Dog bite attacks -- like the one on Friday, in which a 10-year-old Davie boy was severely bitten by two Rottweilers when he jumped into a neighbor’s backyard to retrieve a ball -- always jump-start the never-ending debate: Are certain breeds vicious? Expect to see folks from two camps at city commission and council meetings soon: those who insist “dangerous” types of dogs should be banished from their neighborhoods; and others who insist there are no bad breeds, only bad owners.

While owner Victor Cantelmo was cited for not having his pets licensed or vaccinated, the police have released his Rottweilers from quarantine, ruling the incident an accident. The dogs were in Cantelmo’s yard, behind 6-foot fence with a gate fastened with a security cord and a warning sign posted. Broward County animal officials will decide the animals’ fate.

Now State Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, says he will push for state rules that would give municipalities more leeway in banning specific breeds.

What do you think? Should some breeds be outlawed in residential neighborhoods? If so, which ones and how would they be selected? Should there be more restrictions on owners, as far as licensing, warning signs or fencing?

Rottweilers and pit bulls were cited in a 2000 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association paper as the dogs most likely to fatally attack humans. But a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of fatal canine attacks on humans over 20 years concluded there was no foolproof way to identify at-risk breeds – and that any dog has the potential to be vicious. In 2001, a four-pound Pomeranian attacked and killed an infant in Los Angeles.

The Davie case does have some of what attorney Kenneth Phillips, of Dog Bite Law, identifies as dog attack danger signs: There was more than one dog in their own yard with no master present, and both were males (male dogs are more than twice as likely to bite than females).

CDC statistics show that the majority of dog bite victims are children, and the face is the dog’s most common target. Good parent behavior, along with responsible pet owner behavior, is important. The CDC advises teaching your children never to approach unfamiliar dogs and that all play with dogs should be supervised.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

In case you missed it: Hartz Mountain Corp. voluntarily recalled another 739 bottles of its Vitamin Care for Cats earlier this month, due to possible Salmonella contamination. While routine testing by Hartz and manufacturer UFAC Inc. had not found the bacteria, recent samplings by the Food and Drug Administration did detect Salmonella.

The recalled product has lot code SZ-22771, UPC number 32700-97701. The FDA advises pet owners also to discard bottles with the lot code SZ-16371.

Hartz had recalled a first lot of the vitamins last November, but a second lot had been shipped before the product was pulled from distribution. Call Hartz at 800-275-1414 if you have any questions and for product reimbursement.

Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Most cats get Salmonella from eating tainted food or, if outdoor cats, from prey. Kittens are more susceptible to acute infections. Contact your vet immediately if you believe you cat has Salmonella poisoning.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

I have four boy dogs, all rescues. Which means that when I adopted them I also adopted their bad habits.

For instance, Calvin, the Chihuahua, is the leader of our pack and he tries to dominate Silvio, the Italian Greyhound. Silvio also wants to be the leader but Chewy (right) and Norman, the schnauzer mixes, won't listen. They follow Calvin.

Because of this we have a major problem called MARKING. Silvio wants all the dogs to think the furniture is his, so what does he do? He pees on it.

Then of course, Chewy and Norman must retaliate and mark over his scent.

This is where diapers saved my life, and my furniture. They make diapers specifically for dogs called Simple Solution that have a hole cut out for their tails, which may be what you're looking for. But they are expensive and I only need the diapers to wrap around their little bellies.

Chewy and Norman wear Publix's brand "stage one" diapers and Silvio wears "stage three". The diapers fit perfect and they are a cheap solution to a huge problem.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

How can you tell if your pet is getting enough water?

You can actually check the elasticity of your pet's skin; pull on the neck. If the skin
doesn’t bounce back to its original position right away, your pet may be under-hydrated.

Check your pet's gums. They will look drier than normal or even look slightly discolored.

Excessive or uncontrollable panting is also a sign.

Here's a cool product that you can carry with you on hot days (especially on long walks). The Handi-Drink is a portable water bottle that unfolds into a dish. Squeeze the bottle and the dish will fill up.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

One year ago this month, the Food and Drug Administration called a press conference to confirm what many pet owners had been suspecting for some time -- something was terribly wrong with the products they were feeding their animal companions. What followed, of course, was the largest consumer recall in the nation’s history: 60 million units of pet food sold under more than 100 brands, all contaminated with either melamine or cyanuric acid.

