As Spc. Matthew Tattersall prepares to leave the U.S. Army, he wanted to make his last jump as a paratrooper a memorable one. So last weekend, he jumped with Willy MakeIt, his pet Siamese fighting fish. A selfie Tattersall took of his fish, not out of water, but out of an airplane, went viral on U.S. Army W.T.F.! Moments, a Facebook community popular among troops. "The picture got way more popular than I thought it would," Tattersall said. Although social media users were hooked on the image (the photo got more than 15,500 likes), bosses upstream at Fort Bragg, N.C., thought the move was all wet. Tattersall, who's assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, said he's waiting for the final fallout from his aerial actions. Meanwhile, he has written a 1,000-word essay on the importance of airborne safety and professionalism in the Army. "When it's all said and done, it wasn't all that safe or professional for me to have done that," Tattersall said.
But the 23-year-old, who calls himself "23 years stupid," said he has no regrets. "It was worth it," he said. "I'm fully willing to embrace any consequences that come of it, and I hope they're lenient." Tattersall, an infantryman with a deployment to Afghanistan, joined the Army in 2011, shipping to basic training in January 2012. He will complete his enlistment on May 20. His last jump was April 11. "It was a daytime combat jump, but with me being so close to getting out, I didn't have any gear, so it was a Hollywood jump for me," Tattersall said. He and his friends have long talked about doing something special for their last jump, but "no one actually went through with it," he said. So when his turn came, "I wanted to make it awesome, and I did just that," he said. The night before the jump, Tattersall went to Walmart and bought the fish he named Willy MakeIt. "It's so random to have it be a fish," he said, crediting a friend for the idea. Tattersall poked holes in the top of a water bottle so Willy could breathe. "I had his little pod ready," he said. On jump day, no one knew about the plan Tattersall was hatching, he said. "I kept it in my pocket, and I was as nonchalant as I possibly could be," he said. "I knew the jumpmasters wouldn't have let that fly. I knew none of the NCOs or other leaders would have let me jump. It was completely on me." As he jumped from the C-17 and fell to the ground under the canopy of his parachute, Tattersall took a quick selfie. "I had to be quick, but paratroopers get the job done," he said. "... Conditions were perfect. I made sure I wasn't around anyone where it would have been a hazard," he said. "But I guess that's famous last words for anyone." Tattersall and Willy MakeIt made it safely to the ground, and the hardy fish earned a middle name. He's now Willy Did MakeIt, and he has big dreams. "Willy and I are trying to go to space," Tattersall said. But first, Tattersall hopes to be able to move on from the Army honorably. "I have big hopes and big plans for the future," said Tattersall, who aims to start college in the fall. "I'm proud to be a paratrooper. I wouldn't change a thing about it."
A young bull elephant killed professional hunter Ian Gibson early on Wednesday as he tracked a lion for an American client in a rugged part of north-east Zimbabwe. Mr. Gibson, 55, one of Zimbabwe's best known big game hunters, died scouting for prey in the Zambezi Valley after a young bull elephant charged, then knelt on him and crushed him to death. "We don't yet know the full details of how 'Gibbo' as we called him, died, as the American client and the trackers are still too traumatized to give us full details," said Paul Smith, Managing Director, of Chifuti Safaris' which employed Mr. Gibson for the hunt. The American hunter was on his first trip to Zimbabwe, and only has one leg, but was "fit and strong" and had already shot a leopard. Mr. Gibson was scouting for lions when he encountered the elephant. Mr. Gibson's trackers said the young bull had been in a musth period, which means it was producing much more testosterone then usual. "We know 'Gibbo' shot it once, from about 10 yards away, with a 458 rifle. He would never have fired unless he had no alternative. He was a hunter, yes, but he was also a magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist. "He was so experienced and this is a most unexpected tragedy." Mr. Gibson was accompanying his client in an area known as Chiwore North, in the southern part of the Zambezi Valley, which Mr. Smith said is overpopulated with elephants.
