Sit, Stay, Speak! Where South Florida talks pets | Sun-Sentinel Blogs

Know The Link between violence against animals and humans.

2008-08-21T21:07:10Z

The American Humane Association is looking for a federal resolution acknowledging September as “National Link Awareness Month.” The Link being referred to is the connection between animal abuse and other violent crimes. The organization is the only one in the nation that advocates both for children and animals, and behind the “no animals were harmed” disclaimers that now appear at the end of movies. Here’s the piece from the PRNewswire today. DENVER -- In 1894, the American Humane Association first noted a connection between animal abuse and other forms of societal violence. More than 100 years later, this connection -- which American Humane now calls The Link -- is internationally recognized. Yet so much more must be done to address The Link’s tragic impact on victims of abuse. With the support of U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), American Humane’s Office of Public Policy recently introduced House Resolution 1046 to designate September 2008 as “National Link Awareness Month.” Davis is a strong advocate for children and animals, and is a longstanding member of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus. The resolution is currently pending before the House Agriculture and Judiciary Committees with 19 co-sponsors, and American Humane is working with Davis to move the resolution to a House vote soon. In her March 13, 2008 statement before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Davis emphasized the resolution’s importance. She stated, “This resolution would highlight the need for more attention and resources to be focused on how violence toward animals is indicative of other violent tendencies. By investigating The Link further, information could be gathered that will help mitigate societal violence.” Earlier this year, in anticipation of the bill’s introduction and with the support of Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) and the late Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), as well as U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), American Humane held a congressional briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building. Speakers on The Link included Dr. Frank Ascione, Utah State University professor of psychology and an adjunct professor for American Humane; Phil Arkow, American Humane interim director of human-animal bond programs; and American Humane’s director of public policy, Allie Phillips, J.D. Phillips recognizes the positive impact Congress’ interest in the issue could have. She noted, “The Link is typically addressed at the state and local levels. The fact that key congressional leaders are now committing themselves to addressing The Link is a promising step toward future action and increased exposure for the issue.” American Humane is the only national humane organization with divisions for protecting both children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Addressing The Link between violence to people and violence to animals is integral to the organization’s mission. For this reason, American Humane facilitates workshops to build collaboration on The Link among human services, animal protection, public safety and law enforcement professionals. American Humane also operates the National Resource Center on The Link, provides professional training at national conferences, publishes resources and training guides, and advocates for the passage of legislation that includes pets in domestic violence protective orders. Marie Belew Wheatley, American Humane’s president and chief executive officer, strongly encourages the House of Representatives to pass HR 1046. She said, “As America’s leader on The Link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, American Humane enthusiastically embraces Congress’ interest and looks forward to further collaboration on this issue.”

Warning: Toy pet balls causing serious injuries to dogs.

2008-08-21T17:02:04Z

I came by this via Orlando Sentinel's Animal Crazy blog and definitely want to spread the word... Chai, a yellow Lab in the New York City area, had to have his tongue amputated after it got stuck in a red rubber "pimple ball" he was playing with. Chai's veterinarian said the problem was that as the dog chewed on the toy, a vacuum was created, sucking Chai's tongue inside. The frightened dog's tongue then began to swell, making it impossible for his owner to remove the ball and eventually circulation was cut off to the tongue. A second hole in the toy would have prevented the vacuum effect. Chai's owner wants the product, the pimple ball with bell made by Four Paws Inc (UPC Code 0 4566320227), to be recalled. And I bet that there are other dog balls out there that also may contain this design flaw. Click here to see all the details on poor Chai's miserable experience (warning, some of the photos are a little distressing) and videos on how he is learning to eat again. Another case was documented by the Log Cabin Animal Hospital in Indianapolis. Click here to read about Rosco, a young Shepard mix who also was treated because his tongue had gotten stuck into a ball. While this report doesn't give the make of the ball, it looks very similar to the one that injured Chai. And it clearly does not have a second hole. Four Paws is based in New York. Click here for the information on how to contact them and demand this toy be recalled. And check all plastic chew toys to ensure they have a second hole. Please leave a comment if you have had a similar experience.

Rescue Me: Lovely longhaired doxies are a perfect pair.

