The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Monday, June 8, 2015

Washington Humane Society: 28th Annual Bark Ball Online Auction is Now Live! – Ready…Set…Bid!

Washington, DC – The 28th Annual Bark Ball is only two short weeks away on June 20, but the online silent auction is LIVE RIGHT NOW! You do not want to miss this auction. Bid from the comfort of your home, on your lunch break at work, or even on your phone! EVERYONE can bid, and ANYONE, ANYWHERE can win – you do not need to attend Bark Ball to participate.

With more than 100 items available, we have something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for autographed sports memorabilia, limited pieces of art, exciting pet options, or one-of-a-kind getaways – this auction is a MUST SEE! Best of all, 100% of winning bids support the life-saving work of the Washington Humane Society!

Bidding is as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1. Visit the Bark Ball Auction website at www.washhumane.org/BBAuction.

2. Preview all of the fabulous items.

3. Register and start bidding today!

Auction Highlights Include:

• Collection of fine wines and champagne

• A variety of hotel packages and getaway excursions from across the country

• Ticket packages to see the Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, and more

• Kennedy Center tickets

• Luxurious salon, spa, and fitness club packages

• Exclusive behind the scenes tours at prominent DC landmarks

• Fine art pieces

Don’t delay – start bidding today! The Bark Ball Online Auction is LIVE and EVERYONE can bid. The auction will close at 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2015. You do not have to be present at the Bark Ball to bid and win.

Event Information: Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015 Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM Location: Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC Tickets: www.barkball.org

For more information, visit us online at www.barkball.org, call 202-735-0324, or email events@washhumane.org.

A limited number of Bark Ball Press Passes are available. Please contact Rachel Thaler at rthaler@washhumane.org or 202-735-0323 for information.

About Washington Humane Society: The Washington Humane Society (WHS) is the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States and has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870. WHS provides protection and care to more than 51,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including: sheltering, adoption, humane law enforcement, spay and neuter, humane education, human – animal rehabilitation programs, and lost and found services. For more information, please visit www.washhumane.org.

Below are some of the items up for auction. To see the full on-line auction, click here:

#115 - Beautiful Cherry or Maple Tree from Wheat's Lawn & Custom Landscape, Inc.

Details: Highlight your home with a beautiful tree. Wheat's Landscape will provide and deliver a 7-8 foot Maple or Cherry Tree to your residence.

#130 - Black and White Professional Pet Drawing

Details: Black and white professional pet portrait of cat.

#182 - Cynthia Howar Fine Art

Details: 2007 piece: "Students in Class" - 30" x 40"

#116 - Two Tickets to "The Guards" at Ford's Theater

Details: Enjoy two (2) tickets to 'The Guards' at Ford's Theater in Washington DC (September 25-October 18, 2015)

#112 - Seven Days in Big Sky Montana

Details: Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the biggest skiing in North America. Schedule a one week stay in the Big Sky Flakes condo in beautiful Big Sky Montana. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium has a full kitchen, gas grill, Sauna/hot tub, an additional sleeper sofa, dining table for 8, free Wi-Fi, multiple cable TV's and a fireplace with wood included. There are free shuttles to and from the ski-lift (10 minute ride). This is also a great Summer Getaway to explore the Northwest location a short drive to Old Faithful and the northern entrance to Yellowstone.

#199 - Harvey Bone-a-Part Cat Basket

Details: This is the gift basket for the ultimate cat lover and includes a pet brush for cats, treats, collar, laser pointer to play with, scratch mat and pad, framed cat picture, 15% of any purchase coupon and a plush Petlinks System cat bed.

#101 - VIP Redskins Package

Details: This package is for the ultimate Redskins fan and includes 2 Club Redskin tickets with access to the StubHub Club Level, premium concessions and leather padded seats; 2 pre-game tickets, and a VIP parking pass.