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Working at Disney World exposes you to everything imaginable. It’s not just castles, fairy tale characters, and insane rides you see on a daily basis, but all types of people as well. Sometimes people do strange things, but nothing prepared park employees for a woman trying to enter with her pet tiger. On April 6th, 2015, an unidentified woman tried to enter the park with her pet tiger, and was promptly stopped by park employees. The tiger had been staying with the family in their hotel room, and walked to the park on a leash. While service animals are allowed in the park, the woman could not prove that it was an “emotional support animal,” according to employees. After a long winded argument at the parks entrance, Central Florida Zoo was called to retrieve the baby Bengal tiger until the end of the woman’s vacation. However, for the “inconvenience,” Disney gave reservations at a restaurant on site, and gave them fast passes for the rest of their trip. This situation highlights just how easy it is to acquire an exotic animal as a “pet,” and the cavalier attitude people have towards them. Far too many animals are adopted while they are “still cute,” only to be abandoned or killed when they become too difficult to take care of. Hopefully it will become impossible for these wild creatures to be bought and traded with impunity. Thankfully, we can all pitch in to help. As with many news stories, things are constantly changing. As it turns out, the animals was a bengal CAT, which is a semi-domesticated exotic breed of cat. However, many parts of the United States outlaw or regulate bengal cats, considering them exotic, and in the same category as an actual tiger. While there is some comfort in knowing the details, it still stirs up the questions of morality and safety of trying to “own” exotic animals and treating them as house pets.
Canine influenza has reached Lafayette, according to the Purdue University's Pet Wellness Clinic. Clinic director Steve Thompson said Friday that several tests on Lafayette dogs came up positive for the virus Thursday evening. It's unclear how many dogs have been diagnosed with the virus locally. Thompson said Purdue will be releasing more information later today. Indiana State Board of Animal Health spokeswoman Denise Derrer said the board has heard of about a dozen cases of the virus in Indiana dogs. The board last week had asked veterinarians to informally notify the board of any cases they diagnose. "But that's not an official count by any means," Derrer said, noting that the virus isn't considered "reportable," meaning that veterinarians aren't required to report canine influenza cases to the state. The virus has swept Chicago in recent weeks, sickening more than 1,000 dogs and killed five dogs between January and March. Experts originally thought it to be the H3N8 dog flu virus already found in the United States. They now believe it is a new strain, H3N2, that likely originated in Asia and hasn't been seen before in the U.S. Though a vaccine is available for the H3N8 virus, it's unclear yet whether it will ward off the H3N2 virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus is rarely fatal, but young and old canines can be especially at risk. About canine influenza What is it? Canine influenza is a very contagious respiratory infection in dogs. How is it transmitted? The virus can be transmitted from dog to dog via the air (coughing or close proximity), by contaminated objects such as food bowls or toys, or by humans moving between infected and healthy dogs. What are the symptoms? The signs of this illness in dogs are coughing, runny nose and fever. A small portion of infected dogs can develop severe disease. What to do if dog shows symptoms? Though there is a vaccine for the older H3N8 virus, but it is unknown whether that vaccine will protect against the new H3N2 virus currently sweeping the Midwest. Veterinarians still recommend receiving the H3N8 vaccine. Contact your vet for details. Treatment largely consists of supportive care including fluids and making the dog comfortable. Is it fatal? The percent of dogs with the disease that die is very small. Eighty percent of infected dogs will have a mild form of the virus. Sources: Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If your cat becomes Houdini and magically vanishes whenever you even think about trimming her nails, part of the problem might be she has learned to associate the procedure with restraint, discomfort, fear or even pain. Even if you do manage to accomplish the nail trimming procedure, if you’ve had to wrap your cat in a towel, enlist the help of family members to hold her down, restrain her by scruffing or have punished her in any way for being a wiggle worm, then all that just compounds the problem. If she dislikes the process now, she’ll absolutely hate it the next time and then go