Chris Della Penna, with Tabby. Photo from PetFoodNightmares

I remember thinking, as I dialed into press conference after FDA recall press conference from March into the summer: At least it’s mostly dogs. At least I don’t buy my pet’s food at discount stores. At least I don’t feed my cats wet food. We’ll be OK. But in the end, none of us were safe. Our brand, Hill’s Science Diet, came up by the end of March – we were buying it from our veterinarian. Iams. Eukanuba. All the stuff we consumers were paying extra for, believing we were giving our cats and dogs the best. Who knew that some of those names were just nothing but that, names stamped on a bag, with what was inside coming out of the same big hopper called Menu Foods

We’ll probably never know how many animal companions were lost to kidney failure, their renal systems clogged and damaged from chemicals that normally go into plastics or fertilizers. The last time I looked, the FDA was sticking to its confirmed total of 15 dogs and 1 cat. The rest of us know it was thousands, maybe tens of thousands, that were made sick or died. They were, as New York University professor Dr. Marion Nestle calls them in her upcoming book, “the chihuahau in the coal mine.” Shortly on the heels of the pet food recalls came the ones focusing on lead in children’s products. Again, the shock of familiar, trusted names: Mattel, Polly Pocket, Dora the Explorer. Then there were contaminants discovered in toothpaste, in the drug heparin. And finally, Americans realized they had a very real and serious product safety problem on their hands.

Thousands of dogs and cats had to give up their lives for us to open our eyes. I remember the rage and grief in the postings I would read on blogs and message boards, people who watched their pets grow listless and sick with the dawning horror that they, the people who loved them, had unknowingly been feeding them what was poisoning them. The Della Penna family, of Wellington, started a Web site they called PetFoodNightmares after their 4-year-old cat, Tabby, died from what they believe was eating tainted recalled food. Pet owners from all over the country have shared their own tragedies on that site. It’s pretty hard to look at some of the photos, their pets so sweet-faced and happy.

So instead of blogging today about regulations and laws and debates -- there will be plenty time for that this year -- I just want to stop and say “I am so very sorry” to everyone who lost an animal companion they loved to the system that let us all down. You can share their stories below, if you want. Let’s remember them and push for a better, safer future for us all.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1) | Share:

Look for my pooch Bella on Jan. 15.

The Wildlife Care Center has found a great way for pet owners to honor their companions and support less fortunate animals. The Wildlife Care Center rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and certain domestic, exotic and farm animals.

The center is creating the Pets and More 2009 calendar with an animal photo on each day. Your pet or pets can have a day for $20. So far, about 85 days are spoken for, says Amy Loebl, director of volunteer services for the Wildlife Care Center.

So far, it looks like Bella will be the star of her birthday. As dates fill up, make sure to offer a second or third choice.

This is the first year the Care Center has pulled together the calendar. It's been a hit with those in the know. One volunteer has submitted pictures of 14 pets, Loebl says, some for relatives as far away as California. Businesses can post a card-sized ad for $100, and the calendar cover will be auctioned off April 18 at a VIP reception for the annual Walk for Wildlife.

"We're just having a blast with it," says Loebl. The deadline for pictures is May 31.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

An update on the movie star, Fetch, the Beanie Baby...

Gathering dust for 9 years at the Sun-Sentinel has obviously been worth it for "Fetch" who had one last run in with fame.

He's now been tattooed by Owen Wilson, so even if he doesn't make it to the big screen, at least he'll have the memories.

— Vanessa Cordo

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Oline Cogdill with some good fish tips...

I've had aquariums ever since I was about 10 years old and I highly recommend this hobby as a way for parents to introduce pet care to their kids.

But, do not buy one of those giant oval fish bowls for a goldfish or two. First, you'll drive yourself crazy changing the water weekly; the bowl will never look clean and the kids — and you — come to hate it.

Instead, invest about $70 or so in a decent small aquarium with filtration system, etc. You can even get one of those hot new bi-orb aquariums that start at four gallons. They'll hold about 1 plant, 2 to 3 goldfish, or about 5 to 6 guppies, and a small castle.