2008-08-21T14:49:14Z

RESCUE ME PETS: Rosie and Sunshine. RESCUE GROUP: Florida Dachshund Rescue (FLDR) BASICS: Longhaired dachshunds, both females, both 3 years old. THEIR STORY: Rosie and Sunshine were turned over to FLDR by their owner, who had lost her home and was moving to a place that could not accept her pets. They had been well loved but needed quite a bit of veterinary care. Both had urinary tract infections when they were taken in this April. They were slow to heal, however, and it was discovered this summer that both had bladder stones. Surgery has been set and we expect both to be adoptable very soon. They are only 3 years old and are being fostered in a Boynton Beach home

Rosie

PERSONALITY: These two longhair dachshunds are bonded to each other and must be adopted together. Based on the rescue group's observations, it would be a disservice to both to separate them. Both get along well with other dogs, they love to snuggle like most dachshunds and will retrieve toys for you. Sunshine will bark at you if she does not know you but two minutes later is your best friend. SPECIAL NEEDS: The chronic urinary tract infections still are clearing up chronic, but should be alleviated with the removal of the bladder stones. TO ADOPT: Click here for FLDR adoption information and the application. There is no application fee, but the adoption fee is $400 total for Sunshine and Rosie.

Sunshine

Florida Dachshund Rescue Inc. is a statewide organization devoted to the rehabilitation and rehoming of dachshunds in need of a new home. They were founded in 2003. Dachshunds are one of the 10 most popular breeds in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club registrations, but their stubborn nature is not for everyone. ------------------------------------------------------------------ RESCUE GROUP FYI: Most rescue organizations, including Florida Dachshund Rescue, 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 an e-mail to dlade@sun-sentinel.com and we will feature one of your adoptable pets on Rescue Me.

Lost pet posters work, says a Fort Lauderdale teacher reunited with her dog.

2008-08-21T00:50:52Z

8:20 pm, Wednedsay, Aug. 20 About 20 minutes ago, I posted a plea from a teacher who lives in Fort Lauderdale who had been desperately looking for her minature pinscher, Chyna, since last week. Jessica Reynolds particularly was worried because tiny Chyna is 10 years old -- not exactly a youngster -- and had intestinal problems that required a special diet. Jessica sounded so sad the few times I talked to her, and I felt the same as I put her information on Sit, Stay, Speak!, hoping for her dog's safe return. And now I am rewriting and reposting. Because Jessica called me a few minutes ago to say Chyna had been found. And I think the reason why is worth mentioning. Because Jessica's "lost dog" posters that she plastered around the neighborhood, and rechecked after Tropical Storm Fay blew through, did the trick. Animal experts have told me previously that while microchips and tatoos are fine, the old-fashioned poster still is one of the best ways to get back your MIA dog or cat. In Jessica's case, a woman living about two miles away from her house happened to mention to her neighbors that she had seen a small black-and-tan dog out in the rain squalls sweeping through yesterday and today post-Fay. "Gee," said someone who was listening. "Go look at that poster over there. It sounds like the same dog." They called the phone number on the flier. And by the time Jessica called me, Chyna was home having a late dinner. Somehow, Chyna had managed to cross the bustling Oakland Park Boulevard-Federal Highway intersection, possibly during rush hour, given when she escaped. The dog was close to the house where Jessica had been living up to three months ago, and she wonders if Chyna was looking for her old home as the storm approached. So: Welcome back, Chyna. And the lesson for the rest of us is, Jessica agrees: Posters do work. So always keep a current photo of your pet on hand, especially during storm season when you may have to evacuate. Click here for some great tips on effective posters from Missing Pet Partnership, an organization promoting effective search techniques for lost animals that was started by a California police officer turned pet detective. You really should read the entire piece, as it gives super helpful advice. But in a nutshell: * Make posters large so people can't miss them. * Use bright-colored paper, so they attract attention. * Put them at major intersections near where you lost your pet and near where others have sighted your pet. * Keep them brief and to the point. * And include a current photo. Feel free to post your own "lost pet found" story and what worked for you. We love happy endings like this one.

Your dogs and cats can get salmonella, too: How to keep them safe.

2008-08-20T15:41:05Z

We've started feeding our two cats, who previously ate nothing but kibble, more "wet" food lately on the advice of our veterinarian. (Apparently, vets are starting to believe that dry food-intensive diets may contribute to kitty diabetes, but more on that later). Sometimes, I'll give Franny and Dolan part of the can and then leave the rest overnight until breakfast -- covered but not refrigerated -- as the chilled stuff does not smell as stinky-delicious to cats. Turns out this is a very, very bad idea. Improperly storing and handling pet food can result in foodborne illnesses, including salmonella, just as it can with human food, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. So while I'm busy reading labels and fretting about pet food recalls, I could have been poisoning my animals all on my own. FYI: Leftover wet food should be either promptly discarded or stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees. Apparently, we pet people also can pick up salmonella ourselves by improperly handling our animals' meals. Here are some tips from the FDA, which is stepping up its education campaign on pet foods and foodborne illness: * Purchase products in good condition; cans should not be dented, bags should not have tears or holes. * Wash your hands in hot water, with soap, for 20 seconds BEFORE and after handling pet food and treats. * Wash pet food bowls, dishes and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use, and don't use bowls as a food scoop. * Try to store dry food in its original bag in a clean plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed. Click here for more pet food handling safety tips from the FDA, and for a fact sheet on protecting yourself and your pet when preparing and feeding a raw diet -- which is particularly tricky.

Shelter Stories: Determined "foster mom" rescues feline siblings -- twice.

2008-08-18T22:27:53Z

Karen Milstein, a volunteer with the Adopt A Cat Foundation, rescued two kitty siblings not once – but twice. And it wasn’t easy. She had to drive hundreds of miles to get back the two cats that she originally had fostered. Shotgun and his sister, Belle, had been adopted through the foundation. But their “forever family” apparently changed their minds and anonymously dumped the pair last October at a Kentucky shelter. By then, Belle was very sick and the shelter was going to euthanize her. The cats were traced back to Adopt A Cat through their microchips and Karen decided to head north to get them. She talked the shelter into transferring Belle to an emergency clinic, and then, when the cat was well enough to travel, brought both her and her brother back to her West Palm Beach home. Today, they are well, happy and living there along with their sister Spitfire, aka Fuzzbut. So Belle and Shotgun finally did get a happy forever home – with their “foster mom,” who never stopped loving them. Here they are today (Belle is on the green perch). And here is Karen’s Shelter Story, in her own words. How could I have done anything different? After all, I was connected to these guys from the beginning. I can still, very clearly, see their little faces, peeking out from the carrier. Four small kittens, two of them very ill, waiting for the right person to come along. No one had up to that point and they were slated to be returned to the shelter, where the two sick ones would have most likely been put to sleep. Everyone knows that shelters don't have the time to care for sick animals, even babies. I was their last chance. So they came home with me and I nursed the two back to health. Together, the four of them grew into rambunctious, beautiful kittens, ready to find a home with loving families. One was adopted immediately, and then two went together, brother and sister. The fourth, having tugged deeply at our hearts, came to be a member of our own cat family, attaching herself to one of my daughters. All were supposed to be loved for a lifetime. It wasn't to be. The two taken together one night ended up in a shelter drop box at the Lexington Humane Society in Lexington, Ky., their owners too cowardly to fess up to no longer wanting them. When our rescue was called about the cats, time passed before we could finally make the arrangements for them to be shipped home, so much time that one of the cats became severely ill. Flying was now out of the question. ]]> Click here for more information about the Adopt A Cat Foundation. Do you have a Shelter Story to share? E-mail dlade@sun-sentinel.com and we'll post it.

Keeping horses and large animals safe before and after Fay.