into full panic mode the time after that. Nail Trimming Shouldn’t be Stressful Ok, it may not top the list of your cat’s favorite things to do, but it shouldn’t create a wave of panic and should definitely not result in hissing, growling, biting or scratching (by the cat or by you!). When done correctly, it should be a quick, easy, and dare I say, pleasant experience. Develop Trust If you’re dealing with a kitten, don’t waste time – start getting her comfortable with having her paws touched and her nails trimmed. This is the ideal time because if you get her comfortable with it from the very beginning it will be a heck of a lot easier when she’s an adult. If you’re dealing with a cat who has never had her nails trimmed or has had a less-than-happy experience with the procedure, you’ll have to take it slow and do some trust-building. For this, you won’t even get out the clippers or attempt to trim one nail. Your main objective during this phase is to show your cat having her paws touched is a good thing. The Velvet Touch
Choose a time to begin the training when your cat is relaxed and maybe even a bit sleepy. Arm yourself with some treats. Gently touch her paw and then offer a treat. If she has never been comfortable with having her paws touched then make sure when you do touch her, it’s for no more than a couple of seconds – just one gentle stroke. Work up to being able to pet each of her paws and then to being able to lift and hold one paw for a few seconds. When you hold her paw don’t grasp it – just let it sit in your hand for the count of three. Reward your cat with a treat for her tolerance. The next step is to hold a paw and gently press to allow the nail to extend. Be very gentle. Reward your cat. Do this with all of the paws. Do the above exercises a couple of times a day until you feel your cat is completely comfortable with having her paws held and gently pressed so the nails are exposed. Remember to always reward your cat with a treat for her acceptance of each move you make. Choose the Right Nail Clipper Get a nail clipper meant for cat nails. Don’t use a dog nail clipper (too big) and don’t use clippers meant for human fingernails (they’ll split the nails). The cat’s nails are smaller and thinner so use clippers specifically designed for their size and shape. Avoid Cutting the Quick There’s a blood supply running through the nail. If your cat’s nails are light-colored you can see the pink part. That’s called the quick and it contains nerves and the blood supply. If you cut the quick you’ll cause pain to your cat and it’ll also result in bleeding. Cutting the quick, in addition to causing pain, will undo the good behavior work and your cat may develop a fear of the procedure.Only cut the very tip of the nail – don’t go beyond the curve. If your cat’s nails are light-colored, it’s much easier to see the quick, but if they’re dark-colored, you have to be even more careful. Always cut less than you think you should. If you’re at all in doubt about how much to trim, have your veterinarian or one of the clinic’s veterinary technicians show you. If you do accidentally cut the quick, stop the bleeding with a little cornstarch. Keep a small container of cornstarch with your grooming supplies just to be on the safe side. Hopefully though, you’ll never need it. Trimming the Nails If your cat has had negative experiences with nail trimming, you shouldn’t attempt to do more than one or nails during each trimming session. It’s better to have the whole procedure over and done before your cat even realizes what just happened. If you keep the experience quick and positive, she’ll be more relaxed next time around.
Choose a time for nail trimming when your cat is relaxed. Hold the nail trimmer with one hand and take your cat’s paw in the other hand. Gently press to expose a nail and do a quick, but careful snip. If she reacts, don’t attempt to do any more nails. If she’s calm, do another. Always end on a positive note so it’s better to come back and do a couple more nails later, rather than have her struggle and undo all the good behavior modification work you’ve been doing. It will also help the process if you keep track of which paw you’re working on so you’ll know where you left off when it’s time to do a couple more nails. The less you have to hold a paw while you double-check whether you’ve already cut those nails, the better. How Often Should You Trim Your Cat’s Nails? Typically, once a month is sufficient but that will depend on how fast your particular cat’s nails grow. The Scratching Post Don’t be surprised if your cat races over to her scratching post after you’ve trimmed her nails. It’s actually a good way for her to complete the manicure. It’s a great way for her to displace any apprehension she may have had about the procedure. In our house, it’s standard behavior for my cat to head directly to her post as soon as the last nail has been trimmed.