These not only work for kids but also look nice in a small office.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

SSS! reader Jeff wrote earlier this week about a new kitten his girlfriend brought home. Kitty had been keeping the household up all night, pouncing on the beds and scatching in the litter box. Then Jeff slipped him a new catnip toy. And the cat conked out until dawn.

What's up with that? Can catnip induce sleep?
Some cats get jazzed by catnip, said West Palm Beach veterinarian Dr. Lisa Radosta, while the herb makes others a little dopey. But she thinks the most likely reason for the behavior change is the kitten was pleasingly pooped after playing hard with the toy, like a toddler after a day at the playground.

"When we come home from work, we take our dog for a walk. We don't that with cats. But your cat needs to be predatory and move his body," said Radosta, a certified veterinary behaviorist with Florida Veterinary Behavior Service. Her advice to Jeff: Buy the kitten lots of toys he likes and wear him out with structured play before bedtime.

Got a question about other wacky animal behavior? Ask away!

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Occasionally one of my little companions jerks his leash out of my hand. I then have to chase him, which is exactly what he wants me to do. The dogs think it’s a game we play but in reality it is very dangerous because of traffic.

If your dog likes to be chased, next time just lie down on the sidewalk. Your dogs will probably wonder what you’re doing and why you’ve just taken all the fun out of the game. If all goes well, they will come to investigate and probably even lick your face.

Tip: Remember, even though you want to yell at them for running away from you, it’s best to reward them for coming to you.

You tell me: What do you do to get your dogs to stop running or to come to you?

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

For all you Italian Greyhound lovers you must go to Iggyplanet.com.

You can learn everything you ever needed to know about Iggies, plus meet hundreds of IG owners who are as obsessed with their dogs as you are!

(And they have a great link to Italian Greyhound rescue groups)

This is my IG Silvio.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Oreo McCain from Bideawee.org

Still wondering whether the vote you cast in the Jan. 29 presidential primary will ever count? You have another chance.

Bideawee, one of the oldest humane organizations, offers an opportunity to vote for First Pet.

Should the White House be occupied by feline Oreo McCain? Or canine Seamus Clinton? Or, a dog to be acquired later by Barack Obama?

Help decide who will succeed Barney and Mrs. Beasley.
Let your Pet Choice be heard!

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Day three of Marley & Me filming in the Sun-Sentinel newsroom and still no sign of a Labrador retriever. What gives?

Joking! The real star of show doesn’t appear in any newsroom scenes.

Despite the lack of canine sightings, we’re anxious to see how your yellow Lab compares to the original Marley. That’s author John Grogan and Marley in the photo.

You can upload your photos here.

You can also read Grogan’s columns from his time at the Sun-Sentinel.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

My coworker (and friend) Vanessa is so excited, check out what
she has to say!

My Beanie Babie "Fetch," who has been waiting on my desk for nine long years, gathering lots of dust, might get his big movie break.

I think he finally got his close up, if he doesn't get left on the cutting room floor.

Look for him with Owen and Eric in "Marley & Me."

— Vanessa Cordo

(Here he is laying on "Owen's desk" with Marley photos in the background)

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

What is this little Chihuahua doing?
CLICK HERE to find out...

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

We wouldn't want our new Sit, Stay, Speak! readers to miss Sun-Sentinel photographer Joe Cavaretta's touching tribute to Blanco, his dog who came from the streets of Mexico City.

Joe said the "Marley and Me" filming mania going on in our newsroom inspired him to share.

Blanco's story proves once again that not only does rescuing homeless animals save their lives, it enriches your own.

Thanks, Joe.

photo: Joe Cavaretta

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

People who don’t know cats sometimes say they all seem the same. But anyone who lives with cats can tell you that’s sure not true.

Here’s a quick introduction to my two kitties, since you’ll be hearing a lot more about them than me in this blog. I promise, I will subject you to this only once.

Dolan
Nicknames: Fat Boy, The Best Boy Cat in Fort Lauderdale

His back story: I stumbled across Dolan nine years ago while making repeat visits to Broward County’s main animal shelter, looking for a friend’s lost cat. His cage tag said his owner had gone into a nursing home – apparently, no one in the family had stepped up. I was a goner, since I write about aging issues. Plus Dolan had one paw through death’s doorway, given he had been at the shelter awhile and was an 3-year-old adult, far less adoptable than a kitten. Dolan clearly had been well-loved and has the sweetest nature. Wish his owner could know his pet’s story had a happy ending.