#146 - Washington Nationals vs LA Dodgers Tickets for Four

Details: Four (4) tickets to the Nats vs Dodgers game on Friday July 17, 2015 at 7:05 PM. Seats are in section 117 Row U between third and home plate.

#209 - Crab Dinner for Two from Harbour House Crabs

Details: This gift basket is perfect for a summer dinner on the porch and includes glasses, mallets, and a $150 gift card to Ilovecrabs.com

#169 - Ronald S. Perlman, MD - $1,000 off Surgeon Fee

Details: This certificate entitles you to $1,000 off any surgical procedure regularly valued at $2,500 or more with Ronald S. Perlman, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.

To visit the online auction, click here:

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Sunday, June 7, 2015

A Swedish Man Who Kept a Herring Gull in his Apartment as a Pet Was Forced to Let the Bird be Euthanized by Animal Welfare officials

Nora, Sweden, - A Swedish man who kept a herring gull in his apartment as a pet since it was a chick was forced to let the bird be euthanized by animal welfare officials, news media reported.

The man had been keeping the bird in his home for two years, Sweden's The Local reported, but officials in the city of Nora said he could not keep the gull in captivity without a permit.

The Nerikes Allehandra newspaper recently reported that an animal welfare inspector found the bird in the man's dark, tiny bathroom after a neighbor made a complaint. The tenant reportedly told officials he'd kept it as a pet since it was very young and let it fly around in his home.

The bird had never flown outside, officials said, and would have had no chance to fend for itself in its natural habitat. The man fed it fish and vitamins, meaning it would not know how to find its own food in the wild.

Since local law prohibits citizens from catching and caring for wild birds without a permit, the city decided the bird must be euthanized immediately, on the spot.

The man reportedly asked animal officials to release the bird into the wild, but they refused because they said the gull was never trained by its mother to survive on its own.

A Georgia Man Who Put a Cat Inside a Ferocious Dog's Cage Just to Watch it Die Will Spend Eight Years Behind Bars for the Cruel Act

An Athens man was recently sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges that he placed a cat in a dog’s cage to watch it be killed.

In addition to aggravated animal cruelty, 21-year-old Jahmal Anthony Swaby pleaded guilty to threatening a witness who had called police to report the cat was being killed at Swaby’s home on Conrad Drive. He also pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and theft by receiving stolen property.

Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge David Sweat on May 28 sentenced Swaby to eight years in prison and 12 years on probation. The sentencing order signed by the judge indicates that Swaby’s penalty did not result from a negotiated plea agreement.

Codefendant Trevaughn Miquan Thomas, 21, previously pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges. His case is still pending in Clarke County Superior Court. According to Athens-Clarke County police, Conrad Drive residents reported Sept. 30 that they were in their home and heard a cat in distress. Going outside to investigate, they told police, they saw the cat in a cage outside Swaby’s and Thomas’ home being chased around by a dog.

One of the witnesses described the cat as “running around inside the dog cage screaming for its life,” according to police, and said Swaby and Thomas were urging the dog to “get it.” The suspects reportedly laughed each time a witness yelled for them to stop.

One of the witnesses said that after calling 911, she saw the cat was “running for its life while injured,” according to police. Police said when officers arrived the cat was dead and the dog was still biting the carcass. One officer noted in an incident report that the caged dog appeared to be “angry” and “was biting and jumping towards me.”

The officer further noted that there were several other young cats in the yard that appeared to have come from the same litter of kittens.

According to police, one of the witnesses reported that when Swaby later walked past her home, he pointed two fingers “similar in shape of a gun.” The woman told police she believed Swaby meant to “threaten or intimidate her.”

During the subsequent investigation, police said Swaby was found to be in possession of a stolen revolver. He was not supposed to have firearms under the terms of his first-offender probation from a 2013 burglary conviction.