2008-08-18T19:25:00Z

Horses and other large animals need special care during and after storms. Broward County officials offer these tips as Tropical Storm Fay approaches. South Florida’s three counties all are under tropical storm warnings and flood alerts. And be aware that even after Fay's winds and rain hav passed, standing water can cause problems with horses’ hooves and their feed. Now is the time to make your final preparations. BEFORE THE STORM: * Horses should be kept on the owner's or caretaker's property, if possible. If you plan to evacuate your animal out of the area, go early. * In a Category 1 storm, animals may be safe in a sturdy barn. In a Category 2 storm or higher, animals are probably safest in a large pasture with room to move around, allowing them to utilize their best instincts if there are no electrical wires to come down and the fences are in good repair. * Do NOT tranquilize your horse! * Make sure your animal is well identified by spray painting your phone number on your horse's body; attach a fetlock band or mare band with your name address and phone numbers in permanent ink; braid a luggage tag into your horses mane or tail close to the body (be sure its water proofed). * Be sure to have photos of you with your animals, showing any unique markings, to prove ownership. * Be sure that your horse is wearing a leather halter which will make it easier for someone to catch your horse if it gets loose. * Plan for water (20 gallons per animal per day) and feed and hay for your horse. * Have on hand a supply of basic first aid items, i.e., bandages, anesthetics, etc. * Do not stay with your horse! You cannot help a frightened, 1,000-pound animal, and you may get hurt. PROTECTING YOUR ANIMALS FROM FLOOD WATERS: * Move your large animals to high ground. * Cleanse feet and hooves with iodine. Once the iodine dries, the feet and hooves should be covered with Vaseline or petroleum jelly for protection from standing water and infection. * Feed and hay should be moved above ground three feet to avoid water damage and mold. (Keep reading for links to more information). ]]> Click here for a link to Palm Beach County Animal Care division's link to hurricane preparation and procedures for pets, livestock and large animals such as horses. Click here for a link to Broward County's hurricane guide for large animal care. Also, Broward is asking horse owners to register their animals in advance. You can find the link in the large animal care guide. Caretakers and/or horse owners should contact the Broward County Hurricane Hotline at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 if the horse is in standing water up to their knees post-storm.

Customers of an alleged Keys puppy mill speak out.

2008-08-15T23:15:43Z

Click here and you can see video of poor Ernie limping painfully across the floor; Jeff says its due to hip problems caused by poor breeding.

The Jones family

Jeff and others also posted some scathing comments on a Webshots site, where the Joneses posted this photo of themselves and their dogs, promoting their business. Click here to read ‘em. Bentley said Stand Up For Animals also has received calls from other Sixth Day Ranch customers who say their dogs are sick or crippled as well. And the Joneses? The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did not file neglect charges against the couple, as they surrendered their animals in exchange for not going to court. Animal neglect also is often tough for law enforcement to document to the point that it can be prosecuted. “I don’t know if malice was involved (on the Jones’s part),” said Marcy LaHart, a West Palm Beach attorney who filed Stand Up’s petition for custody. “Just stupidity and greed.” LaHart fostered eight of the rescued puppies. The Joneses, who previously lived in the Florida Panhandle and Colorado, quickly left the Keys. LaHart, looking at a FaceBook page maintained by their son, believes they are back in Woodland, CO. Mollie says she found what she thinks was a link to them this week on Next Day Pets, a Web portal for online breeders, and reported it to the Web master. Apparently, the link has been removed. So here is Mollie’s story. You’ll see all the red flags that she sees now: * The Joneses wouldn’t let Mollie see the puppies in their home. * She had to pay in advance. * They wanted to “drop the puppy off” on their way to the Keys and met her in a parking lot to give her the health certificate – signed by a vet Mollie didn’t know. There is a simple way to avoid all this: Don’t buy puppies online or from strip-center puppy stores claiming to specialize in "celebrity" dogs. Reputable breeders do not sell their animals this way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This from Mollie: I have allergies and really wanted a goldendoodle because they are better for people with allergies. I was looking online and found (Sixth Day Ranch), and I thought it was great they came from a "religious" background. At the time they were still in Destin, FL and had pictures up of apparently where the puppies played, etc. I did some research on the breeder and really couldn't find anything bad so I went with them. I've never bought from a breeder, especially an online one before. Now that I look back on it, there were definitely suspicious signs. Because I live in Florida, I wanted to go to the breeder and pick out the puppy I wanted, but they said I couldn't because the pups were still young and they didn't want any of them getting sick and "that's just not how they did things." They said they would send pictures and video of the pups.]]> After I picked a pup I put down a deposit and then paid the rest not when I got the dog but three weeks before (I'm sure you're shaking your head. I'm 22 and I've definitely learned my lesson.) By the way. even though Marni and Tom Jones are a part of this, so is their oldest daughter Destini, who Marni told me was in charge of the puppies. Anyway, I was suppose to drive up to Destin when the pup was old enough, but then the situation changed when Tom said he got transferred to the Keys for the fire department and they had to move. He said since they were moving the same week I was to get the puppy, they could drop the pup off on their way down. Then the story changed again...they had to move immediately and I would have to meet them in Miami to get my pup. Weeks past and I scheduled to get the dog the weekend he turned 8 weeks. I got a random phone call during that week saying Marni and the kids were driving back up to Destin and she could drop off the pup that night. I was in a movie and didn't answer my phone until an hour later which was too late. By the way, there is also a vet involved.. apparently a "traveling vet" that makes his way around the Keys for check ups, etc. My health certificate is from that vet. Marni said that she had his health certificate in the car and she could give it to me on the way to Destin that night. At 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, I met her at a service station to pick up the health certificate because I had to pick up my puppy in Miami later that day or else I couldn't get him until the following week. Every time I called I asked how the pup was doing. When they moved to the Keys, Tom said that they had bought a warehouse that was air-conditioned and perfect for the dogs to play in. He said since they were in the warehouse, when they were let outside they didn't want to stay long because they loved the air-conditioning. The kids still played with them and everything and he made it sound like a great place for the dogs. I pictured pretty much a giant play room...not what the authorities found. When I got my puppy, he was really skinny, you wouldn't know with all the fur, but you could definitely feel his ribs and spine. A few weeks ago I wanted to see how the other pups were doing but couldn't find the website anymore, so I started doing research and found out they had been busted. I cried and felt terrible. Some people believe I saved my pup, Rugby, and I guess I did, but I also contributed to an epidemic that's getting bigger. Now, I want to help and do something about it. Unfortunately, they wouldn't give me the rest of his papers until he is neutered, so the health certificate is all I have. They were busted a week or two after I got Rugby. I know you asked a simple question, but I had to tell you the whole story. I want to be on the look out for them on other websites. I really hope they are arrested, no one should get away with that. -Mollie