His look: A tortoise-shell tri-colored tabby, Maine coon mix. Think big hair, big tail, big feet. Looks like a walking fuzzy bed pillow.
Hobbies: Eating, figuring out how to get more to eat, lap hopping at parties, over grooming.
Theme song: “Food, Glorious Food.”

Frances Jeanne
Nickname: Hurricane Girl (named for two 2004 storms)

Her back story: I started agitating for a feline “little sister” about four years ago, after husband David and I came home from a trip and found Dolan hoarse from too much lonely meowing. Then a notice went up on the office bulletin board. A co-worker had rescued a small, young cat from under his house, where she had spent Hurricane Frances crying and terrified. I zipped over to check her out; the little Hurricane Girl purred and stretched herself out like a rubber band for some tummy rubs. Turns out it was an act. Once she got into her new home, she terrorized Dolan, even though she was on his turf and less than half his size. She lets us know, with little reminder nips, that she does NOT: 1.) want to be picked up; 2.) petted, except when she feels like it; and 3.) go to the vet again, ever, for any reason.

Her look: Franny is what’s called a “tuxedo cat:” glossy black with a white chest, paws, muzzle and whiskers. Unlike Dolan, she always looks snazzy even though she spends a lot less time on her appearance. Her muzzle markings also are slightly askew, giving her that “she’s so unusual” appeal
of a gap-toothed supermodel.

Hobbies: Pretending to bite you, patrolling the property from inside the house, kicking butt.
Theme song: “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

My parents recently adopted a black Chihuahua puppy named Quincy. My Mom always said she would never get another dog, but apparently Quincy was too cute to resist. When vacation came, my Mom was anxious about leaving him.

My aunt Sue was more than happy to watch him for the week. After four days in sunny South Florida, my Mom called home (Indiana) to see how things were going. She regretted it immediately. Qunicy was not finishing his food. This is very unusual since the dog will eat anything, which includes rocks, plastic, hair and or other bite-sized items.

I think it is common for dogs to be stressed while their owners are away. Going off their food seems pretty normal in most cases.

But in this case it turns out Quincy was eating all the other dogs’ food and just wasn’t hungry by the time Sue fed him. When my parents got home Quincy was quite plump and gained about pound.

You tell me: How do you help your pets cope when you go on vacation?

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

If you were a dog what breed would you be? Take the quiz on Dogster.com

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

What’s it like for your workplace to be taken over by the filming of a movie? Here’s what some Sun-Sentinel journalists had to say about the newsroom becoming a set for Marley & Me.

“I haven’t seen so many people sitting around doing nothing since the O.J. trial.”
—Joe Demma, investigations editor

“I feel like I’m so much in the way. I was afraid to put my lunch in the fridge.”
—Debra R. Gibbs, Help Team assistant editor

“Thank God I’ve lost 10 pounds because my desk is wedged in between two carts of stuff.”
—Gail Gedan, The Skinny blogger and copy editor

“Alan Arkin needs to sound angrier. He's shouting too nicely to be an editor.”
—Kathy Bushouse, education reporter

“First let me say, I never even knew that Josh Groban worked here. And to think, a few columns about his dog has turned into...huh? Oh, I’m sorry. Not Josh Groban. John Grogan. John Grogan? That was the funny little guy from the Palm Beach office, right? Well, until I see Halle Barry in here to play me, I'm not that invested. However, let it be known, the camera loves me!”
—Sherri Winston, lifestyle columnist

“We heard Alan Arkin, who plays the editor, yelling that McSteamy’s travel budget was approved. We were laughing because that wouldn't happen today. Newspapers are hurting. Travel budgets are being slashed throughout the industry. That’s how you know this movie was set a decade ago. That and the fact that Owen Wilson is carrying a messenger bag.”
—Megan O'Matz, staff writer

“I still think Eric Dane looks sexier on TV.”
—Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub, home and garden editor

“This is my fifth paper and I’ve never seen anyone in the newsroom as handsome as him (Dane).”
—McNelly Torres, staff writer

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Harriet Johnson Brackey’s workday normally revolves around things financial: Wall Street, mortgage rates, household budgets.