An Effort to Use a Fake, Life-Sized Orca to Scare Off Hundreds of Sea Lions Crowding Docks Off the Oregon Coast, Ended with the Fiberglass Creature Going Belly-Up

Portland, Oregon - An effort to use a fake, life-sized orca to scare off hundreds of sea lions crowding docks off the Oregon coast ended, at least temporarily, with the fiberglass creature belly-up after it was swamped by a passing ship.

Still, Port of Astoria Executive Director Jim Knight said the sea lions briefly "got deathly silent" when the orca sailed into view. That was just before it started listing and tipped over Thursday night.

Once the 32-foot killer whale replica is dried out and repaired, "There's a chance we'll do it again" Friday, Knight said.

Earlier Thursday, officials had to find a replacement motor for the fake orca — actually a boat with a driver inside — that belongs to a whale watching business. It was brought overland from Bellingham, Washington.

Sea lions have become a nuisance to Astoria and commercial fishermen because they damage docks, prevent boaters from using the docks and eat lots of salmon.

Knight took the day's adventure in stride, calling it "a learning experience."

Once equipped with the replacement motor, the fake orca "was going fairly well and then a cargo ship came by and its wake swamped the whale," he said. "Our crew from the port had to go rescue the operator so he didn't drown.

"You can't make this stuff up," he added.

He estimates 1,000 people showed up to watch, applauding as the bogus whale took to the water.

As for the sea lions, there may have been an effect beyond their brief silence. Knight said there were 400 to 500 sea lions Thursday morning and perhaps 200 by Thursday night, when the fake orca was tied up to the docks where they rest.

"They probably think it's dead now that it's belly up."

Knight wishes the orca had gotten a chance to play its recordings of real killer whale calls, especially the "call to dinner" — usually emitted in the wild after they kill a sea lion or seal.

The original plan called for the orca to be driven around in the waters near Astoria, free of charge to the port. It can also tow a smaller, 7-foot-long orca behind it.

In recent weeks, the Port of Astoria has tried creative ways to keep the animals away, including installing beach balls, colorful tape, chicken wire and electrified mats. Of those, Knight said the beach balls have been the least expensive solution with initially the best results.

"There's something about flashing, moving bright colors that (sea lions) don't like," he said. "They jumped off the docks."

He said the beach ball idea could be revived.

The sea lion population has increased dramatically in recent decades. The animals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but the law includes provisions allowing for deterrence of the sea lions to protect private property.

The Astoria sea lion population is dwindling at the moment as many of them follow the salmon migration north. However by mid-August, they'll be back in force, Knight said.

Coast Guardsmen Were Investigating a Suspicious Item Floating in a Known Drug Transit Zone: Ended Up Rescuing Two Large Sea Turtles Entangled in Fishing Line

Coast Guardsmen aboard the Cutter Stratton from Alameda, Calif. who were investigating a suspicious item floating in a known drug transit zone off the coast of Central America last month instead made a unique rescue.

Video released by the Coast Guard shows that instead of drugs, the crew found two large sea turtles entangled in fishing line and makeshift buoys.

"There was no question what we had to do," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Hylan Rousseau, the coxswain of Stratton's interceptor boat. "And no one spoke a word. We immediately moved in to rescue mode."

An officer-mounted camera captured the rescue operation. One of the turtles had line wrapped around its neck, which restricted its airway and caused apparent respiratory distress.

"We cut the first turtle free without much incident," said Chief Petty Officer Brian Milcetich, a member of the law enforcement team. "While we were freeing him, we could see the second, and much larger turtle, was quite literally choking to death. He had been trying so hard to free himself from the fishing line that he had cinched the line around his own neck."

After lifting the approximately 70-pound turtle aboard the boat, officers used a specialized pair of sheers normally used by emergency medical technicians to sever the line. The video shows the turtle spew out water and take a deep breath once the line was removed from its neck.

"Everyone was elated," said Milcetich. "As you see in the video, he (the turtle) didn't stick around to celebrate."

The second turtle jumped back into water and swam away.

"It's another perfect example of the Coast Guard's ability to quickly adapt to different missions," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jerry Renfroe.

Here Are Some Specific Regimens for People Allergic to Cats to Follow to Help Alleviate Their Symptoms

Itchy eyes, itchy noses and sneezing are never pleasant. And when it's because of a cat, well … that’s worst of all. If you are allergic to cats and decide to get one, then you’ll be happy to learn most people tend to build up a tolerance to the allergens found in the cat’s dander and saliva. There are also specific regimens allergic people can follow, as well as medication to help alleviate their symptoms.

But if one of your loved ones is allergic to cats and they are not helped by medication, what can you do? Other than replacing your loved ones (this is not usually recommended), there are some ways to reduce the effects of allergens in your home.

Clean, clean, clean. People don’t understand how much of a difference a cat's daily grooming and a thorough house sweeping can make. Keep the surfaces and floors as fur-free as possible, and the reactions to the cat’s allergens should also diminish. Floors and carpets can especially be a haven for the cat's hair and dander, so vacuum them often and take the rugs out for a cleaning -- preferably more than once every spring.

Another way to reduce the effect of cat allergens is to try (emphasis on "try") and bathe the cat every four to six weeks using a cat shampoo. This will help remove the dander buildup, extra hair, and saliva, which contains a natural deodorant and cleansing agent that causes allergic reactions. Rinsing the cat is important and may prove difficult, as most cats don't like being in water. Combine that with its claws and agility, and you may be in some emergency room type of trouble. But seriously, have a trusted friend or family member sponge bathe the cat while you hold it down.

An air purifier can sometimes be a great weapon against allergens. It will help remove impurities from the environment and although more expensive, a commercial purifier usually works better than a regular one. Routinely brushing the cat's hair will also reduce the amount of fur (and thus dander) floating in the air.

While not always practical, going to a doctor for an allergic exam can be advantageous. As there are many household items which can initiate an allergic reaction, this test will help sort out the underlying cause(s). It is more of a trial and error type of test, but can work wonders at determining the allergic agents quickly.

Using a combination of these methods -- or even all of them -- should greatly reduce the amount of allergens in the air, and hopefully make your home a sniffles-free zone. Good luck. Hopefully you and your family will be able to hug and kiss your kitty cat soon.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

American Pharoah Became the First Horse in Over Three Decades Saturday to Earn the Triple Crown, Placing 1st in the Belmont Stakes

American Pharoah became the first horse in over three decades Saturday to earn the Triple Crown, placing 1st in the Belmont Stakes after winning the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby earlier in the season.

In one of the sporting world's rarest feats, the bay colt with the unusually short tail defeated seven rivals in the grueling 1 1/2-mile race, covering the distance in 2:26.65 to end the longest stretch without a Triple Crown champion in history.

American Pharoah is the 12th horse and first since Affirmed in 1978 to win three races on different tracks at varying distances over a five-week span. He won the Kentucky Derby by one length on May 2 and then romped to a seven-length victory in the rainy Preakness two weeks later.

"I still can't believe it happened," said Bob Baffert, at 62 the second-oldest trainer of a Triple Crown winner.

Baffert and Espinoza ended their own frustrating histories in the Triple Crown. Baffert finally won on his record fourth Triple try, having lost in 1997, 1998 (by a nose) and in 2002. Espinoza got it done with his record third shot after failing to win in 2002 and last year on California Chrome.

Sent off as the overwhelming 3-5 favorite, American Pharoah paid $3.50, $2.80 and $2.50.

"I feel so good," Espinoza said, "I say, 'I hope American Pharoah feels like me."

Frosted returned $3.50 and $2.90, while Keen Ice was another two lengths back in third and paid $4.60 to show.

Mubtaahij was fourth, followed by Frammento, Madefromlucky, Tale of Verve and Materiality.

American Pharoah delivered a victory for Egyptian-born owner Ahmed Zayat, who bred the colt and put him up for sale before buying him back for $300,000. His name came courtesy of the family's online contest, in which a woman from Missouri submitted the winning moniker, but the misspelling wasn't noticed until the name was already official

"I can't believe it happened," said Justin Zayat, racing manager for his father's stable. "It's amazing. Oh my God."

American Pharoah joined the exclusive club of Triple Crown winners Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed.

"I'm thrilled," said 93-year-old Penny Chenery, who owned Secretariat and watched from the stands.

A sign with American Pharoah's name and silks was quickly put up in the infield next to the 11 other Triple Crown winners.

The crowd of 90,000 — capped to avoid overcrowding and long lines from last year's total of 102,199 — roared as American Pharoah turned for home still in front.

As he neared the finish line, drinks were tossed in the air and fans jumped up and down in celebration, many holding their camera phones aloft to capture history on a sunny, 75-degree day at Belmont Park. It's unlikely the champion heard them since American Pharoah wears ear plugs to block noise that might get him worked up.

American Pharoah extended his winning streak to seven races. He matched the accomplishment of his grand-sire, Empire Maker, who won the 2003 Belmont, spoiling Funny Cide's Triple Crown bid.

Since 1978, the rigors of the Triple Crown had done in 13 other horses who won the Derby and the Preakness — with 12 losing the third leg and I'll Have Another scratched with a leg injury in 2012. Their failures left the sport and its fans craving a worthy successor to the 11 previous champions.

American Pharoah — his tail shortened after being bitten off on a farm when he was a youngster — turned out to be that horse. He awed observers with his speed and a fluid, springloaded stride in which he appeared to float over the ground.

He was 2-year-old champion last year, and virtually cinched similar honors for his achievements as a 3-year-old this year.

Unlike Affirmed, who dueled Alydar in all three races, American Pharoah didn't have a specific rival since he was only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races. Going into the Belmont, American Pharoah had beaten all of his seven challengers before.

Five of his rivals lost to him in the Derby, then skipped the Preakness to await the Belmont, a competitive advantage to horses that didn't endure the three-race grind. Tale of Verve finished second in the Preakness to American Pharoah, who had beaten Madefromlucky in the Rebel Stakes in March.

American Pharoah became the first horse since Afleet Alex in 2005 to run in all three races and win the Belmont, known as "The Test of the Champion."

He passed, with flying colors.

Marijuana Can Be Quite Harmful to Our Four-Legged Friends: Learn the Signs of Marijuana Toxicity

Marijuana can be quite harmful to our four-legged friends. Learn the signs of marijuana toxicity and what to do if your pet accidentally ingests the recreational drug.

Whether you live in a state where marijuana use has become legal or not, our pets may find a way to get their paws on the drug. It’s actually so common that Trupanion, a pet medical insurance company, has paid more than $78,000 in suspected marijuana claims to date. The drug, which acts as a depressant in humans, can adversely affect our pets if accidentally ingested. If you want to know what to do in the worst-case scenario, or you suspect your pet has already ingested marijuana, read on to find out what signs to look for and important actions you can take to protect him.

If you suspect your pet has ingested marijuana, have him evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

How Pets Get Exposed

One of the most common toxicities that vets at The Animal Medical Center's Emergency Service in New York City encounter is confirmed or suspected marijuana exposure. The vast majority of cases are dogs, according to The Animal Medical Center, but any pet with access to marijuana can ingest it and present with similar clinical signs. Ingestion is the most common source of toxicity; however, if exposed to significant amounts of marijuana smoke, minor to moderate clinical signs can be seen, says Christine Keyserling, DVM, who works in emergency and critical care at The Animal Medical Center.

THC, which is found in higher concentrations in cannabis meant for humans, is the part of the plant that is most toxic to pets, explains Trupanion’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Kerri Marshall, DVM. “If your pet does ingest THC-filled marijuana, please don’t wait it out,” Marshall urges. “Take them to the veterinarian.”

The Signs

In dogs, clinical signs typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after the marijuana has been eaten. Dogs generally recover from marijuana intoxication with no long-term effects, but if not treated, it could result in a more serious outcome. The most common clinical signs associated with marijuana ingestion include dullness and ataxia (drunken gait), according to Keyserling. Additional clinical signs include vomiting, urinary incontinence (dribbling), low body temperature, slow heart rate and hyper-reactivity to stimuli. In the most severe cases, these clinical signs can progress to seizures and/or coma, Keyserling says. Your pet also may have ingested marijuana if you notice him acting lethargic or depressed along with any other of these symptoms.

Be Honest With Your Vet

The symptoms of marijuana intoxication can be symptoms of far more serious conditions. “If you think your dog has ingested marijuana, do not hesitate to tell your veterinarian,” Marshall says. “Being open can help your veterinarian eliminate more serious conditions and prevent testing needed to rule out other causes.” At the end of the day, it’s best to be upfront about the situation so you don’t waste any time getting your pet the help he needs.

Preventing Exposure

The best way to keep your pet safe is to prevent him from coming in contact with the marijuana in the first place. “Pet owners with marijuana in the house should keep their stash away from their pets,” Marshall says. Consider keeping marijuana in a closed container and then put the container away in a drawer or cabinet. "Please keep in mind that dogs have much better senses of smell than us and they are able to find and pick things up off the street or other public spaces — sometimes without you even seeing them eat anything,” Keyserling says. “If you ever notice any of the above clinical signs or any small behavioral changes in your pet, please do not hesitate to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.”

Medical Marijuana Use In Pets

Anecdotal cases have shown healing benefits in pets, according to Marshall. The drug has been used as a pain reliever and to ease adverse effects from cancer medications and old age. “The Trupanion coverage plan covers medicinal marijuana for pets and other herbal therapies specifically recommended by veterinarians to help your pet manage pain or help them through cancer and tumor treatments,” Marshall says. Currently, veterinarians cannot prescribe marijuana to pets. However, Nevada is debating a bill that would enable pet owners to obtain medical marijuana for their sick pets with their vet’s approval.

Stamford, Connecticut Man Calls Police After 3-Hour Standoff With His Pet Cat

A Stamford man called police recently after he was unable to enter his home. His cat had a baby the night before, and got extremely aggressive and tried to hurt him, the man said the cat was getting too aggressive. I was inside, and the he attacked me, he scratched me in my leg and he bite me. So my wife and I went outside, and now we cannot go in the home for like three to four hours,” the man said.

The dispatcher was a bit confused on why the man was calling police. “So you want the police to come and remove the cat? What is the problem, like…”

Yes, that was exactly what the man wanted. So the dispatcher asked for some more information about the feline.

“Was something wrong with the cat?”

“We don’t know, she had a baby last night, and then she was good until 10, 11 o’clock today, and I came from outside and I change my clothes, and she came to attack me”. The man described of the incident. “It’s so aggressive and so mad,” he continued.

In the end, the dispatcher sent police to the man’s house to help with the aggressive 7.5-pound cat. News 12 Connecticut reports that eventually the man went back inside and everything was okay.

A Nationwide Voluntary Recall Has Been Issued for Five Varieties of the Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food

Five varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturer Ainsworth Pet Nutrition of Meadville, Pennsylvania.

The nationwide recall is due to an elevation in vitamin D levels, which is due to the natural levels of vitamin D found in some of the fish ingredients used in the cat food, according to a press release posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

While vitamin D helps cats regulate phosphorus and calcium, too much of it can be detrimental to their health, the press release states. Cats exposed to high levels of vitamin D may experience increased thirst and urination, diarrhea or vomiting and seizures or tremors. If your cat has ingested any of the products listed below, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Symptoms may occur 12 to 36 hours after ingestion.

The varieties that are being recalled are:

Single Packs:

PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz)

UPC Code: 071190007032

Best By Dates Thru: AUG 17 2015

OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz)

UPC Code: 071190007049