Her Majesty, The Queen Accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh Visited The London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, And Was Given a Canine Guard of Honor

The Queen was given a canine guard of honor before meeting staff, volunteers and ambassadors including Amanda Holden, television presenter Paul O'Grady and model David Gandy.

Meanwhile, a corgi looking for a new home caught the Queen's eye at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Twelve-year-old Beama arrived back at the south London kennels - where he first arrived as a puppy - last week after his previous elderly owner went into a home and could not take him.

But the monarch, a keen dog-lover and a long-time corgi owner, managed to resist his laid-back charm, despite the best efforts of Britain's Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden, who attempted to find Beama a palatial new pad.

Outspoken Liverpudlian O'Grady was the next to try to help Beama find a home by royal appointment, joining Ali Taylor, the home's head of canine welfare training, to present the corgi to her.

After O'Grady, who has made several television programs about dogs, commented on him being a "big boy" she replied: "Yes, well corgis can get quite big."

She then gestured towards watching cameras and reporters and added: "He's quite interested in them." O'Grady replied: "I think he's a bit star struck." The Queen was visiting to officially open the home's new Mary Tealby Kennels and unveil a plaque.

The kennels are named after Mary Tealby, who founded the home in 1860 after becoming concerned by the number of stray animals roaming the capital's streets.

Originally known as The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs it was based in Holloway in north London before moving south of the Thames in 1871. It began taking in cats in 1883.

Watch Her Majesty as she is given a canine guard of honor at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

The Queen and Prince Philip met Battersea staff, volunteers, dogs and Battersea Ambassadors Paul O’Grady, Amanda Holden, David Gandy and Dame Jacqueline Wilson on this historic occasion for the Home.

The Queen, who has been a Patron of Battersea since 1956, and The Duke of Edinburgh, were given a tour of the new Kennels. They saw how the facilities will play a vital role in helping dogs during their early days at Battersea to improve and speed up their journey towards a loving, new home.

Claire Horton, Battersea's Chief Executive, says: “We are truly thrilled Her Majesty opened our new Kennels at Battersea and shared with us the most important day for the Home in decades. This is the biggest development in the Home’s history and we’re honoured to have our Royal Patron meeting some of the many animals that will benefit from these new facilities.”

The new £4.8m facilities replace Kennels closed in 2012 which dated back to Victorian times. The new development will provide a warm and safe environment for the most vulnerable lost, abandoned and unwanted dogs who arrive at our gates every year.

Each kennel has built-in speakers to play calming music and an external run area, whilst adjoining paddocks have paddling pools, climbing mounds, play equipment, and plants to awaken and interest dogs’ senses.

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Considering Adopting a Second Dog? Does Your Dog Really Need a Friend?

If you already own a dog and are thinking about getting a second one to provide your pup with some companionship, it may seem like an easy decision. After all, you’re an experienced pet owner. How different could it be? But adding another dog to your family dynamic comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making the leap.

Things to consider before you decide to adopt a second dog

Ask yourself if your dog needs a buddy

“If you leave your dog home alone for 10 hours a day [while you’re at work], they’re a candidate [for getting another dog] to keep them company,” Joseph Kinnarney, veterinarian and president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, tells Yahoo Health. That may not necessarily be the case for, say, a retired couple who bring their dog with them to most places and spend all their time with their pup. In that case, the dog likely has all of the companionship it needs — namely, you. “Bringing in another dog may or may not hurt, but in general, that’s [already] a really happy family,” he says. “That dog is never alone.”




Consider sticking with the same breed

It’s true that dogs, including ones of the same breed, have their own unique personalities, so getting the same type of dog doesn’t guarantee they’ll be best friends for life. But in general, Kinnarney recommends choosing a second dog that’s the same breed since there’s a greater chance they’ll get along. “If you’re a Maltese person, then I would get another Maltese,” he says. “It will keep a closeness with them and those two dogs are more compatible.” Plus, as the owner, you already have experience with the breed. “You know what to expect by getting the same breed of dog,” notes Kinnarney. “The advantages of knowing your breed is more predictability and it fits in with what you want.”

Have a mutt? They tend to be more flexible and get along with a variety of dogs. So you can either choose a dog that complements your mutt’s disposition, or find a dog that matches the breed of one of the mutt’s parents.






Keep in mind that gender matters

Some experts say that mixing genders is best to prevent dogs from fighting for dominance, which is a higher risk when you have two female dogs together than two males. However, Kinnarney says that having a dog that’s neutered or spayed is more important than whether the dog is male or female.






Assess your budget

Doubling down on dogs also means doubling the cost when it comes to dog food, veterinary bills, grooming, and boarding. So make sure there’s room in your budget to care for a second furry companion.