But this morning, the Sun-Sentinel reporter’s first priority was making sure that the photograph of her twin daughters, Adrienne and Winnie, remained on her desk. That was the deal she made with producers of Marley & Me, which began four days of filming in the Sun-Sentinel newsroom Monday morning.

Actor Owen Wilson could sit at her desk as long as Adrienne and Winnie remained.

Hard to believe that the making of a film about a lovable misbehaved dog could drive professionals to such bargaining.

“Then I go to the library to read my Wall Street Journal,” said Brackey, “and they follow me in there. It’s the green room. That’s where the actors are going to take their break.”

The newsroom began its transformation into a movie set two weeks ago when set dressers replaced white mini-blinds with cellular shades. Last week, colorful banners went up on every support column in the newsroom. Equipment started to take over the newsroom.

On Monday morning, a parking lot behind nearby Florida Atlantic University was filled with the equivalent of 20 semi-trailers. Inside, were props, make-up, wardrobe and dressing rooms for stars Wilson, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin.

“Several dozen scenes will be shot in the newsroom,” said Sam Tedesco, the film’s location manager.

- John Tanasychuk

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1) | Share:

Getting a dog improved my social life.

First, Bella introduced me to my neighbors.

I had lived in my small neighborhood almost a year when I adopted Bella. It’s a quiet, friendly place. At that point, I could tell because people waved from their cars. But with my work hours and South Florida’s sweltering summer temperatures, I didn’t spend much time outdoors waiting to see if my neighbors would emerge to talk.

But when you have a dog, especially a puppy, you spend a lot more time outdoors. The morning and night-time walks turn into community gatherings. I now know my neighbors, at least those who have dogs, even if it’s just as “Bob’s dad” or “Ginger’s mom.”

Most importantly, Bella brought Boyfriend Bill into my life.

When Bella was a puppy, she had a walker, someone who took her out while I worked. And her walker had a friend, who had a friend.

So, in a round-about way, I met Boyfriend Bill through Bella.

Others have to have similar stories. Has your dog broadened your circle of friends?

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Growing up, I lived with three brothers, two cats and one beloved dog, Molly. Now I live with four dogs and one boyfriend.

I have a lifetime of animal stories to share. And I hope you'll join me!

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Our little Norman, a terrier mix, is a toy-destroying machine. He has “killed” every squeaky thing in the house. There is nothing more frustrating then giving him a new toy and three minutes later it is de-squeaked, de-stuffed and destroyed.

We have been buying him mini tennis balls, likes these Kong Mini Squeakers, lately (which he loves) but he knows how to break them in two minutes flat. Plus, they are small enough to find their way under everything. Yesterday we literally found 12 under the stove!

So we’re on a hunt to find a toy that can withstand his wrath. We will buy a new toy each week and judge its durability, squeakability (how long the squeak lasts) and overall interest.

You tell me: What toys would you like me to test or what works for your animals?

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Puppies, kittens, birds, bunnies and even piglets!
This site is full of the cutest of the cute.
Even the snakes, rats and bugs are adorable.

You have to check out cuteoverload.com. If you’re having a bad day this is your answer.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Late at night last December, a group of teenagers grabbed an aluminum baseball bat, hopped in a car and headed out for the sole purpose of attacking a pet goose belonging to a family living west of Lake Worth.

Police said Lily, the goose, apparently was in the yard when they pulled up. Two boys took turns hitting her in the head with the bat, according to police reports, then drove the dying bird a few blocks away, throwing her out of the car and beating her until she died.

The woman who found Lily's body told the family their pet's neck was broken, her eye hanging out of her head. The only motive that police could uncover was that Lily once had pecked at a truck belonging to one of her killers.

Three of the teens this week were charged with felony cruelty to animals.

I thought of another three boys when I read Lily's story this week: the three from Broward who, in 2006, were accused of clubbing a homeless man to death with a baseball bat while he slept on a bench.

Do you think today's young animal abusers are tomorrow's criminals? Research suggests yes. A Massachusetts study, one of several cited by the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, found people who hurt animals were five times more likely to go on to hurt people.

So what can break the cycle? What punishment or intervention could help?

And are people who torture or injure pets more at risk of turning criminal than those who do the same to wildlife or other animals?

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0) | Share: