Paris Hilton can breathe a little easier...

California's Governator over the weekend vetoed a law that would have prohibited driving while holding a dog (or any animal) in your lap or in your arms. Violators could have been fined as much as $150.
This from the same Arnold Schwarzenegger who just banned texting while driving.

The legislation had been dubbed "the Paris Hilton Law," given the celebutant's practice of motoring around town with her four-legged accessories.

However, it is illegal in California to allow a dog to ride unsecured in the back of a pickup truck.
Unlike Florida.

Florida's motor vehicle laws don't address securing animals in cars or trucks. But Walton County, in the northern part of the state, did pass legislation this summer
requiring animals to either be tethered or in a carrier when in the back of open-bed vehicles. As I recall, Broward County considered a similar ordinance years ago, but never passed it.

What do you think? Does Florida, or county governments, need to deal with how drivers carry their pets? Have you seen potentially dangerous situations involving motorists and animals?

Here's the California story from the Sacremento Bee.

Schwarzenegger vetoes bill forbidding drivers to hold pets

By Jim Sanders and Kevin Yamamura
from the Sacramento Bee, Sept. 28, 2008

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation Saturday that would have banned motorists from holding a live animal in their laps or arms.

The Republican governor gave no specific explanation other than to blame his veto of Assembly Bill 2233 on the recent budget dispute.

As he has with six dozen other bills this signing period, Schwarzenegger attached a uniform four-sentence message explaining he is signing bills only of the "highest priority" during the condensed signing period caused by the 85-day budget delay.

Talk show host Rush Limbaugh and other conservatives ridiculed the lap-dog measure as excessive government and dubbed it the "Paris Hilton Bill" in honor of the celebrity dog lover.

Violators would have faced a base fine of $35, which could have risen to $150 with state and county fees.

Assemblyman Bill Maze, the bill's author, said he proposed AB 2233 after seeing a Tulare County woman driving with three dogs on her lap.
"One had its feet on the steering wheel and the other two were leaning over her left arm," said Maze, R-Visalia.

A traffic collision at 40 mph can hurtle a 25-pound dog through a vehicle with the force of a 1,000-pound object, according to a legislative analysis of the bill.

"You've got a live animal that has a mind of its own," Maze said. "It can get tangled in the steering wheel or pinned between your knees. It can create a real hazard for yourself and everyone else."

But Sacramentan Kurt Reiswig, 70, opposed the measure as a "nanny government" attempt to regulate personal behavior that should be left to common sense. Lawmakers simply can't ban every driver distraction – from eating to changing a radio station – that can divert attention from the road, he said.

"Next thing, they'll say we've got to have seat belts for the dog," Reiswig said.

Schwarzenegger signed 114 bills and vetoed 95 on Saturday. Among the bills he signed was Assembly Bill 2168 by Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, which allows chefs to buy produce from farmers markets to cook restaurant meals as long as they obtain a memo detailing the food's origin. The governor has 557 bills left to consider by Tuesday, according to spokeswoman Rachel Cameron.

The governor vetoed the lap-dog bill despite signing other restrictions in the past two years that ban drivers from text messaging and using phones without a hands-free device. State law currently allows drivers to be cited if their vision is obstructed or a distraction causes them to violate a rule of the road – but not simply for holding an animal.

Pets must be secured in the back of a pickup but can roam freely inside a vehicle.
California Highway Patrol statistics show that four people were killed and 346 others injured in collisions from 2001 to 2007 due to driver inattention caused by an animal. No breakdown exists of how many were in their owner's lap.

Critics contend that government should not dictate who sits in their lap – period.
Quieting a whining or scared pet on your lap, while driving, can be safer than to be distracted by an animal's barking, fidgeting or misbehavior in a back seat, opponents said.

Several Sacramento-area residents interviewed near a local dog park said AB 2233 would have been a positive step.
Darrin Richards, 41, said his mixed-breed dog rides in the back seat.

"If we can't drive with our cell phone, we shouldn't be able to drive with a dog in our lap, either," Richards said.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance found in a 2006 survey that 8 percent of drivers had held a pet while behind the wheel.

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Pet owners in urban South Florida often don't consider rabies a threat to their animals. But at least eight people had to receive rabies shots just last month after being bitten by a kitten, living in a feral cat colony west of Boca Raton.

World Rabies Day, coming up this Sunday and in its second year, seeks to spread information about this disease that is easily preventable. More than 600,000 animal vaccinations in 74 countries were administered last year through World Rabies Day events. In Africa, where rabies is a serious problem, most of human deaths are in children under age 15.

Rabies cases have been reported in every state except Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are especially prevalent in the country's east coast states. The disease is caused by a virus, secreted in the saliva, that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal. Only mammals can get rabies. Here is what you can do to protect your pets, from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

* Have your pets vaccinated.
* Try to keep your cats and ferrets indoors as much as possible, and supervise dogs when outside.
* Don't leave uncovered garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals.
* Teach children never to approach or touch any animal they do not know, even if it appears friendly.
* Observe wild animals from a distance and if they are acting strangely, call animal control officers.
* Do not keep wild animals as pets.

Does your pet need a rabies vaccine? Here are some inexpensive options:

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control will have a low-cost rabies clinic tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 27, at Micanopy Pavilion in Okeeheelee Park, off Forest Hill Boulevard in West Palm Beach. Cost is $15 for a rabies shot and microchip.
Click here for more information or call 561-233-1200.

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation offers rabies clinics on various Saturdays throughout the year. The next clinic is from 9 am to 4 pm, Oct. 4, at Mary Saunders Park in West Park, 4750 SW 21st St., Hollywood. Cost is $15, cash only.
Click here for more information or call 954-831-4000.

The Humane Society of Broward County is offering a mobile medical clinic, including rabies vaccinations, this Sunday (Sept. 28) in the parking lot behind the society's main building on Griffin Road. Click here for a previous post with detailed information.

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Score one for the cats!

Here's today's story, from Associated Press.

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — The famed six-toed cats at Ernest Hemingway’s island home aren’t going anywhere.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum announced Thursday it reached an agreement with the federal government that lets the 50 or so cats continue roaming the grounds, ending a five-year battle that could have resulted in them being removed or caged.

The cats descend from a cat named “Snowball” given to the novelist in 1935 and freely wander the grounds of the Spanish colonial house. All the cats carry the gene for six toes, but not all show the trait.

The home is where the Nobel prize-winning author wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not” and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Florida Keys.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the agreement. It had threatened to fine the museum $200 per day per cat — about $10,000 — saying it didn’t have the proper animal exhibition license and couldn’t qualify for one, primarily because the animals weren’t enclosed.

The museum has installed a fence to keep the animals on the one-acre property.

From 2003 until October 2007, a series of meetings between USDA and museum officials proved fruitless, said Michael Morawski, president and CEO of the museum.

Finally, about a year ago, Morawski and a USDA deputy administrator agreed to hire an independent animal behaviorist to make recommendations. Dr. Terry Curtis, from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said in a report that the cats appeared “well-cared for, healthy and content” and suggested the special fence that was installed.

“We’re excited we found a solution that protects the health and welfare of the cats while preserving the historical integrity of the Hemingway Home and Museum,” Morawski said. “That’s been our whole goal since we were notified by the USDA in 2003.”

Morawski said the museum has spent more than $250,000 for lawyers and the fence and continues to question the need for the permit. The courts might have to settle that question.

“The cats have been living on the grounds for years and we’re not a zoo, carnival or amusement park,” he said.

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Happy Friday!

Nora, named for surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, comes from an artistic family living in Philadelphia. Her mother, Betsy Alexander, is a teacher, composer and musician; her father, Burnell Yow, is an artist.

So it's not surprising that at the tender age of 4, Nora has a career -- as Nora the Piano Cat.
Yow has created several YouTube videos of Nora "playing" the piano, a beautiful Yamaha grand. The couple said they did not teach the cat this trick; she just naturally picked it up from watching Alexander give lessons and plays when the mood strikes her.

The most amazing part of this video is the "call and response" segment, about three minutes in. Betsy plays on a second piano, stops. And then Nora follows along.

Nora also has DVD, CDs and a new book, "Nora the Piano Cat's Guide to Becoming a Good Musician." You can check out her items here, on Amazon.com.

Thanks to Karen for sending me Nora's video.

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Ay carumba!

Hit dog movie often equals people scrambling to buy their own version of the star. That in turn leads to a big upswing, a few months later, of that breed ending up at animal shelters when families figure out a canine's on-screen performance doesn't translate into real life. Just ask animal welfare agencies what happened after the "101 Dalmatians" flick.

Now comes "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" set to open in theaters Oct. 3. As if Paris Hilton hadn't made life tough enough for these dogs.

Producer Disney Enterprises, however, apparently wants to head things off at the pass. The company is inviting rescue groups to advance screenings to tell potential pet parents about the breed's pros and cons, and to promote adoptions.

Get A Life Pet Rescue, which specializes in small dogs, is headlining the Chihuahua in Paradise event from 10 am to 2 pm, this Saturday (Sept. 27) at Muvico Paradise 24, 15601 Sheridan St., Davie.

Chihuahuas and their two-legged posse are invited. A prize will be given to the most dressed-up, blinged-out Gucci poochie: a $650 gift package that includes a stay at the Fur Seasons pet resort and a private portrait sitting. This canine Project Runway competition begins at 1 pm. You can find more details here.

Muvico also will be giving out free passes to a "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" screening on Tuesday.
The event is co-sponsored by HaveDog.com , a clearinghouse for South Florida doggy events and meet-ups.

The Get A Life folks will be there to answer questions and "with plenty of adorable chihuahaus and chihuahua mixes," said volunteer Stacy Narcisse. But there will be no on-the-spot adoptions: Prospective adopters must fill out an application and go through a home visit.

Narcisse hopes careful screening will stem the growing numbers of chihuahuas being surrendered at shelters.
"Unfortuantely, Paris Hilton has single-handedly caused a big problem. And she doesn't even support rescue. She just buys dogs for her friends," said Narcisse, who lives in Fort Lauderdale.

"A lot of people get chihuahuas and don't know how to care for them," Narcisse said. "Then the dog doo-doos in the Louis Vuitton handbag and the new owner says, 'No way.'."

Chihuahuas are not a family-friendly breed, according to Narcisse, and Get A Life usually will not adopt them into homes with children under age 13. Some dogs are nippers and they can become very protective, bonding with one person.

The dog's current popularity and high selling price also has lead to some over-breeding, Narcisse said, resulting in kneecap disorders and snappy temperaments. Get A Life foster home volunteers work with difficult dogs to socialize them.

"But we will have plenty of nice dogs on Saturday," she said.
So come with your own chihuahua superstar. Or think about adopting one of your own, if you and this breed are a match.

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There continues to be a lot of complaints about Nutro pet foods on the blogs and pet Web sites. This one from a Melbourne woman, which came in through the Orlando Sentinel's Animal Crazy blog, just happened over the weekend. Symptoms are the same as others have reported: diarrhea and vomiting.

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My 3-year-old Great Pyrenees, Salty, had to be rushed to the hospital on Saturday night (9/20/08) with bloody diarrhea and vomiting. He has never had stomach issues in his life. He had to stay overnight with an IV and was given all types of medicine. They diagnosed him with HGE, or Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, which is a potentially life-threatening disease. (He came home with a diagnosis of bacterial colitis also.)

I remembered that I had recently switched his food to Nutro Natural Lamb and Rice for sensitive skin due to a rash. When I got home from emergency room I looked up the Consumer Affairs page and it had so many recent entries about very seriously sick dogs with the same issues.
Since Saturday, I have spoken to friends in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and here in Florida with the very same problems.

Last night (9/21) we picked Salty up from the emergency vet and a Rottweiler was being admitted. I overheard his owner talking about his symptoms. Bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhea. I asked the owner what food she had been feeding her dog: Nutro Lamb and Rice Dry food.

Four people at work have had sick dogs -- vomiting, diarrhea issues -- and their dogs are fed Nutro Lamb and Rice dry food. One of the people just called her vet. Her vet's dog is sick and is fed Nutro also. One of the co-workers is feeding her two dogs Nutro Large Breed (not lamb and rice) and she just purchased the bag at the PetSupermarket on Palm Bay Road in Palm Bay.

Please help get the word out. Dogs could die from this and pet owners are thinking they are feeding their dogs a good product. I emailed Nutro on 9/20 and 9/22 and have not even received a response. I did file a complaint with the FDA. I am going to check my American Express bill to see when we purchased this dog food. I am asking my co-workers to do the same. So far the vet bill is about $1,000.

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Nutro is made by Mars Petcare, which just had a recall of several of their national brands due to a samonella scare (Nutro was not one of them).

The Food and Drug Administration has not announced any recent recall of Nutro products.

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From the Despicable Acts Department:

Burglars who broke into a Sunrise home Saturday night took little – but strangled one of the family’s two pet rabbits.

The would-be thieves opened the rabbit cage on the patio and took out bunny Lolo.
When the family came home, they found Lolo’s dead body outside the patio, the fur around his neck heavily ruffled, according to the Sunrise police report.

“His eyes were popped out and stuff. It looked like he had been choked. My mom was crying,” said son Anderson Baez.

The second rabbit “must have ran away,” Anderson said. They later found her in the backyard.

Police found no prints at the scene, according to the report. The family said drawers and closets had been opened, and papers gone through, but could not tell if anything was missing.

“It looked like they used gloves and stuff, police told us,” Anderson said.
Mom Rosamaria Baez told police she was willing to press charges if anyone was caught.

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NOTE: THIS IS A CORRECTION FROM LAST NIGHT'S POST. THE CLINIC IS ON SUNDAY, NOT SATURDAY.

Now there is no excuse not to get your cat or dog the medical care they need...

The Humane Society of Broward County is holding a vaccination clinic this Sunday, Sept. 28, in its mobile clinic. The van will be open from 7 am to 11 am in the parking lot behind the organization's shelter at 2070 Griffin Road, just west of Interstate 95.

Prices for vaccine packages range from $15 to $65, depending on the age of the animal and if it is neutered or spayed. (Hint: It's less expensive if you have done the right thing and made sure your pets don't unexpectedly become parents. So if you haven't taken that step, maybe this will be an incentive.)

The clinic also will be doing microchipping.

You can find a complete schedule of services and fees here, on the Humane Society Web site.
Or call 954-989-3977.

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One of the best things about having a mother: You're guaranteed at least one reader for your blog.

