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In Loving Memory 02/12/00 - 11/04/08 |
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AnimalHouseCo.com
SERVING DOGS IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 10 YEARS
NOVEMBER NEWS
 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - KEEP 'UM SAFE SAFETY LOOP™ The only accessory for the 'Retractable Leash' The Keep 'Um Safe Safety Loop ends the fumbling and dropping associated with the retractable leash and provides the user with a SAFE, SECURE way to walk their pet. The 'Safety Loop' easily attaches to any retractable leash in seconds and is the 'Missing Link' for everyone who wants their pets to experience the sense of freedom that a retractable leash offers without the hassles or dangers.
Colors Available: Royal Blue, Red, Purple, Black Made in the USA  A note from the person behind this fabulous creation: The 'Safety Loop' was developed from real-world experience and need. When my Italian Greyhound was about 6 months old, I accidently dropped my retractable leash. We were walking in an urban neighborhood in Seattle, near a major street. The retractable leash hit the sidewalk, making a sharp, loud noise and then began to 'retract' towards her. She panicked and began to run towards the busy street. A friend and I were able to catch her at the last possible moment, and averted what would have been certain death. I couldn't sleep for 3 nights, hearing her screams as she ran from the retractable leash in sheer terror, and I knew that there had to be something done. I began watching other pet owners with retractable leashes and noticed that they were dropping and fumbling with them all the time. The problem with the retractable leash is that the user has to constantly 'grip it'. They cannot let go for a moment, and there were many instances where a person might need two hands to quickly do something. My friend and I brainstormed and came up with a simple solution for the problem, the Keep 'Um Safe Safety Loop™. We tested the 'Safety Loop' with dogs weighing up to 100 pounds using a variety of retactable leashes. We consulted with trainers, pet walkers, and owners. The users were thrilled with the 'Loop' and satisfied customers constantly write us saying that they will never walk their pet without the 'Safety Loop' again. ... and we can proudly say our product is completely Made in the USA. This product can be purchased for $7.98 (+ tax, if applicable) from either location: top University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Extension/Office of Public Engagement Telephone: 217-333-2907 An archive of pet columns is on the Web at http://www.cvm.uiuc/petcolumns/ By Kim Marie Labak You've got a great female pedigree dog with papers, and you figure you can make some extra cash if she has puppies. You think that to breed her, all you have to do is mate her with a stud, and a few months later she'll go into the closet and have puppies. According to Dr. Thomas Graves, breeder, dog show judge, and veterinary internist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, these are just a few misconceptions about breeding dogs. He explains that proper breeding requires time, money, education, and experience, and often yields little or no financial profit. Also, since pet overpopulation is a growing problem, he believes dogs should not be bred unless there's good reason. Dr. Graves cites the following inappropriate reasons to breed a bitch:
Obviously there has to be some breeding, because without breeding, there would be no puppies to grow up into dogs--and who wants a world without dogs? Dr. Graves says that good reasons to breed a bitch include: to perpetuate good qualities of a certain breed of dogs and to perpetuate a specific breed. Specific breeds create dogs for specific purposes or for show, so if certain qualities or breeds are in demand, the puppies you breed can find a good home. If you are seriously considering breeding, there are several steps to the process. First, determine if your bitch is the quality to be bred. Every breed has a standard listed by the American Kennel Club at www.akc.org. If your bitch fits her breed standards, the next step is to get her examined by a veterinarian for her suitability for pregnancy and for inheritable abnormalities. Aside from making pregnancy and whelping difficult, health problems can be passed on to puppies, perpetuating unhealthy traits in a breed. If your dog has good traits you want to pass on, fits her breed standard, and is healthy, you should educate yourself about breeding by reading, attending dog shows, and talking to reputable breeders. If you decide to try breeding, find a reputable breeder to mentor you, and develop a relationship with a veterinarian you can call on for pregnancy and whelping problems. Getting a bitch pregnant is not simple. You must choose a stud dog according to his desirable traits and check his pedigree (his family tree) to avoid inbreeding and inheritable defects or disease. Estrus varies from breed to breed and individual to individual, so timing of mating is crucial to ensure pregnancy. Dr. Graves says that most cases of "infertility" in bitches are actually due to timing problems--either mating too early or too late. To ensure pregnancy, mating may have to be repeated regularly during the female's estrus. Many people believe that having babies is a "natural process" and assume dogs shouldn't have problems during pregnancy or whelping. Dr. Graves explains that, on the contrary, purebred dogs have been unnaturally selected, so some of these "man-made" breeds may be prone to complications. It's very common to lose puppies during whelping, and to minimize this loss, a breeder works with a veterinarian to learn how to identify and handle problems during whelping. Breeding a bitch is not a light undertaking; it is more than a hobby, yet doesn't yield profits like a business, so breeders must have time, money, and plenty of energy to invest. For more information about dog breeding, visit the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org. An archive of pet columns is on the Web at http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/ Source: Dr. Thomas Graves For information about items reported on this website, please contact: acesnews@aces.uiuc.edu Information Technology and Communication Services News and Public Affairs 65 Mumford Hall 