren't sure if this one escaped or was abandoned by its owner.

Police say this particular reptile has some distinctive markings. They aren't revealing them for the time being, however, to ensure that whoever claims the tortoise is its rightful owner.

Update: From Alhambra Police Department's Facebook Page:

The tortoise is actually named "Dirk." He has been reunited with his human family who actually live in Alhambra. According to 21310 of the Penal Code, it is illegal to possess a "dirk."

We enjoy keeping families together, so an exception was made in this case.

We stand corrected and have edited this post at 4:30 p.m. The tortoises' confirmed name is CLARK. Thank you Alhambra partners and FB friends! Until next time.

Meet Buck-O, the First Dog to Have Cardiac Ablation on the Ventricle On His Heart - "Like" Him on Facebook, and Follow His Journey

Bakersfield, CA - After Scott Clare's wife passed away he taught himself how to love again, but this time with a four-legged companion.

"He makes me laugh and smile every day," said Scott about his dog Buck-O. "He's just a crack-up, he's lots of fun."

He adopted the now 14-month-old dog who is named after baseball player Buck O'Neil, a direct reflection of his love for baseball.

When Scott took Buck-O to get neutered the doctors noticed something was different with the puppy. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called tricuspid (heart) valve dysplasia and frequent ventricular arrhythmias. The irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) result in high heart rates that put Buck-O at risk for developing heart enlargement, decreased ability of the heart to contract, and possible sudden death.

"My choices were to spend a lot of money or hang on to him until he has a horrible death and I wasn't gonna do that," said Scott.

The only option was to take Buck-O to Cincinnati, Ohio where he could undergo ventricular ablation, a surgery that has never been done before at MedVet.

Scott and Buck-O made the 2,300-mile trek and made many friends along the way.

"I think they liked the story, the story of him being the first ever," said Scott, "and look at his face, he has a beautiful face."

Eight hours and more than $10,000 later, Buck-O made it through the surgery.

Buck-O is doing well so far and goes for weekly checkups to the vet to make sure his heart beat stays regular.

To read more on Buck-O's story click here: Dogs cross the U.S. for local vet

To follow Buck-O's progress you can 'Like' his Facebook page .

You can follow Buck-O's progress on his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Heart-Buck-O/657745927628685?fref=nf, or at: Follow Buck-O

Buck-O checked into MedVet this morning at 8:00 AM. Here, he sports the latest in heart monitor fashions. This time the IV ports are in the right, hind leg.

Friday, August 1, 2014

20 Pit Bulls Allegedly Used for Dog Fighting Were Removed from a Home in Jamaica, Queens by NYPD, and the ASPCA

Jamaica, Queens - Twenty emaciated and scarred pit bulls have been rescued from a Queens home that was allegedly the site of dog fighting.

Officers of the 113th Precinct, along with the newly formed NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and the ASPCA Investigative team, executed a warrant at a residence on 196th Street in Jamaica on Thursday. The dogs were found inside crates and cages at the back of the home.

Methamphetamine was also found at the scene.

The dogs were taken to the ASPCA’s main office for medical care. The organization will be providing ongoing care and enrichment for the dogs.

Addison Holder, 44, and Keisha Hall, 33, were arrested at the scene and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, animal fighting and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

“Organized dog fighting is a brutal form of animal abuse where dogs are exploited and forced to fight as their owners profit from their torture,” said Matthew Bershaker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “Through our partnership, the ASPCA and the NYPD are determined to protect New York City’s animals from this form of cruelty and bring their abusers to justice.”

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs or the many other animals in need of homes, contact the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120 or visit their website. http://www.aspca.org/