We always had pets as kids -- cats, turtles, fish, an armadillo. My mom continued to keep the company of cats long after her nest was empty, and she had no more kids to bug her about getting a doggy or kitty. But after she became a widow, she wanted to travel more. And she has a more active social life than I do. So she has been pet-less for more than 10 years.

I've asked her if she misses sharing her life with an animal companion and she has said no, not really. But I notice she dotes on the pets that my brother and I have, her "granddogs" and "grandcats," as she calls them. And even on dogs and cats (cats especially are her weakness) that are no relation.

Here is an e-mail she sent me last week, from an inn in the Ohio countryside, where she is staying with her friend, Bob. I think Caesar may become an honorary granddog:

Bob and I met a new friend this weekend. His name is Caesar. He is a border collie and can he herd!

The cows move down the path about 100 feet and then again stop to eat. Caesar watches impatiently. Then off he goes, squeezing under the fence again to nip at their heels. They finally move on. Caesar relaxes, his job complete.

Do any of you enjoy the companionship of other people's animals if you are not able to have pets of your own? Do you have "granddogs" or "grandcats?"

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Good news: Lizzie, a yellow Labrador up for adoption through Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, got snapped up before I could post her photo -- even though she was 6 years old.
It's great to see that people aren't afraid of adopting older pets. Hoping Lizzie and her new forever family will have many wonderful years together.

But sadly, Beau still is looking for that happy home.

You may remember that we did a Rescue Me post on Beau about two months ago.
He's a young, between 1 and 2 years old, a beautiful black Lab about to be euthanized at a Miami shelter. No one knows why his owners abandonned him.

His foster family says Beau is smart, fun-loving and well-behaved. His only issue: He was born with front feet that turn out very dramatically. But his vet says this should not affect Beau's health and lifespan in any way.
Surely, Beau's funny-looking feet can't be the reason people won't give this sweet dog a second chance?

Please keep reading for the original post about Beau, and information about how to adopt him from LRRoF.

RESCUE ME PET: Beau
RESCUE GROUP: Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (LRRoF)
BASICS: Black Lab

HIS STORY: Beau is between 1 1/2 and 2 years old. He was at a Miami animal shelter, on the list to be euthanized, when he was spotted by a volunteer with a pug rescue group who had come to get a dog facing a similar fate. The pug group tried to find Beau a home for several months, with no success. "People were coming to see pugs and not interested in a Lab. I don't know why!" says Beau.

Pug Rescue contacted LRRoF when Beau's foster family went north for the summer. Beau now is being fostered by a North Miami Beach family.

PERSONALITY: Beau is energetic, smart and loves everyone and everything: Cats, dogs, birds turtles and especially people. He is housebroken and very well-behaved. He enjoys trips in the car and going to the dog park and hunting lizards in the back yard.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Beau has a slight handicap: He was born with front feet that turn out very dramatically. His vet says it shouldn't affect Beau's lifespan or health in any way, and his foster mom says he can run and play just like any dog.

TO ADOPT: "I just need to find a family that loves me for me and doesn't look only at my front legs," says Beau. If you are interested in adopting this special dog, click here for the LRRoF Web site and go to "online adoption application."

You will be asked to pay a non-refundable $25 application fee, which is applied toward the adoption fee. The nearest LRRoF volunteer then will contact you and ask you more about your history with animals and your expectations of the new dog. There is a home visit.
You can find more details, and fees, on the organization’s Web site. LRRoF dogs are spayed or neutered and microchipped.

LRRoF is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to placing purebred Labrador retrievers in loving permanent homes, and is run entirely by volunteers. The group has placed over 2,400 dogs since 2000.

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RESCUE GROUP FYI: Most rescue organizations, including Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, have fees and specific requirements for adoptions.

Many rescue groups and shelters do family screenings before placing an animal and some require home visits. Some retain the right to reclaim the animal if certain conditions agreed to are not followed. Please make sure you understand all of an organization's requirements, its screening process, and the conditions under which an animal may be reclaimed or returned by the new owner before entering into any adoption.

Sit, Stay, Speak! is proud of the many rescue groups in our area, and the dedicated members who work hard to find good homes for abandonned, abused and neglected pets. If you are a rescue group or nonprofit shelter: Send us an e-mail to dlade@sun-sentinel.com and we will feature one of your adoptable pets on Rescue Me.

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One of the interesting things about being a companion animal blogger is the endless array of newfangled products that cross your e-desk. Dogs and cat owners appear to be edging out children of aging parents as the next hot target market, and I am astounded at the stuff (some of it useless, some not) being generated to nibble at our wallets.

"During the upcoming holiday season, it's even more acceptable to splurge on your four-legged life mates," one promoter, apparently unaware that we're living in an area hard hit by that thing we don't want to call a recession, cooed in her product pitch. Gee, my two-legged life mate probably is getting a T-shirt from Target this holiday.

In the past two weeks, I have received promos for:
* PetPeepers: Diapers, complete with tail holes, for incontinent dogs and cats. At least this has a practical application, as more companion animals are living longer or with disabilities that makes traditional pet potty practices impossible. And this product is sold by people who are serious about helping handicapped pets.

Starting at $12.95 for a 10-pack, PetPeepers are more expensive than what you'll use on your kid. Go the Web site and you can get a free trial diaper for $1.75 in shipping, and see if its worth it.
I have to admit: The thought of wrestling a cat into a diaper (see unintentionally funny photo) sent me into hysterics. That thing would be Kleenex confetti in a minute flat.

* From Turchin Love & Light Jewelry: A $895 handmade dog leash, and coordinating $250 collar, made of alligator skin with "silver embellishments." The Miami company even can arrange for you to have your purchased blessed by Buddhist monks.

David, please note: I know you spoil our cats rotten. But any jewelry in our household is going around my neck.

* Finally: Here's something for when barking isn't enough.
Poochie-Bells., the Original Designer Dog Doorbell (so says the press packet) looks like an oversized collar festoned with several bells and a silver dog bone charm. You hang it on your doorknob and supposedly, your pup will ring the bell when he/she wants to go out, rather than resort to the usual tacky whining.

Of course, this requires some training. Which is why there are no Kitty-Bells.
Poochie-Bells come in a variety of prices, sizes and colors to suit every taste: Those in the Country Club Collection, featuring preppy prints, run about $25.

Happy shopping! If any of you try these must-haves, let me know and we'll post a Pet Tested review.

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We're in the heart of summer storm season. And if thunder and lightning make you nervous, imagine what it does to some poor dogs.

Storm phobias are a common behavior issue that many pet owners face. A 2001 article from the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, reporting on a survey of pet parents, suggested herding dogs such as collies and German shepherds, and hounds such as beagles and bassets, may be more likely to suffer storm phobias.

Rescued animals also may be more at risk, perhaps due to previous abuse, poor socialization or bad experiences. Our cat Frances Jeanne, who spent Hurricane Frances abandonned and crying under my co-workers house, is anxious whenever bad weather is raging outside our windows. Some dogs -- such as the now famous Marley, from the book Marley and Me -- are driven to panic by storms, shredding furniture and carpets, and even breaking windows.

Our natural reaction would be to "comfort" our stressed-out dog, but animal behaviorists advise against this, as it sounds like praise to your pup -- further increasing his anxiety and convincing him something is wrong. Instead, try to act as normal as possible.
Some vets suggest trying calming pheromones, which can be dispersed through a diffuser or be put in a container that attaches to your pets collar. Create a "safe haven" in a crate, where you pet can go during a storm. You can try "white noise," such as running a fan or playing a radio softly. Medication may be needed, although usually a last resort.

But you also could try another path: A jacket, or wrap, designed to quiet your dog.
The Storm Defender is a red cape, with a metallic lining that reduces the static charge that can build up in a dog's fur due to lightning. The cape works on the theroy that the static makes the animal anxious, as he associates it with the approaching storm.
Price: $54.99 to $64.99, with a guaranteed refund if it doesnt' work.

Below is a MSNBC-TV clip about storm-phobias, including a demonstration of the Storm Defender.

Somewhat similar to the Storm Defender cape is the Anxiety Wrap.
No metallic lining here. The wrap, which looks like a tight sweatshirt, calms your pet and helps him focus by maintaining a gentle pressure on the body, its creator says.

Price: $64.99 to $74.99. There are models for dogs and cats.

Want more info on storm phobias and dogs?

Here is an excellent article from PetEducation.com that gives a lot of details about what causes phobias and how you can help you dog overcome them.

Some methods involve behavior modification, however. So consult with your vet so you can follow the right routine.

So: Anyone out there tried any of these jacket, wrap devices? Do they work? Any other tips on helping our pets deal with storm phobias?
A glass of chardonnay may work for me but, alas, no good for them.

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Happy Friday!

During my pre-lunch procrastination break, I got a chance to look at this video TJ sent to me last week. Now my co-workers are totally disgusted: I laughed so hard, Diet Coke came out my nose.

Clever clever, those digital technology ad people...
(No cats were harmed in the making of this video). Enjoy!

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So ya think ya bird can take on the bright lights in the Big City?

WebVet, the newly launched Web site that is relentlessly striving to be the WebMD for pets, this week launched its "Birds on Broadway 2008" contest. If your little tweety can sing like a canary -- or dance like Michael Jackson used to -- submit a two-minute video to WebVet by clicking here. Submissions accepted through Oct. 14.

Then, in American Idol fashion, the public will get to vote on their favorites by going to the site between Oct. 21 through Oct. 28.

The campaign was kicked off this week in, where else, but Times Square. Here's a video featuring cockatoo Lola (she was a showgirl!) eyeing the action at 47th Street.

Broadway may be in the title but, no, the winner doesn't get a guest spot in "Mama Mia!" Just $2,500 and a chance to wing their way through live appearances for WebVet.

At least it's nice that with all the attention paid to dogs and cats, someone is remembering that birds are pets, too. WebVet hopes that the contest will encourage owners to spend more time interacting with their budding stars, something avian specialists say keeps birds healthy.

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From the US Food and Drug Administration

Mars Petcare US recalls multiple brands of dog and cat food, including Pedigree, Ol 'Roy and Special Kitty.

Reason: These products may be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. This pathogen also can be passed to people, especially young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The suspect food came from the company's Everson, PA. plant, which stopped production "as a precautionary measure" in July after two plant workers contracted salmonella, a Mars spokesperson said.
Mars did not say how many units have been recalled, but the products were sold in 31 states.

Description: The brands recalled include: Country Acres, Members Mark, Natural Cat Food (Sam's Club), Ol' Roy, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition, Red Flannel, Retriever, Special Kitty and Wegman's. But only certain products in these lines are recalled, not the entire brand.
Affected products will have "17" as the first two digits of the second line on the UPC. Affected Pedigree products will have "PAE" on the bottom line.

Sold by: Sam's Club and multiple retail outlets nationwide.

Return policy: Consumers can return this product to where it was purchased for a refund. For more information, call the company at 877-568-4463.

Click here for a complete list of recalled brands and details on how to read the UPC codes.

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Hey, I'm back. Thanks for your patience, SSS! readers!

Emily wrote while I was away, asking what kind of litter she should get her cat that she is having declawed tomorrow. Do any of you have suggestions?

I saw some recommendations for Yesterday's News, by Purina. Made of recycled newspapers (gee, and people say the newspaper business has no future), it supposedly is less harsh on tender paws.

But dear Emily:
What I really would like to recommend to you is rethink having this surgery performed on your cat. Because it is surgery, and painful surgery. It's not a manicure. Those paws indeed will be tender.

I recognize that living with a feline that loves nothing more than destroying your furniture can be maddening. Our living room couch hasn't looked the same since Frances Jeanne came to stay.

But there truly are ways to manage clawing without resorting to something that is painful, cruel -- and may possibly alter your cat's behavior for life. We put a double-sided sticky film (available in many pet stores) on spots that Franny seems to prefer. The texture doesn't feel right to her, so she doesn't scratch.We also have scratching posts -- both vertical and horizontal, and different sizes -- scattered everywhere throughout the house.

And if she goes after something that isn't critical, we just let her destroy it. Franny LOVES scratching the telephone directory that sits on the telephone stand. Big deal. We'll get another when she finishes shredding it.
As for the couch? We've just decided to live with the one we've got while Franny is a member of our household. We'll throw a slipcover over it when we have company.

And we cover all of our upholstered surfaces, which have a texture that makes cats want to scratch it, with old towels and sheets. It doesn't look too classy. But it saved a large ottoman by the window that is Franny's favorite place to sleep.

Declawing literally is removing the first joint from the cat's toes. It would be like taking off the first joint of your own finger. The procedure has been banned from the United Kingdom and some veterinarians here won't do it.

There is a lot of information out there about declawing.
Click here to read one that covers a lot of details about what the surgery involves, and things you can try to alter scratching behavior rather than declaw.

It also has a link to an interesting article at the end, by a vet technician, on what she sees when she cares for a patient that was just declawed. I hope you'll read it.

I'm not trying to be judgmental. But if you love your cat, Emily, please reconsider. You and your cat will be grateful.

Do you have an opinion about declawing? And do you have any other suggestions how Emily can get her cat to stop scratching?

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Sorry, folks. Gotta take a blog break for a couple days.
I have a big project due.

In the meantime: Here's video of that New Bedford, MA. firefighter (the one we wrote about yesterday) saving a cat with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Thanks to SSS! reader Fred for this one.

And please cross your fingers for all creatures great and small in the path of Hurricane Ike, as it moves toward landfall in Texas.

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A story from the Associated Press today, on a cat trapped in a burning building that was saved by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from a firefighter, points to something most of us don't think about:

Does your fire department have what it takes to save your pets?

I don't mean the determination or the training. I'm talking about the right gear:

Animal-sized oxygen masks.

People-sized masks don't properly fit dogs and cats. So firefighters must try to revive pets with "mouth-to-snout" breathing or by waving a regular oxygen mask under the animal's nose. Pet-sized masks, however, are the most effective way of delivering life-saving oxygen. And more departments are getting them, with one in three American households now having pets.

But they are expensive. So in some cases, local animal welfare groups or breed clubs have stepped up and donated the equipment.

Best Friends Pet Care, a Connecticut-based company, has started a matching grant program that has placed thousands of masks in fire stations around the country. There are no Best Friends franchises here in South Florida. But click here for their Web site and information about starting a fundraising drive for masks on your own.

Here's today's story on the "mouth-to-meow-th" rescue in Massachusetts.

And keep reading for a 2005 story I did on animal oxygen masks and how a Boynton Beach firefighter saved a dog with one.

Mouth to Meow-th: Mass. firefighter revives cat with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation By Associated Press 11:26 AM EDT, September 11, 2008 NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) _ A lucky cat owes one of its nine lives to a firefighter who revived it with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Al Machado rescued the cat from a burning apartment Tuesday, telling The Standard Times of New Bedford that he saw immediately that it needed air.

Machado began performing mouth to mouth on the animal as he carried it outside.

Video shot at the scene shows Machado bent over, breathing into the cat's mouth several times. The cat, a tiger angora, was revived and resting comfortably soon after.

No humans were injured in the fire. A man and woman whose last known address was the building that burned were arrested and charged with arson, authorities said.
Two other cats died in the second-floor apartment, but two dogs there were saved with the help of oxygen from paramedics and animal rescue personnel. Pets on the other two floors — including a ferret and even some frogs on the first floor — were all saved.

Asked what it tasted like to give mouth-to-mouth to a cat, Machado laughed, grimaced and said: "Like fur."

SAVING LIVES BECOMES A PET PROJECT
EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING ENABLE RESCUERS TO DEAL WITH CATS AND DOGS.
Date: Friday, June 3, 2005
Byline: By Diane C. Lade

Boynton Beach Firefighter William Drumm, feeling his way through the smoke-filled house, finally found her unconscious in the master bathroom's shower, as far as she had been able to get away from the fire.
Her legs were stiff, her tongue protruded, and he thought she was dead -- until she suddenly drew a shallow breath.
Scooping her up, Drumm rushed outside and fitted an oxygen mask over her muzzle. By the time the ambulance was headed to the veterinarian, Diva the pit bull was recovered enough to snap playfully at her canine-sized mask.

Firefighters and other rescue personnel often find that human beings aren't the only accident victims. Like their human owners, pets also are injured or die in house fires, car crashes or falls.
With one out of every three U.S. households estimated to include a dog or cat, fire departments and rescue workers increasingly are likely to learn animal lifesaving techniques or carry emergency equipment such as pet-sized oxygen masks.

"We don't have any statistics. But it seems like there is more of this technology out there, and we definitely feel that it's helpful," said Sharon Granskog, spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, a professional organization with 72,000 national members.
Incidents involving pets have become common enough that several fire-rescue units in Palm Beach County now are carrying the animal oxygen masks.

Pet owner clubs and animal-rescue groups are raising money so they can purchase the equipment for their local fire departments. The Cause for Paws campaign, started in July by Best Friends Pet Care, a Connecticut company, has raised almost $10,000 and has placed more than 1,224 pet masks in 60 fire departments across nine states.

The Boca Raton Dog Club donated the masks carried by Boca Raton Fire-Rescue units.
"Luckily, we haven't had to use them yet, since no pets have needed our help. It was a nice gift," Public Information Officer Frank Correggio said.
Correggio said several medics on the city's SWAT team have been trained in animal emergency medicine, as the team uses police dogs that could be injured on duty.

During the past three months, the Boynton Beach Fire Department has three times responded to fires that involved animals, including Diva's April 27 rescue.
"She was completely overcome by smoke. A couple more minutes, and she would have been gone," Drumm said.
It was the first time he had used the special masks, donated to the department about a year ago.

"When we first go in, we concentrate on human life," said Steve Lewis, the department's public relations officer. "But if it's safe for us to do so, we'll go back in for a pet."
Firefighters say pet owners are often so frantic, they sometimes risk their own safety to save their four-legged companions.

Lauren Bond, disaster response program coordinator for the Humane Society of the United States, has been a volunteer firefighter in Maryland for six years. She remembers one woman who ran back into her house five times to save her boxer puppies.
"The dogs were fine, but we took her to the hospital for smoke inhalation," Bond said.

The Humane Society has a new course that teaches first responders, such as police officers and firefighters, how to deal with animals. The program discusses ways responders can protect themselves from bites or attacks, as well as how to help pets and their owners in emergencies and disasters, Bond said.

Pet oxygen masks come three to a set; small, medium and large. Previously, firefighters would try to revive pets by waving a regular oxygen mask near the animal's nose or by "mouth to snout" resuscitation, holding the animal's mouth closed and breathing into its nostrils.
The animal masks, however, fit snugly over the muzzle. "It's the most effective for delivering 100 percent oxygen," said Tim Fry, captain of the Boca Raton Ocean Rescue unit. If the animal isn't breathing, however, mouth-to-snout still is preferable, he said.

Fry, an animal lover who lives with four adopted dogs and one adopted rabbit, also is certified to teach the Red Cross pet CPR and first-aid course. First offered three years ago, Fry now has a class every month in south Palm Beach County.
Covered are basic CPR and resuscitation, the "doggie Heimlich" maneuver, wound care and how to spot life-threatening medical problems such as hypoglycemia.

Some might question why professionals would spend time trying to save pets or animals. But it makes perfect sense to many paramedics and firefighters, especially those who have their own pets.
"People love their animals a lot. For some of them, it's like their family, especially the older people," Drumm said. "They lose them, and it's pretty traumatic."

For more information about animal safety and planning for your pet in disasters, go to the Humane Society of the United States Web site at www.hsus.org or the American Veterinary Medical Association Web site at www.avma.org.For information about local American Red Cross classes on pet first aid and CPR, go to www.redcross-pbc.org,or call 561-833-7711.

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Love my dog, love me?

Hank, a roommate in a large house I shared with seven other students one college summer, always said Justin was the ultimate chick magnet.

Justin was Hank's handsome white German shepherd. All Hank had to do was tie a bandana around Justin's huge neck, snap on his leash and take him for a walk -- preferably at the park that bordered the women's college, where debutants accompanied by their horses went for their higher education. Hank and Justin always came back with a few numbers.

This ploy can be yours.

The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is holding a Dog Walking Day in the Park, Bark Bark and getting some exercise isn't the only goal. The event is part of the JCC's singles program.

The walk begins at 6 pm this Sunday (Sept. 14) at Pooch Pines in Okeeheelee Park, 77715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. It's open to dog lovers age 21 to 45 (and for dogs of all ages, I suppose). To RSVP, e-mail TamaraL@JCConline.com.

So just curious: Anyone out there made a love connection at the dog park?

My co-worker Laura attracted the attention of her future husband as she drove around town with her giant mastiff, Tara, in the back seat. Now that's how to stop traffic.

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From the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission:

About 223,000 SlyDog retractable dog leashes are being voluntarily recalled by the importer, Worldwise Inc. of San Rafael, CA. The product was made in China.

Reason: The metal clasp connecting the leash to the collar can break, injuring dog owners.
There are five injuries reported so far, including facial cuts and a broken tooth.
(Note: If dogs were being injured or killed, this CPSC-conducted recall would not be happening. The agency has no jurisdiction over pet products).

Description: The leash retracts into a blue plastic case with a black plastic grip. The leash itself is a woven black strap.

Sold by: Dollar Stores nationwide from September 2007 through August 2008 for $5.

Return policy: Consumers can return this product to Worldwise for a full refund, including shipping costs. For more information, call the company at 888-296-3807.
Or click here for more information from the manufacturer.

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This from SSS! reader Linda, who has written several times before about Nutro pet food.

The Pet Food Product Safety Alliance had private testing done on samples believed to be Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice and Oatmeal Formula, and Nutro Max Puppy. The alliance says levels of copper were found in both foods that were above levels recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which crafts guidelines for producing animal food.

Copper can cause health problems in some dog breeds.