What About Declawing? Declawing is not a humane option and shouldn’t be viewed as a way to avoid nail trimming. Being able to scratch is a vital part of being a cat. Declawing is the equivalent of mini amputations. Scratching behavior serves many vital emotional and physical functions for a cat. If your cat is engaging in furniture scratching, then provide an appealing scratching post, place it near the area where she’s scratching and reward her for using the post. If you’re considering declawing your cat because you are unable to trim her nails, your veterinarian will teach you how to do it or you can bring your cat in to have a veterinary staff member do the nail trim. You may be interested in reading:Declawing: How This Procedure Affects Cats
Sadie - FOSTER NEEDED The Homeward Trails Adoption Center was proud to welcome Sadie into our arms just yesterday. You will no doubt notice that she was spray painted by her previous owner, which is a common practice by some hunters to keep track of their dogs. We are working to remove the paint but you can help we recover in other ways by giving her a forever home. You can meet Sadie at the Adoption Center this Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm until 2 pm. Sadie is about 5 years old and 40 pounds ABOUT SADIE - FOSTER NEEDED PLEASE NOTE PETFINDER IS HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUES. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please fill out our dog adoption questionnaire and e-mail it to LoisLHT@gmail.com PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBSITE TO FIND THE ADOPTION QUESTIONNAIRE: http://www.homewardtrails.org/adopt-a-pet/adoption-forms/ Sadie is a sweet, 5 year old, 40 lb female Hound. She came to a rural shelter as a stray. She has initials painted on her sides - some hunters do this to identify their dogs. So it's a good guess that she was either lost or abandoned by someone who used her for hunting. Sadie deserves better and we would love to find her a home where she will be cherished. She gets along well with other dogs and with humans too Sadie is in temporary boarding and hopes to find a foster or adopter soon. . Breed Estimate: hound Gender: female Approximate weight: about 40 lbs Approximate age: 5 years Location: temporary boarding Cratetrained: unknown Coat Type: short Personality: friendly, easy going To learn more about Sadie, click here: PETFINDER
The adoption fee for this dog is $275. This fee INCLUDES spay/neuter. If the animal you are adopting is not already spayed/neutered, you will be required to sign a contract legally obligating you to have the animal altered. Please contact your HT rep to learn about exclusive low-cost spay/neuter options made available only to HT adopters! Be sure to ask us about getting a free 30-minute phone consult with a professional dog trainer within the first 30 days of adopting - just for HT adopters. Start your new dog out on the right foot with this valuable, expert advice and guidance FREE! Finally, we are proud to partner with the following veterinarians who offer a free first exam for your animal, exclusively for HT adopters: Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Palisades Veterinary Clinic, Sunshine Animal Hospital and Clarendon Animal Care You can save animals like this one by becoming a foster! Fosters are like way stations between high kill shelters and forever homes. We need fosters so that we can save dogs before they are euthanized at the shelters. If you are interested in becoming a foster, please check out our information about fostering by visiting http://www.homewardtrails.org/foster-a-pet/dog-and-cat-foster-program/ Homeward Trails Animal Rescue PO Box 100968 Arlington, Virginia 22210
Q: What is canine influenza? A: Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by an influenza A virus. The canine influenza virus (CIV) is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza and it is thought that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus. In the U.S., canine influenza has been caused by the H3N8 influenza A virus. A separate canine influenza virus, H3N2, had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but not in the U.S. until 2015, when an outbreak in Chicago, IL was determined to be caused by the H3N2 strain. Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia. Mild Form — Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days. They may also be lethargic and have a reduced appetite and fever. Sneezing and discharge from the eyes and/or nose may also be observed. Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the traditional "kennel cough" caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex. Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Severe Form — Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers (104ºF to 106ºF) and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and effort. Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection. Because this is still an emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form. Q: Do dogs die from canine influenza? A: Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with canine influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate is low (less than 10%). Most dogs with CI recover in 2-3 weeks. Q: How widespread is the disease? A: The first recognized outbreak of canine influenza in the world is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in January 2004 at a track in Florida. From June to August of 2004, outbreaks of respiratory disease were reported at 14 tracks in 6 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Texas, and West Virginia). Between January and May of 2005, outbreaks occurred at 20 tracks in 11 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). The canine influenza virus has been reported in 30 states and Washington, DC. The H3N2 strain of CIV had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but had not been detected outside of those countries until 2015. In April of 2015, an outbreak in Chicago, IL was determined to be caused by the H3N2 strain. Q: Is there a vaccine? A: The first vaccine for H3N8 canine influenza was approved in 2009, and there are several H3N8 canine influenza vaccines available. At this time, there is not an H3N2 vaccine available in the U.S. It is not known at this time whether the H3N8 vaccine will offer any protection against the H3N2 strain. Q: How is a dog with canine influenza treated? A: As with any disease caused by a virus, treatment is largely supportive. Good animal care practices and nutrition assist dogs in mounting an effective immune response. The course of treatment depends on your pet's condition, including the presence or absence of a secondary bacterial infection, pneumonia, dehydration, or other medical issues (e.g., pregnancy, pre-existing respiratory disease, compromised immune system, etc.). Your veterinarian might prescribe medications, such as an antibiotic (to fight secondary infections) and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (to reduce fever, swelling and pain). Deyhdrated pets may need fuid therapy to restore and maintain hydration. Other medications, or even hospitalization, may also be necessary for more severe cases. Q: Is canine influenza virus transmissible from dogs to humans? A: To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people. Q: Do I need to be concerned about putting my dog in day care or boarding it at a kennel? A: Dog owners should be aware that any situation that brings dogs together increases the risk of spread of communicable illnesses. Good infection control practices can reduce that risk, so dog owners involved in shows, sports, or other activities with their dogs or who board their dogs at kennels should ask whether respiratory disease has been a problem there, and whether the facility has a plan for isolating dogs that develop respiratory disease and for notifying owners if their dogs have been exposed to dogs with respiratory disease. As long as good infection control practices are in place, pet owners should not be overly concerned about putting dogs in training facilities, dog parks, kennels, or other areas frequented by dogs. Q: My dog has a cough...what should I do? A: Consult your veterinarian. Coughing can be caused by many different medical problems, and your veterinarian can examine and evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. If canine influenza is suspected, treatment will usually focus on maximizing the ability of your dog's immune system to combat the virus. A typical approach might include administration of fluids if your dog is becoming dehydrated and prescribing an antimicrobial if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Canine influenza virus can be spread via direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, and by contact with contaminated inanimate objects. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or exhibiting other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to them. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease to prevent transmission of infection to susceptible dogs. Clothing can be adequately cleaned by using a detergent at normal laundry temperatures. Q: I manage a kennel/veterinary clinic/animal shelter/dog day care center. How do I keep canine influenza out of my facility, and if it does enter my facility, what should I do? A: Viral disease is usually best prevented through vaccination. A vaccine against canine influenza (H3N8) has been available since 2009. It is considered a "lifestyle" vaccine, which means that the decision to vaccinate a dog against CIV is based on the risk of exposure. A veterinarian should determine which vaccinations are needed based on related risks and benefits and should administer these at least 2 weeks prior to planned visits to dog activity and care facilities (e.g., kennels, veterinary clinics, dog day care centers, training facilities, dog parks). This differs from "core" vaccines - such as distemper, parvo and rabies - that are required for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. Vaccination against other pathogens causing respiratory disease may help prevent more common respiratory pathogens from becoming secondary infections in a respiratory tract already compromised by influenza infection. Routine infection control precautions are key to preventing spread of viral disease within facilities. The canine influenza virus appears to be easily killed by disinfectants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds and bleach solutions at a 1 to 30 dilution) in common use in veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, and animal shelters. Protocols should be established for thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting cages, bowls, and other surfaces between uses. Employees should wash their hands with soap and water (or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are unavailable) before and after handling each dog; after coming into contact with a dog's saliva, urine, feces, or blood; after cleaning cages; and upon arriving at and before leaving the facility (see "I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs?"). Animal care facility staff should be alerted to the possibility that a dog with a respiratory infection could be presented for care or boarding. If a dog with respiratory signs is presented, staff members should inquire whether the dog has recently been boarded or adopted from a shelter, has recently participated in dog-related group activities, or whether it has been exposed to other dogs known to have canine influenza or kennel cough. The dog should be brought directly into a separate examination/triage area that is reserved for dogs with respiratory signs and should not be allowed to enter the waiting room or other areas where susceptible dogs may be present. Dogs with suspected canine influenza virus infection discovered after entry into the facility should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian. Isolation protocols should be rigorously applied for dogs showing signs of respiratory disease, including the wearing of disposable gloves by persons handling infected dogs or cleaning contaminated cages. Respiratory disease beyond what is considered typical for a particular facility should be investigated, and the investigation should include submission of appropriate diagnostic samples (see "What diagnostic tests will tell me whether a dog has canine influenza?"). Q: What diagnostic tests will tell me whether a dog has canine influenza? What samples do I send? Where do I send the samples? How do I distinguish between canine influenza and kennel cough? A: There is no rapid test for the specific diagnosis of acute canine influenza virus infection. Nasal or throat swabs from dogs that have been ill for less than 4 days may be sent to a diagnostic laboratory for testing. Your veterinarian may also offer other testing, such as an in-house test to detect influenza types A and B. Antibodies to canine influenza virus may be detected as early as seven days after onset of clinical signs. Convalescent-phase samples should be collected at least two weeks after collection of the acute-phase sample. If an acute-phase sample is not available, testing a convalescent-phase sample can reveal whether a dog has been infected with or exposed to CIV at some point in the past. For dogs that have died from pneumonia or other conditions in which CIV is suspected, additional diagnostic tests are available to your veterinarian through reference laboratories. Q: I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs? A: Canine influenza is not known to be transmissible from dogs to people. However, caretakers can inadvertently transmit canine influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs by not following good hygiene and infection control practices. To prevent spread of canine influenza virus, caretakers should take the following precautions: Wash hands with soap and water (if soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner):
Before and after handling each animal
After coming into contact with animal saliva, urine, feces or blood
After cleaning cages
Before eating meals, taking breaks, smoking or leaving the facility
Before and after using the restroom
Wear a barrier gown over your clothes and wear gloves when handling sick animals or cleaning cages. Discard gown and gloves before working with other animals
Consider use of goggles or face protection if splashes from contaminated surfaces may occur
Bring a change of clothes to wear home at the end of the day
Thoroughly clean clothes worn at the animal facility
Do not allow animals to "kiss" you or lick your face
Do not eat in the animal care area
Separate newly arriving animals from animals that have been housed one week or longer.
Routinely monitor animals for signs of illness. Separate sick animals from healthy animals, especially animals with signs of respiratory disease.
There is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people. However, because of concerns about diseases that are transmissible from dogs to people, in general, it may be prudent for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons to limit or avoid contact with animals that are ill. Q: Is canine influenza transmissible to from dogs to horses or other animal species? A: At this time, there is no evidence of transmission of H3N8 canine influenza from dogs to horses, cats, ferrets, or other animal species; the H3N2 strain has been reported to infect cats. The infection control measures outlined in the section titled "I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs?" are recommended to prevent spread of the virus.
Cary, N.C. - The dispute over an adopted dog is headed to court after a Cary lawyer, moved by the case, offered to work for free for one of the families. In February, Bobo left the Davis family home, got lost and turned up at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. Three days later, The Eatons, Chris and his wife Robin, adopted him. Now, both families are claiming ownership. Like many shelters, Cumberland County gives owners three business days to claim a pet from the shelter. A county ordinance requires that timeline be extended another 72 hours "if the owner is known." About 10 minutes before the initial deadline, shelter staff learned that the Davis' were looking for Bobo, but they still adopted him out to the Eatons that same day. The story so incensed Cary-based patent attorney Steve Terranova that he agreed to represent the Davises in their quest to get the dog back. According to the civil complaint he filed April 1, the adoption was "improper and not valid" because Cumberland County Animal Control "became aware of and did not attempt to locate or contact the owner." The lawsuit also alleges the "Eatons improperly adopted Bobo knowing the owner ... had been identified." Terranova said he tried first to resolve the issue without filing suit. He reached out to the Eatons, Animal Control Director Dr. John Lauby and the county attorney. When they didn't respond, he filed suit. Bobo's original owners, Zeida and Lorelai Davis and their mom, Niki, are simply heartbroken. "I don't understand them keeping him," Niki Davis said. Terranova said it was the devastation of the two girls that bothered him most. "It is unfortunate that it's come down to this, but this is the route we'll have to take," he said. Lauby defended his employees. In a statement to WRAL News Thursday, he said: “Cumberland County Animal Control followed its procedures in dealing with the stray dog dropped off at the Animal Shelter with no identifying tags or microchip. The impounded animal was not claimed by its owner after the required three-day holding period and no owner’s name or address was provided to the department. The dog then became available for adoption and we followed our procedures for that process. “It is upsetting to lose a pet and we sympathize with the Davis family. We encourage pet owners to have their animals microchipped. All pet owners should make sure their pets are wearing proper vaccination and identifying tags. Should your pet go missing, contact or visit Animal Control immediately.” Niki Davis said the lawsuit, while an extreme measure, is her way of doing everything she can for Bobo and her girls, who she says ask about him all the time. Robin Eaton declined to comment Thursday on the lawsuit. She previously said keeping Bobo was "in the dog's best interest."
Miriam Jimeno and Carlota Román from Valladolid, Spain, knew something was wrong when they heard muffled barks coming from a nearby garbage container. When the two woman came close to the large metal box they knew for sure there was a dog trapped inside the container. Someone tossed a pet in the locked automatic garbage disposal and the pet had no way out. Luckily, the women and other concerned neighbors called for help and authorities came to save the dog. Police and firefighters arrived to the garbage bin located on the 20th block of Ferrocarril Street. They tried to reach the scared and trapped dog but couldn’t. Rescuers needed a key to unlock the bin’s locked doors. The city’s waste management office was contacted and soon a representative arrived with a key to open the bin. Once the container was opened, rescuers learned the dog was placed inside a double and tightly knotted bag. Whoever tossed the dog wanted to make sure the pet had no way out and no chance of survival. Fortunately, the dog was saved. Firefighters scanned the pet for a microchip and none was found. The dog, now named Abu, was transported to a local veterinarian where it was determined he is 15 years old, deaf, almost blind and suffers from an enlarged heart. Community members rallied together to collect funds to pay for Abu’s medical needs. The senior dog is currently under the care of a rescue group (Defaniva) and is enjoying proper care and love in a foster home. Animal rescuers hope to find Abu a forever home where he could enjoy the last of his days, which could just be a few months. Abu’s adoption application can be found through the city’s animal rescue site: Defensa de Animales en Valladolid
The cutest nurse at a Polish animal shelter is under a foot tall, with pointed ears and black fur. Rademenes, a black cat who lives at the shelter in Bydgoszcz, does the important work of providing comfort and companionship to animals undergoing medical treatment. Duties include gently resting on top of recovering cats and spooning canine patients. Rademenes came to live at the animal shelter after his original owners brought him in with an inflamed respiratory tract, and feared he was too sick to make a recovery, Polish news channel TVN Meteo reported. But veterinarian Lucyna Kuziel-Zawalich took a liking to the cat, and managed to nurse him back to health before taking him in as her own. Now Rademenes is considered an important asset to office staff, comforting patients after surgery and sometimes cleaning their ears.