Take into account your dog’s temperament

Above all, “know your dog,” says Kinnarney. If your pet doesn’t get along with other dogs and truly prefers humans, then bringing in a fellow furry companion may be more like having an unwelcome guest forced upon him or her. But if your dog is friendly and gets along with most other dogs at the dog run or when you’re taking walks, but seems a little lonely at home, a companion just might perk up your pup — and you.




Check animal shelters first

If you’re sure you want to add another dog to your brood, skip the pet stores, which often receive dogs from puppy mills, according to the Humane Society. Go to an animal shelter first, even if you’re looking for a purebred. One in every four dogs at animal shelters in the U.S. is a purebred, according to the Humane Society, and choosing a shelter dog often helps save the dog’s life. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at a shelter, then visit a responsible dog breeder in person. FOLLOW US!

Bearded Dragons Are Generally Considered Good Pets Even For Beginner Reptile Owners

While bearded dragons are generally considered good pets even for beginner reptile owners, they do have fairly complex nutritional and environmental requirements so need special equipment and a fair amount of time to care for properly. They are moderately sized lizards native to Australia.

They are social, easy to tame and handle, and show a range of fascinating behaviors that make them interesting to watch.

Although several other species are becoming available to the pet trade, the most commonly available variety is the central or inland bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps.

This species is native to arid, rocky areas of Australia, and is typically tan/brown in coloration (several color morphs are also available).

Their name is derived from the spines that line their throats. These spines usually lie flat but if the dragon feels threatened the throat is expanded causing the spines to stand up, making the dragon look more intimidating (especially combined with their tendency to flatten their bodies to appear wider).

However, bearded dragons are generally docile, and their aggressive displays are rarely seen in captivity. They are noted for an endearing greeting behavior, in which they lift their front leg in an almost circular motion, so it looks like they are waving.Virtually all bearded dragons available in America are captive bred, as Australia has strict laws against exportation of its wildlife.

With an adult size of 18-24 inches (reached by about 2 years of age), a good sized tank/cage will be required. The expected life span of a bearded dragon is probably around 10 years when cared for properly, although longer life spans have been reported.

Tank Size
For a single bearded dragon a bare minimum of a 40 gallon tank will be necessary, but bigger is definitely better (55 gallon or larger is better). A secure screen top cover will also be necessary.

Substrate
Substrate is a hotly debated area of bearded dragon care. For juveniles, any loose substrate including sand should be avoided, as there is too great a risk of ingestion,
eating or out of curiosity) and subsequent intestinal impaction.

Paper toweling, papers, or indoor outdoor carpeting can all be used (make sure there are no loose threads on carpeting). For adults, washed play sand (available at hardware stores; not fine silica sand) can be used if desired, although paper or indoor-outdoor carpet works fine too. Do not use wood shavings, corn cob, walnut shell, or other substrates that could cause problems if swallowed.If sand is used, feces can be scooped out with a cat litter scoop, and the cage can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected several times a year.

Cage Furnishings
Bearded dragons are semi-arboreal and like to perch a little bit off the ground. A selection of sturdy rocks, half logs, and branches can give them something to climb on, especially in the part of the tank used as a basking area. They should also be a hide (or two -- one at each end of the temperature gradient). A couple of simple silk plants also make a nice addition to the tank (if they are too leafy crickets and other prey may have too many hiding spots).

Lighting
Exposure to UVA and UVB radiation by use of a special light designed for reptiles is extremely important. Special fluroescent bulbs can be found at pet stores, and these will likely run the length of the tank, but be sure they are overlap the basking area. Your bearded dragon should be able to get within 6-8 inches of these lights to benefit from the UV emitted. The amount of UV produced by these bulbs decreases over time so they need to be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. Mercury vapor bulbs provide both UVA/UVB and heat, and can be used for both UV production and a basking lamp. It is important that UV producing lights be directed through a screen top rather than glass to the UV rays can reach the lizards. Exposure to sunlight (not through a window) can also be beneficial, but if time is provided outdoors, shade and shelter must be available so the dragon can thermoregulate. Do not place outside in a glass sided tank as overheating will quickly occur in the sunlight.

Temperatures
Proper temperatures are also extremely important. As with other reptiles, a temperature gradient should be provided, as well as a basking spot. The gradient should go from 80-85 F (26-30 C) on the cool side, up to a basking temperature of about 95-105 F (35 -40 C). Night time temperatures can fall to approximately 65-70 F (18-21 C).Heat can be provided via an incandescent light or ceramic heater (make sure a ceramic socket is used), or a mercury vapor bulb (again, use a ceramic socket) in a dome reflector hood. You may need to experiment with wattage and distance from the cage to provide appropriate temperatures.