The alliance also questioned the food's zinc content. While the amounts feel within AAFCO's guidelines, those amounts are 10 times higher than what would be recommend for human adults, based on body weight.
The symptoms of zinc toxicity “are consistent with the majority of those reported by consumers suspecting problems believed to be associated with feeding Nutro dry dog food,” according to the alliance.

Click here for a link, also in the alliance post, from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia on zinc toxicity.

Click here for a full discussion, from the Pet Food Products Safety Alliance, on it's latest Nutro test results.

The Pet Food Product Safety Alliance was started by Don Earl of Port Townsend, WA. A retired real estate developer, he believes his cat, Chuckles, died from eating tainted pet food last year, when millions of pet food products were recalled. Earl said he offered to send Chuckles’ food to the Federal Food and Drug Administration for testing, but the agency declined.

Earl later filed a petition in federal court, calling for the FDA to “perform its duty” and investigate if other toxins, besides melamine, contaminated the food.

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Oakland Park officials have agreed to humanely deal with the feral cat colony that has taken up residence at the city's public works building. But instead of TNR -- feral cat lingo for "trap, neuter and release" -- the city will trap, neuter and relocate.

Here is the update from Sun Sentinel reporter Juan C. Ortega.

OAKLAND PARK-- After city officials debated how to deal with wild cats on city property, they agreed to let a cat-rescue group trap and relocate the felines.

Volunteers from Cat Rescue Inc. will move the cats from the city’s Public Works Operations building, 5100 NE 12th Terrace, and have them spayed or neutered. At a recent public meeting, Assistant City Manager Pam Himelberger said the cats would be taken to a feral cat colony elsewhere in the city.

Some animal lovers at the meeting lauded the city’s decision to hire the rescue group.
The city wanted a humane solution for the cats after it earlier this year arranged for animal control workers to pick up nine feral cats that later were euthanized.

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With the Dow taking a sharp dip last week, most of us are looking to save a few pennies. From SSS! reader Karen Kirwan, of Plantation, comes a suggestion for a make-it-yourself toy that your cat and your wallet will love.

Here’s Karen’s comments. And thanks for the Pet Tested tip!

This is King and his 'drug sock' - that's what we call his catnip.

Anyway King will pick this sock up and drag it between his legs in some strange arched body movement. He'll make it all over the house doing this and he'll make funny whining noises at the same time. It is really funny to watch.

Got a pet product or toy that your animal friend loves -- or hates? Write a review for Pet Tested. You can email it to: dlade@sun-sentinel.com.

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We don't like Ike!!!

State officials second that emotion. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson has just announced the state is suspending requirements for transporting animals across state lines, in hopes it will encourage Florida residents not to leave their pets behind or their large animals unattended.

Georgia and Alabama also have agreed to accept livestock evacuated from Florida.

The suspension only applies to those living in regions expected to be impacted by Hurricane Ike.

If your a pet owner, you need to start scrambling if you live in Ike's predicted path but don't know where you can go that will accept your animals. Remember that most Red Cross shelters in our area do not allow pets, and you need to be registered to go to one of the pet friendly shelters.

Click here for a previous SSS! post on pet-friendly shelters:

Click here for another previous post that has a good link to a listing of pet-friendly hotels.

And keep reading for more tips just released from the state Department of Agriculture.

Stay safe, all.

First thing on my to-do list tomorrow is to get a mild kitty Valium from our vet, in case we have to evacuate and cannot get Frances Jeanne into her lovely new spacious crate (which is very likely.) I hope Dr. Cindi puts an extra pill in there for me. :-)

PETS AND SMALL ANIMAL SAFETY

-- Keep ID tags and vaccinations up to date.

-- When evacuating, bring proper identification and health papers with you.

-- Prepare a pet evacuation kit, including food and water for one week, a manual can opener, medications, medical/vaccination records, a pet carrier, and bedding.
If evacuated, properly secure animals in the vehicle.

-- If you plan to board a pet, make written arrangements in advance.

-- Contact hotels and motels along your evacuation route to check policies on accepting pets and keep the list handy.

HORSES AND LIVESTOCK

-- Keep vaccinations and other health requirements up to date.

-- If possible, make arrangements in advance for evacuation of horses. Know where you can take your horses for shelter along your evacuation route.

-- Make sure your horse trailer is "ready to go" or other transport arrangements are prepared well in advance.

-- Carry your vaccination record, Coggins test and health papers with you as well as handling equipment.

-- Have a point of destination before departure and be sure to evacuate as soon as possible to avoid traffic delays.

IF EVACUATION IS NOT POSSIBLE:

-- Reinforce your barn, and outbuildings with hurricane straps and other measures.

-- Open gates or remove fencing so that animals may move to high ground in a flood and to low-lying areas during high winds.

-- Install a hand pump and obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week.

-- Identify alternate water and power sources. A generator with a safely stored supply of fuel may be essential, especially if you have electrical equipment necessary to the well being of your animals.

-- Secure or remove anything that could become blowing debris.

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Bob, a good friend of my family's, just forwarded me one of those viral e-mails that's making the rounds. Turns out this one is true. And it contains information all dog owners need to know.

The note, from an indentified woman, talks abut how her dachshund Chloe scarfed down a pack of sugarless gum -- a move that could have killed her dog.

Many sugarless products contain xylitol. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the substance can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar if eaten by dogs, leading to depression, a loss of coordination and seizures.

There also appears to be a link between liver failure and xylitol.

Dr, Eric Dunayer, a toxicology specialist at the center, told the Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association in 2006 that the center was starting to hear of cases where symptoms occured even when dogs ate smaller amounts of the artificial sweetner. In these instances, the signs of problems might be delayed as much as 12 hours.

Bottom line: If your dog gets into your sugarless gum, candy or baked goods, call your veterinarian immediately.

You also can get more information at the ASPCA Poison Control Center by clicking here.

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Happy Friday!

If you live with a cat, you'll be able to relate. Don't we secretly love them because they aren't afraid to let us have it when they feel like it??
Cool song, too.

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Dipped Jewitt, a Cleveland resident who never has been to the polls, received a voter registration application from a nonpartisan group recently. But will she register Democat or Republicat?

Here’s the story, from The Plain Dealer.com
(photo by Scott Shaw)

Voter registration mailing misguided, cat receives application

Posted by Brian Albrecht
September 03, 2008 20:45PM

Dipped the cat may have an independent streak, but that won't be enough to get her past poll workers on Election Day. The feline's owners recently received a voter registration application addressed to Dipped from a national group called USAction Education Fund.

Dipped Jewitt has the purrfect opportunity to make sure the interests of pets are represented in the upcoming election.

She recently was given the chance to vote via mailed registration materials sent by the USAction Education Fund, which describes itself as a national nonprofit, nonpartisan group that has organized voter-registration drives since 2004.

But there's one problem -- Dipped Jewitt is a cat. She received the voter registration application, addressed to her, at her former domicile in Cleveland where her owner, Jeff Jewitt, 54, runs Homestead Finishing Products.

Initially taken aback by the application, thinking it was a joke, Jewitt of Strongsville gamely noted that since Dipped is 6 years old "in cat years, I guess she'd be of voting age."

He said Dipped, named for markings that make the black cat look like it was dipped feet-first in white paint, is a good mouser. So she would likely be good at smelling out a rat in political wannabes, Jewitt said.

And though he's not sure if Dipped leaned to "Democat" or "Republicat" candidates, Jewitt and his wife, Susan, 55, figured the feline's fiercely independent streak would hold true at the polls.
Jeff Jewitt can only guess that the cat's monicker must have shown up on a computerized list from some bygone brush he had with an Internet site where he entered Dipped's name.

Probably true, according to David Elliott, USAction communications director, who said the group used a list of names from a vendor for about a million voter-registration mailings sent across the country this year. "Unfortunately, vendor lists aren't perfect," he added.

Dipped's application came with a prepaid-postage envelope to be mailed to the Ohio secretary of state's office in Columbus.

Jeff Ortega, department spokesman, said USAction is one of several organizations mailing out voter-registration packets to Ohio voters. He said the group's application is perfectly valid -- for human voters.
Ortega also checked and found no Dipped Jewitt on the official state roster of voters.

Jeff Jewitt has no plans to complete and submit the form on behalf of Dipped. His wife said the cat would probably treat the application as it does any other paper product -- chew it up, spit it out.
Everyone else has until Oct. 6 to register. And as it's often said, every vote counts.

Except Dipped's.

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Frances Jeanne and Dolan have decided that, hey, maybe dogs aren't so bad after all!

My feline pair got a blog shout out from Lulu and Lolly, the road-tripping Maltese pups whose Rescue Dog Rock video we featured on SSS! last Friday.

And I got an interesting e-mail from Cynthia Miller, Lulu and Lolly's mom, who has novel ideas on marketing animal rescue to teens and young people. This photo from the 2009 calendar says it all.

But more on that in a minute.
First, here's Lulu and Lolly's post to my kitties!

Thanks to Dolan, a 12-year old feline food-aholic, and Frances Jeanne, two cats who have an outstanding life, for encouraging their human, Diane Lade, to put our video on the Sit, Stay, Speak at Sun-Sentinel.com! Diane has said that Dolan and Frances Jeanne "refuse to get good-paying jobs," to which we say, "OF COURSE they refuse to get good-paying jobs" -- work (werk? sp?) is a disease. You should have a CAREER, which Dolan and Frances Jeanne have: their career is eating. But not a JOB. Love, your career-oriented paLs, LuLu and LoLLy!

The 2009 LuLu and LoLLy calendar, featuring fun photos of these girls doing everything from motorcycling to skydiving, is available now for $13.99. Click here for ordering info. Proceeds go to different animal welfare organizations. The one being featured for the next six weeks is Animal Rescue of New Orleans.

Your pets can converse with L and L as well through their Dog Blog -- or, as they say, their "Dlog." Click here to sound off. You can send photos, too.

As for Cynthia, who lives in Austin, TX and says her "real job" is producing political media:
She got interested in promoting pet adoption -- and getting the word out about puppy mills -- after she got Lolly from a rescue. But wanted to try something fun, lighthearted and catchy. And she wanted to get the attention of younger women, the ones more likely to buy the designer dogs favored by celebutants.

Keep reading for her take on marketing animal rescue to young people.

This from Cynthia Miller:

After I adopted Lolly, I started asking friends of mine who
were buying dogs, why they weren't considering a rescue option.

"Ohhhh, that's so sad, I don't know, I just can't deal with that," seemed to
be the response over and over. I started thinking about all of this,
researching it ... Because I'm in advertising I already had experience
thinking about communication.

The upshot is that I became convinced that while the sad messages that pull on heartstrings have an important role (appeal to compassion, and compassion is enough to cause action) -- happiness is a very powerful motivator too. Nothing like that hit of dopamine to make you want to do something fun again!

So I thought OK, what if we can draw people in with funny stuff ... And then on the back end, once they're "in," mention that hey, Lolly's actually a rescue. Rescue dog = happy, fun, pink.

Pink. As you can tell, everything in L and L world is very "pink." That was deliberate: part of my thinking is that it's a lot easier to change a younger generation than an older generation, so I wanted in particular to try to reach young women.

This is because one troublesome thing that's happening, starting about three, four years ago. Young women/teenage girls starting seeing the Jessica Simpsons, Paris Hiltons, etc. of the world with what I call "accessory dogs." Maltese, Malti-poos -- breeds like these were snapped up by teens and younger females. A few years later, when it turns out that the accessory (DOG!) needs to have vet care, grooming, and oh, by the way, my new boyfriend lives in an apartment where pets aren't allowed -- the dogs are dumped.

Mary Palmer from Northcentral Rescue in Wisconsin (we raised money for that Maltese rescue group, they're one of the largest nationwide), is very involved in Maltese rescue, and really educated me on how this had been happening. She's been involved nationally for years, and she said that every time a breed becomes "fashionable" with celebs, the rescue community
groans, knowing that they will see the results in a few years.

I have a horror about ANY dog being dumped; what's even more shocking, in a way, with
these small boutique breeds, is that people have paid a lot of money for them to begin with. And then boom. Just like wanting a new handbag ... Dump.

My long term wish would be that L and L were funny and engaging enough that we
can "talk" to people and get ideas in their heads, in a fun, easy to swallow, but provocative way -- and again, with a particular eye toward younger women who may be tempted to make the "accessory" purchase.

Already I will tell you that after I was in Ladies Home Journal in June, I got emails that blew my mind and confirmed I was onto something. I got emails that said things like: "I've had dogs for 14 years, and I love them so much, but I never thought about adopting. I was totally inspired by the article about L and L -- and I'm going to get involved in my rescue community."

Wow. Right there, people who absolutely love dogs, but didn't plug into the rescue stuff until she they sucked in by some funny pictures and a happy story. People who were tuning OUT all the sad and grim messaging.

Trying to get right at the issues that lead to dumping dogs in the first place. I'd like to do some broader messaging about those issues in the future. It's all supply and demand. Puppy breeders supply because there is a demand. Then humans don't learn how to communicate with their pets properly, they don't think about what they're getting into, and boom. Abuse
and rescue increases.

I certainly don't flatter myself that a kajillion people are reading my stuff. But I have to go with the attitude that if ten people think twice, and develop a new attitude, that they will then pass that attitude forward. And if that means even one more doggy life is saved, then it's worth it.

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The Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (LRRoF) calendar for 2009 is out!

So click here and see if your favorite Lab photo made the cut.
You may remember that LRRoF ran a "calendar search" contest, and the public was invited to vote for their favorite.

All of the dogs are rescues. And I loved the two representing August. But honest, all of them are winners.

The calendar is $20, with proceeds going to LRRoF.

And: LRRoF is a regular on the SSS! Rescue Me series. So check back here at the blog for beautiful Labs of all ages and colors, looking for a forever home.

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For anyone following the caterwauling regarding the feral cat colony encamped at the City of Oakland Park's Public Works Operations building...

City Manager John Stunson will give city commissioners an update tonight on how the city might handle the issue humanely.

Supposedly, some city workers had complained that up to 25 cats were calling the yard outside their building home, spreading fleas and bringing bad odors. Supervisors asked employees to stop feeding the felines, in hopes they would go elsewhere. When that didn't work, nine cats were trapped and handed over to county animal officials, who euthanized the animals.

Then the fur (and the e-mails) really started flying.
Cat lovers, supported by Commissioner Suzanne Boisvenue, have been pushing for what's called TNR -- the trap, neuter and release policy that allows feral cats, which often can't be domesticated, to live outdoors without aggravating the problem by having more kittens.

The meeting starts at 6:30 pm but the cat crisis is way down the agenda, at number 35. Expect a packed house.

Click here to read the original story.

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Veterinarians are concerned that ongoing difficulties with the economy may mean pet owners will cut back on preventive care for their animals, according to an Aug. 15 article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (click here to read it)

Here's Mack's e-mail to me earlier this week about poor Mollie:

"I picked up another little sweetheart on Thursday of last week. The owner was listing her free to a good home on Craigslist. Dog has a cancerous tumor as big as golf ball on her face.

"She saw a specialist today, who believes he can remove it but it will be costly. The owners let that mass sit on her face for a YEAR and now the surgery is very tricky because the only way to remove it safely is to also remove her perfectly healthy right eye."

I understand how it is to feel overwhelmed by the cost of an animal's medical emergency. I once had to borrow some money from a boyfriend in order to pay for my cat's kidney surgery. But these people advertised their sick dog on Craigslist??

Here is an update on Mollie from Mack today:

"Just heard from the surgeon this morning. He is not going forward with surgery. They detected a heart murmur that was quite severe. As a result, they took X-rays which found an enlarged heart. She would most likely gone into heart failure had they put her under anesthesia.

"So, we have to determine if the heart can be improved just so she can have the cancer surgery. Doesn't look good."

Will keep you posted. At least Mollie is with people now who will try to help her.

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Just when I’m convinced we (the human “we”) never learn anything, something comes along that makes me rethink that stance.

Take the recent response to Hurricane Gustav.
Not only did a record number of Louisiana residents (including my brother’s family) hit the road as the storm drew near. Most were able to take their animals with them. It was a far different scenario than what unfolded pre and post-Katrina, which struck New Orleans almost a year ago to the day that Gustav arrived.

I remember having to watch, over and over again, the video clip where a crying young boy leaves behind his tiny dog, Snowball, as he’s hustled onto a bus evacuating residents from the city. The final shot is Snowball, jumping toward the bus steps as the door slams shut.

Didn’t see that kind of footage this year.

Animal welfare organizations from around the country joined forces to give residents options as Gustav approached. They assisted with evacuating hundreds of dogs and cats from shelters in threatened areas, including New Orleans, to safer quarters.

Here is a video from the Humane Society of the United States about one of three massive temporary shelters that were set up before Gustav. This one in Shreveport could accommodate up 1,000 dogs and cats, with housing nearby for their owners.

More people living in hurricane-prone areas seem to be including their pets in their disaster planning. Both Broward and Palm Beach counties have pet-friendly emergency shelters, although some have questioned if they are large enough if a serious storm threatens.

Disaster housing for pets doesn’t just save animal lives. It saves human ones, too. Many people died in Katrina because they had no way to leave the city with their animal companions, and refused to go without them.

Thanks to all the first responders who recognize that animals, too, need assistance when disaster arises.

Keep reading for a story from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram over the weekend on New Orleans evacuation efforts for pets.

By Alex Branch/McClatchy Newspapers:

NEW ORLEANS — Elisa Miller (left) dropped to the pavement and nuzzled her face against the neck of her fittingly named coonhound Hurricane. Then she stood up outside the New Orleans downtown bus station and watched officials lead Hurricane into a portable crate, which would then be loaded onto an 18-wheeler.

“The driver will stop every two hours to check on the pets,” a worker assured her. “We’ll take good care of him. We promise.”

“Please do,” Miller said, casting one last nervous glance before heading to a bus taking people to Shreveport, La. Three years after pet owners were reduced to tears while being forced to leave their dogs and cats in neighborhoods ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, emergency response officials are taking extraordinary care to ensure animal safety during Hurricane Gustav, due to strike the Louisiana coast late Monday morning.

At the bus station, a designated pick-up point for evacuees, a pet registration center was set up under green tents. Dozens of white pet-traveling crates were stacked against the curb.

“We’re making sure the pets go where their owners go,” said Sandy Cochran, South Carolina state coordinator with United Animal Nations, who came to New Orleans to help with the effort. “During Katrina, there was really no plan for what to do with pets. We have a 178-pound English Mastiff on a truck right now. We’ve seen and are taking everything here.”

Before pet owners boarded a bus, they filled out paperwork about their animal and were given a paper bracelet with a code number on it, she said. That code number was then written on the traveling crate along with the names of the pet and owner.

The pets were loaded onto 18 trucks, which follow their buses to their destination. Every two hours, the truck drivers were to stop to check on the animals, which are fed, watered and kept cool. A veterinarian was on standby at the registration tent to treat sick or injured animals, Cochran said.

State officials said they requested about 150 trucks to help transport pets out of the city. Among the animals to arrive Sunday were cats, dogs, a brightly colored bird and a rabbit.
Adam Woods said he and his Labrador mix, Mandela, spent five days outside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina because he refused to board a bus without Mandela.

“I wasn’t gonna leave this time until I heard they’d help you get your dog out of here, too,” he said, stroking Mandela’s back. “As a worker led Mandela away on a leash, Woods said, “I don’t like that dog; I love that dog. He’s not used to this, so look out for him, OK?”

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This is from Mack, who is involved with Florida Dachshund Rescue (and, in his first Shelter Stories post, told us how he meet his wife through his love of doxies.) A sad reminder that sometimes, rescue comes too late.

The success stories keep us going in rescue. We love to watch the happy tails of dogs newly sprung from the pound, then to see them blossom into wonderful pets and ultimately find a new home.

But this is not one of those stories. It's the story of Itsy, a little dachshund that deserved better. A little dog that gave love but got very little until she found her way to one of our foster homes for the last four months of her life.

Itsy died a couple weeks ago, never leaving the foster home that graciously took her in when her owners moved from Florida to California.

I opened the email from her owners this past May, reading how they were moving out of state and didn't think Itsy would "do well'' on the long trip. As the coordinator responsible for taking in dogs to our group, Florida Dachshund Rescue, I knew of a foster home who liked the seniors. As it turned out, it was a good thing we got Itsy.

Itsy, 12 years old, hadn't seen a vet in six or seven years. Her teeth were horrible. Her toenails were so long they were curling and cutting into the pads on the bottom of her feet. The foster dad in Cape Coral took her to his vet. Itsy had to have nearly every tooth removed.

But soon she was gobbling her food and barely missing her missing teeth. She was groomed and her nails let her walk correctly again. Seniors are more difficult to adopt than younger dogs, but we were hopeful. There are always folks who come along smitten by a senior's frosty face. It would only be a matter of time.

Then Itsy's foster dad noticed labored breathing. Another trip to the vet. The diagnosis: a malignant tumor wrapped around the trachea, cutting into her air supply. There was not much to do. It was inoperable and we couldn't even make her comfortable. Itsy was stretching out her head and neck trying to get comfortable.
We made the decision to let her go. She was euthanized.

I'm still thinking about Itsy. And I'm also thinking about the callousness of the owners, who allowed their pet (I guess they didn't think of Itsy as a family member, as we do) to get in this condition.

Worse, I think of the two young dogs that Itsy's former owners took to California with them. I guess they were young enough to make the trip. Or old Itsy just wasn't worth the trouble. I pray the two younger ones don't suffer the same fate at the hands of these people.

Click here for more information about Florida Dachshund Rescue.

Do you have a Shelter Story to share? E-mail dlade@sun-sentinel.com and we'll post it.

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