1301 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801 Phone:217-333-4870, Fax 217-333-2614 URL: http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/news/ top  DOGGIE TRIVIA ... FOO DOGSThe Sacred Guardians Foo Dogs are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples. The association between these dogs and Buddha is one of great significance. Foo Dogs have the appearance of a lion. The lion in Buddhist religion is seen as sacred, and has sometimes been offered to Buddha as a sacrifice. The name given to these guardians originates from China. The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the original title- "Dog of Fo". There have been other theories that the name developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual proof of this. Another name given to the beast is "Lion of Korea". This, of course, is due to the creatures close appearance to a Lion. Foo Dogs can be traced as early as the Han Dynasty. Their first appearance was in Chinese art, which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo Dogs vanished for nearly 400 years after their first appearance. They later returned in the T'ang Dynasty that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo Dogs were popular because of their meaning. The Lion is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud master of all cats. Its introduction into Chinese art coincided with Buddhism. The Foo Dog was the protector of sacred buildings and a defender of law. The dogs were commonly placed at business institutions, temple gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these sacred dogs guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. Through out the ages, Foo Dogs were frequently given as gifts to the Emperor. They would be presented in sculptures or in the form of artwork. Foo Dog artwork varied. Buddha was sometimes depicted on the back of the great beast, but Foo Dogs are more often displayed in a powerful guarding position. The creature is usually presented holding a spear in its paw. This was the representation of the peace and serenity the animal would maintain for the sanctuary it was guarding; thus discouraging any wrong doers and demon spirits from entering the place of tranquility. The Foo Dog comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their eyes are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening appearance is what gives the idea that they guard against evil spirits. It is important to point out that the Foo Dog is also known as the Celestial Dog, and the Happiness Dog. The animal is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The male plays with a ball that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds a cub. The Foo Dog is embodied in rich Chinese history and tradition. They are still very popular today, not only in China, but also in other parts of the world. They are fantastic dogs not only infused with artwork - but with meaning. top  LOOKING FOR LOCAL PET INFORMATION? DIAL Pets911. This article compliments of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) The Humane Society of the United States gets phone calls and e-mails daily from pet owners asking for help: Where is my nearest animal shelter. Do you have a list of pet-friendly apartments? Where do I find a low-cost spay and neuter clinic? Where can I see pictures and descriptions of pets available for adoption? Thanks to a nationwide public service called Pets 911, finding that information has never been easier. The HSUS has partnered with Pets 911 to help people across the country quickly and easily find the local pet-related information they need. Pets 911 consists of both a web site (www.pets911.com) and a toll-free, automated hotline (1-888-PETS-911) that allows pet lovers to access local information simply by providing their zip code. You can scan through pictures of adoptable pets posted by some 950 animal shelters and adoption groups, and search by breed and other characteristics. You can search tens of thousands of lost-and-found pet listings from all areas of the United States. You can also find nearby emergency veterinary hospitals, pet-friendly apartments, and much more. Best of all, you can obtain all this information for free. Founded three years ago as an offshoot of Earth 911, a successful environmental web site, Pets 911 has the support of many of the nation's largest animal welfare organizations. In addition to The HSUS, founding partners include American Humane, SPAY/USA, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, and PETsMART Charities. Corporate America, including PETsMART, AT&T, HP, and Kodak, covers all the costs associated with Pets 911. Pets 911 features information from more than 7,000 animal shelters and other agencies across the country. Since its inception, Pets 911 has facilitated the adoption of hundreds of thousands of pets. By joining forces, The HSUS and Pets 911 hope to solve the issue of animal homelessness by connecting pet caregivers with local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet-friendly apartments, and other resources. Visit Pets911 now. top ADVICE FROM THE DOG Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. top top KIDS AND CRUELTY: EXPLAINING ANIMAL CRUELTY From the ASPCA Fight Animal Cruelty Department. From cats to canaries, from Dobermans to Dachshunds, our pets often seem to know how we feel. They comfort us when we're hurt, and make us happy when we're sad. They share our joy, and stay by our side when times are bad. But, sometimes, some people are mean to animals. How do you explain this to a child? WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY? Mahatma Gandhi said that "the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Animals feel pain and fear like we do, but they are often helpless victims because they can't say what happened to them. In fact, some people choose to abuse animals over people for this very reason! If we wish to create a humane society, we must stop cruelty against those who are most vulnerable--like animals. Cruelty toward animals does more than cause other living, feeling beings to experience pain and fear. Like the death of a canary in a coal mine, violence toward animals can be a sign that people are also in danger. Someone who commits animal abuse may have serious psychological problems. Studies have found that many people convicted of violent crimes had a history of animal cruelty. Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Andrew Cunanan, David "Son of Sam" Berkowitz, and Albert "Boston Strangler" DeSalvo were cruel to animals before they started hurting people. Adults are not the only ones whose cruelty to animals can be a sign of deeper troubles. Many murderous children and teenagers--like Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold of Columbine High School--also had histories of animal cruelty. Animals in homes with family violence are also often victims of violence. One study found that animals were abused in 88% of the homes in which a child was abused. Another study found that 83% of families reported for animal abuse also had children who are at high risk of abuse or neglect. Although most of the abuse toward the animals came from the parents, about a quarter of abused children abuse animals.  WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? "Animal cruelty is a national problem," says ASPCA Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. "Violence towards animals crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines and reaches from coast to coast." No matter where you live, there is a lot you can do to stop animal cruelty. One of the most power tools for preventing cruelty to animals is education. It is important to plant the seeds of kindness in children early, and to nurture their development as the child grows. Children not only need to learn what they shouldn't do, but also what they can and should do. When children see that their pets are happy and loving, it will make the child feel good, too. This in turn will help the children care for their pets' feelings. However, since people don't always realize they are being cruel, adults need education, too. If you are not a teacher, please urge your local schools to integrate humane education into their curricula. If you are a teacher, bring humane education into your classroom. To help you, your local shelter may have outreach programs, education materials, camps, etc. You can also find plenty of humane ideas and activities at the Humane Education section, and on our children's websites, www.animaland.org and www.animalessons.org. Every child is unique, and adults should use caution and careful thought when discussing cruelty with children. In general, children under four simply should not be exposed to cruelty. Two year olds can begin to learn that their actions make others - including animals - happy and sad. With two and three year-olds, discuss their own experiences and how they would feel if they were treated the way they treat their pets or other animals in their immediate lives. Help them relate not only the ways they would feel hurt, but also the ways they would feel happy. With all children under six or so, you may wish to help guide their hands so they can learn how to pet and hold their animal companions. Children do not have fine control over their movements and impulses - they will want to treat their pets with love, but will need a little help from you to do it correctly. Children who are between about four and six often begin to understand basic moral concepts, such as fairness. These children can learn to be kind to animals because the animals "deserve" it. Children may discuss injuries they have had themselves, but do not introduce discussions about other types of injuries. Try to limit discussions of animal cruelty to the simple fact that animals can be hurt; do not describe how they can be hurt (e.g., starvation, physical abuse, etc.). With most children who are six to ten years old, you can begin to discuss why someone might be mean to an animal - as long as you make sure the child always keeps in mind that it is wrong to hurt animals. In addition, do not let discussions of animal cruelty satisfy the morbid curiosity some children of this age may have. Children of this age often form some of their earliest memories and impressions about the state of the world beyond their families. It is very important that adults filter what these children perceive! Even if children witness violence as a "bad example" or as a way NOT to act, they are still witnessing violence, and can be strongly affected by it. Many children between 10 and 14 are exploring their self-image and reflecting upon their relationships with others. Studies indicate that children of this age are still strongly affected by violence, so discussions about animal cruelty should still be kept free of details about the violence. Nonetheless, the issue can be raised directly - if delicately - with most of these children. Adults should make it clear that they do not condone violence in their own thoughts and behavior. Children of this age are finely attuned to the words and actions of adults, and still rely on them as role models. Parents, teachers, and trusted adults can also discuss with 10 to 14 year-olds how they would act if their peers or friends treated animals cruelly. By couching the advice in terms of what you would do if you were in a given situation, you can help children overcome peer pressure and follow what they know is right. These children may encounter others abusing animals - knowing that they are in the right and will be supported for standing up to it is very important at this age of strong peer pressure. Again, with all children - even older teens - keep in mind the importance of modeling appropriate behaviors. Our children do emulate us, even if they wouldn't admit it. If we treat animals cruelly or as unfeeling machines, our children will probably think that this is right or, at least, normal. The more a child identifies with an adult, the greater an impact that person will have on the child - in both good and bad ways. Children who know of animal cruelty should tell an adult about it. Make sure children know who they can trust--such as parents, teachers, police officers, etc.--and nurture their trust so they can tell you. References Further Reading: top This month we have a special treat from one of our customers, who writes: It's downright amazing what a dog who loves you will do you. Samurai as the big bad wolf, which I might add is quite a stretch for him .... just after he ate Grandma and put on her nightgown and cap. Have a good laugh - it's Halloween. Thanks to Samurai's mom, Sabina for the contribution. For those of you who have never had the pleasure of meeting Samauri, he's a daycare regular at the Animal House ... and an absolute Teddy Bear.  top MAKE CRATE TRAINING EASY This article courtesy of Dog Fancy Magazine. Den animals by nature, most dogs will seek out cozy, cave-like nooks in which to sleep or lounge - under tables and beds, behind big chairs, or burrowed between pillows. Consequently, most dogs readily accept crates as a den-substitute. Here are seven tips to make crate training easy and comfortable for your dog:
LINKS: Dog Fancy Magazine top  RECIPE OF THE MONTH Recipe compliments of Flint River Ranch Dog Food. Make your pups a special treat this Thanksgiving ... turkey and mashed potatoes just for them. Turkey and Mashed Potato Bites Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ground turkey and 2 cups of the instant mashed potato flakes in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls and flatten them a bit between your palms. Place the remaining 1 cup of instant mashed potato flakes in a bowl and roll your flattened turkey/potato balls in the potato flakes until they are evenly coated. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and flip all of the flattened balls over. Bake for another 10 minutes. You will end up with a turkey/potato meat ball that has a golden, crunchy coating on both sides. top  HSUS URGES STUDENTS & TEACHERS TO PURSUE ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL DISSECTIONAs students head back to school, The Humane Society of the United States is urging parents, teachers and students to consider alternatives to the traditional animal dissection lesson that is still a fixture in biology classes. An estimated six million animals are used in high school dissection every year. They include frogs, fetal pigs, cats, rabbits, turtles and a variety of other species. Many of these animals are removed from the wild and killed specifically for dissection purposes. "The vast majority of research studies have demonstrated that students who choose not to dissect animals perform as well or even better than their counterparts," said Dr. Lesley King, director of education and animal welfare for The HSUS' Animal Research Issues program. "Dissection undoubtedly stops some students from pursuing advanced biology classes. Despite these concerns, some schools still require students to perform dissection as a prerequisite for higher grades." Dissection alternatives include computer programs, models and videotapes that allow students to view an actual dissection without performing one, or to learn interactively on simulations and models of actual animals. The HSUS runs a dissection alternatives loan program that includes a wide variety of items available, for free, to students or teachers. Additionally, The HSUS' biologists can help teachers identify the best resources for their lessons, through a teachers' consultancy program. Eleven states have laws protecting a student's right to choose an alternative to dissection and The HSUS is urging more states and school boards to pass such requirements. The following states currently have laws upholding a student's right to choose humane alternatives to dissection without being penalized: Illinois, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island. Maine has a similar state-wide policy, and Louisiana passed a similar resolution in 1992. Last month, the New Jersey senate voted unanimously to support student choice legislation. In Maryland, school boards are required to include information on available alternatives in their course listings. Many schools and school boards have independently enacted student-choice policies. Delaware, Massachusetts and Vermont are among the states that have considered dissection choice legislation. Biology teachers support student choice. In a recent survey of high school biology teachers in Mid-Atlantic states, conducted by The HSUS and presented at the recent scientific World Congress on Alternatives to Animal Use in the Life Sciences in New Orleans, a majority, 65 percent, thought that students should be given a choice between animal dissection and other types of learning. 85 percent of teachers using dissection reported student objection to dissection in their biology classrooms. In many cases, teachers or students were able to identify an alternative. However, in a notable number of cases, the teacher gave the student a failing grade if he or she did not participate in dissection. "The Humane Society of the United States maintains that every student should make an informed choice about dissection. Students may be reluctant to speak up about their objections, but we encourage anyone who opposes dissection to request an alternative from their teacher and raise the issue with their school board," said King. "Even in states that don't mandate dissection alternatives, we urge all science teachers to consider alternatives to dissection and to make students aware of their options." Choice-in-dissection laws (or policies) allow students to refuse to participate in classroom exercises--particularly dissections--that are harmful to animals. These laws typically require the school to notify students and/or their parents at the beginning of a course when animal dissection is part of that course; they allow students to choose humane alternatives; and they require that students who choose to desist from dissection not be penalized for doing so. These laws apply to kindergarten through high school. To date, no such law covers college undergraduates. In some cases, teachers may still require dissections if they believe no adequate alternatives exist. LINKS: top  PET ASTROLOGY - SCORPIO October 24 - November 22 These dogs own you. Proud and independent, they don't like being told what to do. Sneaky and secretive, they can be missing for long periods without you even realizing it. They often have many hiding places for collectables and have been known to have quite a variety. They do well in calm households, as they tend to be intense animals possessing psychic qualities. Caring and sensitive to all of your emotions, they are usually a one person dog. top  REFLECTION FOR THE MONTH The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog ... He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer ... When all other friends desert, he remains. -- George G. Vest: Speech U.S. Senate, 1884 top |
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