Labeled as the most dangerous movie ever made, "Roar" was the ill-fated brainchild of Alfred Hitchcock, muse Hedren and her then-husband, "Exorcist" producer Noel Marshall. Years past schedule and millions over budget, Hollywood eventually lost interest in "Roar" and the film was never released in North America. Now, 34 years later, Drafthouse Films is giving "Roar" its big-screen due, re-releasing it in six theaters nationwide on Friday, then expanding it to about 50 cities through May. A DVD release is planned for later this summer. The story loosely follows a wildlife preservationist whose family comes to visit him and is attacked in their home by the animals. Most of the film has the cast running and hiding in fear as they narrowly escape the all too real danger. Dozens of scenes show full grown lions chasing the actors, pawing at their faces and even wrestling them to the ground. While the exact number of on-set injuries remains a point of contention, the "Roar" shoot was an OSHA nightmare. Many wounds were well-documented in press coverage at the time and also in Hedren's 1985 book "The Cats of Shambala," referring to her Shambala Preserve north of Los Angeles, where "Roar" was filmed. In one instance, Hedren was bitten on the back of the head by a lion. She also suffered fractures and skin grafts after being thrown by an elephant. Then-teenager Melanie Griffith — who quit the project for a time because she didn't want to come out of it with "half a face," according to her mother — returned to the set, only to be mauled and clawed by a lion. Marshall, who wrote, directed and starred in the film, suffered so many bites, including a few that made the final cut, that he was eventually stricken with gangrene. And Dutch cinematographer Jan de Bont, in his first U.S. shoot, required 120 stitches after being scalped by a lion. "I got bit really bad early on," said Noel Marshall's son, John Marshall, who wore many hats on set in addition to acting in the film. He recalled a harrowing moment when a male lion latched onto his head. It took six men 25 minutes to separate the two. That encounter required 56 stitches. "It was a very traumatic bite. But I went back two days later," he said. Noel Marshall (who died in 2010) was a fearless and unsympathetic leader during the shoot at Shambala, where the family lived. According to his son, the director often refused to call "cut," even when the actors (mostly family members) cried out for help. He never wanted to lose a take. He also couldn't show any weakness in front of the animals, his son said. "Melanie and Tippi would try to gravitate to scenes with me. I would put their lives ahead of mine and they knew that," said John Marshall, who was basically the only person on set who could stand up to his father. As one of the few cast members willing to help promote the "Roar" re-release, John Marshall said he still gets nightmares about the experience. "Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful time. But it was stupid," he said. During the production, the Shambala Preserve set, located in rustic Soledad Canyon 50 miles north of Los Angeles, was destroyed by two wild fires and one flood. A few lions escaped during the deluge and local law enforcement had to shoot three of them. And yet, as authentic as the terror is, "Roar's" flimsy story and cheesy script are sorely lacking. Even Hedren admitted as much after seeing the film at its Australia premiere. The $17 million film only made $2 million internationally. It was also the death knell for Hedren's marriage to Noel Marshall. And "Roar's" problems continue. Hedren had invited The Associated Press to her Shambala home for an interview about "Roar" and concerns regarding promotion of the 're-release. But she canceled when the Board of Directors of the preserve and her Roar Foundation asked her not to speak publicly about the film. Through a spokesman, Hedren did tell the AP that promotion for the re-release was filled with "inaccuracies" and that she was "not thrilled." She added, "There are too many for me to even begin to comment." Drafthouse Films, the distribution arm of the hip, Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, uses press quotes like "snuff version of 'Swiss Family Robinson'" in its promos for "Roar." "I think she's just lately come to not really be so proud of the film anymore," said Alamo Drafthouse founder and CEO Tim League, who was tipped off to its existence (and harrowing production) by indie director Greg Marcks. He immediately went in search of the rights holder and reached a deal with Olive Films to co-release the film. League tried to contact Hedren before announcing Drafthouse's plans to re-release the film but didn't hear back until after the announcement was made. "The whole thing is a mess," said League. "A fascinating and lovable mess." "No animals were harmed during the making of 'Roar.' But 70 members of the cast and crew were." So claims a trailer for the theatrical re-release of a little-seen 1981 adventure film starring Tippi Hedren, daughter Melanie Griffith and 150 lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants. Online:http://drafthousefilms.com/film/roar
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows a scene from the film, “Roar," with actor John Marshall surrounded by lions. The movie is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows a scene from the film, “Roar," filmed with 132 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and jaguars. The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 10, 2012 file photo, Tippi Hedren, right, and daughter, Melanie Griffith, attend Fox Fall Eco-Casino Party at The Bookbindery, in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and Griffith, with 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing from Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows director and star Noel Marshall in a scene from the film, “Roar.” The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows actresses Melanie Griffith, front, and Tippi Hedren in a scene from the film, “Roar.” The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2007 file photo, actress Tippi Hedren walks across a bridge at her Shambala Preserve in Acton, Calif., prior to a news conference to update the condition of a caretaker who was attacked by a 450-pound Bengal tiger. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
FILE - In this April 10, 2014 file photo, Tippi Hedren arrives at 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival's Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Annie I. Bang /Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this April 10, 2014 file photo, Tippi Hedren arrives at 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival's Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Annie I. Bang /Invision/AP, File)