Use thermometers in the cage to monitor the temperatures at the basking spot, as well as either end of the gradient (never rely on estimates!). If necessary, and under tank heater can be used to supplement the heat especially at night if the room temperature is very low. A consistent light-dark cycle (12 - 14 hours light) must be provided (using the lights on a timer is the best way to ensure a consistent cycle).

Water
Water should be provided in a shallow dish. They can also be misted lightly, but not enough to make the environment wet or humid, however.Next: Feeding Bearded Dragons

Omnivorous Diet
In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores, eating a mixture of invertebrate and vertebrate prey (such as insects and smaller animals) as well as plant material. In captivity, they should be fed a combination of insects (mostly crickets, with a variety of other cultured insect prey) and greens and vegetables.

Insects
Bearded dragons are prone to impaction of their digestive system, and the chitinous exoskeletons of insect prey can cause problems. This is especially true of crunchy bugs like mealworms, so it is best to feed these in limited quantities, especially to juveniles. Feeding insects right after a molt will help reduce the chance of an impaction as the exoskeletons are not as tough. Crickets also should not be too large, especially for baby bearded dragons (a rule of thumb: feed nothing bigger than the distance between the bearded dragons eyes).

Once bearded dragons become adults, you can offer a wider range of insects such as waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, red worms, earthworms, and newly molted mealworms and superworms. However, these should be considered "treats" with crickets still making up the bulk of the diet. Pinkie mice can also be offered to adults occasionally.

Juveniles should be fed insects more often than adults. Feed Juveniles at least twice a day, offering as many appropriately-sized insects as they will eat in 10 minutes or so. Don't feed until the tank is heated up in the morning or just before the tank cools down at night, as the heat is necessary for digestion.

Adults can be fed insects once a day (for both juveniles and adults, greens and vegetables can be available all the time).Insects should be gut loaded (fed nutritious food that is then passed on to the lizard) prior to feeding, and lightly dusted with a calcium and Vitamin D (no phosphorus) supplement at each feeding. Dust with a complete multivitamin no more than once a week. It is risky to feed wild caught insects due to the risk of pesticide contamination.

One caution: do not feed fireflies (lightning bugs) or boxelder bugs as these are believed to be toxic to bearded dragons!

Greens and Vegetables
In addition to insects, bearded dragons should be fed a mixture of green leafy vegetables (e.g. dandelion greens, collard greens, chicory greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, escarole, parsley), other vegetables (e.g. squash, carrots, green beans, peas, bell peppers), and some fruits (e.g. berries, apples, grapes, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, blueberries, bananas). The plant portion of the diet should be about 20-30% of the diet. These items can be chopped up and mixed together to make a salad, which can be fed in a shallow bowl. Leafy greens can also be clipped to the side of the cage.

Commercial Diets
Commercial diets are becoming more available, but so far the long term success of these diets is not well known. It is always best to feed as varied a diet as possible, so if these prepared diets are used they should just be a supplement, not the sole source of nutrition.

Handling
As mentioned, bearded dragons are generally docile, and can be easily handled with minimal socialization or effort into taming. It is important to scoop them up under the belly and support their belly in the palm of your hand with your fingers gently curled over the body.

Their nails do get sharp, and should be trimmed regularly. They can be trimmed in a similar fashion to iguana claws, http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/ht/IguanaNails.htm.




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Washington, DC - Urgent! Simon, a Lovable 3-Year-Old Pit/Terrier Mix Needs a Foster Home: The Busy City Life in DC is Not Agreeing with Him - Needs Fostering by April 1st, or He Will Go to the Animal Shelter

I am asking that you please share Simon's story. He has been living in a loving home, and for him to go to the animal shelter would be devastating for him. As you will read below, city life already has him scared.

Simon's birthday is today. What a wonderful birthday gift it would be for someone to foster/adopt him. If you have room in your heart and in your home for Simon, please consider fostering/adopting him.


I understand that if he is not fostered/adopted by April 1st, he will be going to the Washington Humane Society, Washington, DC.

Sharing from Simon's dad:

HELP NEEDED: Alan and I adopted Simon two months ago. He is such a sweet pup but we have come to the realization that Simon would be better served in a quieter neighborhood. He is wonderful inside the home, so sweet and cuddly, yet once we go outside he is so scared in our Dupont neighborhood with all the hustle and bustle. Simon is a 3-year-old pit/terrier mix and had a real tough life before he was rescued by the Humane Society last year. He has a slight wrist deformity in his front two legs but that doesn't stop him from being completely normal.

We are working with the Humane Society to try to find a new foster home in a quieter neighborhood. If you (or know of anyone) whom might be a good fit for Simon, either as a foster or a permanent home, we would greatly appreciate it.

We are trying to move fast because Alan and I will be headed out of town in 2 weeks and need to find Simon a good place to live before then. It tears us up to have to do this but we've realized that finding a temp/perm. home for Simon outside of our busy world is the best to allow him to be a dog.

If you are interested in fostering/adopting Simon, please contact Michael Bigley at:
michaelbigley@gmail.com

Please share Simon's story! FOLLOW US!

Heartwarming Story: Dog in Chili Saves Her Nine Puppies From Forest Fire, by Hiding Them in a Hole She Dug

Valparaiso, Chili - A dog, desperately dug a hole to allow her 9-week-old puppies to take shelter beneath a metal container.

As firefighters battled the flames, residents told them they had seen a dog leading the puppies away from the blaze and then bury them under a metal container to protect them from the flames.

The rescuers went in search of the animals and soon found all nine puppies alive and well.

At least one person was killed and thousands more evacuated as the fire spread and was fanned by strong winds.

Officials said they would bring charges against the owner of an illegal landfill site, where the fire is believed to have started.

More than 500 Hectares (1235.526905 Acres) were burned since the blaze started, and at least 19 firefighters have been injured, five of them seriously.

Forest fires are common in Chile at this time of year, and have been particularly savage this year after a hot, dry summer.

In 2014, a fire in Valparaiso killed 13 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes.

Footage shows volunteers digging frantically and rescuing the tiny pups from underneath the metal container where they had been hidden.



Chile evacuates thousands as fire threatens Valparaiso

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6-Year-Old Police Dog, Nero, Beloved K9 at the Oviedo Police Department, Laid to Rest in Emotional Ceremony

Oviedo, FL -  Nero the beloved K9 German Shepherd, made a lasting impression on the Oviedo Police Department.

After 6-year-old Nero was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the department decided to put him down. On Friday, they laid him to rest at local animal hospital. His fellow officers had their hands up in salute and police dogs sat at attention, while Officer David Capetillo walked him for the last time. Nero was given a ceremony with full honors - a testament to the love and loyalty he exhibited during his time on the force.

Nero had spent the last four years of his life working as a police dog, proving himself as an invaluable member of the team. Training video shows just how agile he was, capable of easily bounding into the bed of a pick-up truck to attack a mock suspect.

"He and his K-9 officer, David Capetillo, are credited with numerous drug busts and are also credited with tracking numerous criminal suspects, lost children and missing, endangered adults," said Oviedo police in a statement.

Nero had also played the part of local celebrity. He and Officer Capetillo had performed demonstrations at several events throughout the year, said the department, including each of the DARE graduations at four elementary schools in the city.

Thank you for your service.

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area as he walks his partner, Nero, to the veterinarians office one final time. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015.  Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area as he walks his partner, Nero, to the veterinarians office one final time. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Officers from the Central Florida area salute after Oviedo Fl K-9 Nero was laid to rest after four years of service to the City of Oviedo police department. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo and his wife Lt Heather Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area. His partner, Nero, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the week was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue


Condolences on The Lake Mary Police Department Facebook page:

Asking for thoughts and prayers today as Officer D. Capetillo and his family say goodbye to Oviedo Police Department’s K-9 Nero . It was discovered that this sweet boy has an inoperable tumor on/in his heart. A gut wrenching decision was made to hold his paw while he crosses the bridge today. Officer Nero, we thank you for spending your days dedicated to your work and your handler. As the Capetillo and Oviedo Police Department deal with this loss, we send them our love and support.

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Camp Springs, Maryland - Adorable Cats/Kittens Available for Adoption at Coolridge Animal Hospital - Take a Look at These Cuties…and Pick Your Favorite

In February, I shared with you several adorable cats/kittens being fostered at the Coolridge Animal Hospital. Now they are all available for adoption.

While Coolridge is an Animal Hospital, and not a shelter, the staff came upon three cats and took them in, treated them, and now they are ready for their forever homes.

One cat, Iris was found alone, and later the staff found that she was the mother of two cute kittens. The staff named them Frito and Cheeto.

Our fosters Garrett and Gracie seeking their forever home together. They are an adorable pair that love playing together and have a special bond.

Garret, is a 1 -2 year old lovable male. We have been fostering him until we can get him a forever home, hopefully with his sister Gracie. He is healthy and need no medical care for 6 months at next check-up, has been neutered and tested.

We found Gracie, after we found Garrett.  They are from the same home. Gracie is 1-2 years old and up to date on all annuals, and spayed, she will only need a 6 month check-up in 6 months, she is a healthy and happy girl!

If you have room in your home and in your heart for Garret, Gracie, Iris, Frito or Cheeto,
please contact:

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Avenue
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/



Take a look at their pictures below:

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