TGIF! Learn how to calculate your cat's internal volume.

2008-08-15T17:32:07Z

Happy Friday! Engineers may think they can analyze, design and wonk their way around anything. But they may have met their match with cats, as the Engineer's Guide to Cats proves. Take a Friday afternoon break and watch Oscar, Ginger and Zoey put engineers Paul and TJ through their paces as the cats demonstrate such arts as feline floral regurgitation and cat yodeling. You also will learn such helpful skills as learning how to calculate the internal volume and aspect ratio of your own cat, to better determine wind resistance and leaping capability. And speaking of TJ: It was our own SSS! reader TJ who recommended this viral vid a few months ago. Thanks!

Cancer patient attacked by his family's own hungry dogs.

2008-08-14T19:46:29Z

From Associated Press today -- a story about people who mistreat their own family members along with their animals. Cancer patient, 55, mauled by dogs in Washington home. TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A 55-year-old man with cancer was mauled by hungry dogs in his home while his daughter was away and he was hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said. Michael Warner’s daughter and another woman were arrested Saturday for investigation of criminal mistreatment, Pierce County sheriff’s Detective Ed Troyer said. The two women have not been charged, and both were released from custody. Twenty-seven dogs, many of them puppies, were taken from the home in Parkland, near Tacoma. “We believe some animals were left behind that were not fed and some of the puppies got to him — not intentionally attacked him, but used him as a food source,” Troyer said. He declined to give details of the man’s injuries. Troyer said that apparently, the women were unofficial caretakers for Warner and the dogs, but had left them unattended for several days. Warner was on the floor, incapacitated, for a couple of days, he said. The case came to light after Warner’s daughter dropped him off Friday at Tacoma General Hospital. Warner was in critical condition Tuesday and has not been able to communicate with investigators. A neighbor, Anna Bruun, said she had complained about the dogs several times to animal control after a woman was bitten a few months ago. She also said Warner had been left alone at the home in the past, and had stumbled over to her house for help. “Once I had to call 911 because he came over and collapsed in our front yard,” she told KOMO-TV.

County takes custody of 123 severely neglected horses.

2008-08-14T18:43:58Z

Marion County animal officials have gained permanent custody of 123 horses and minature ponies from an Ocala-area woman, described by friends as a "one-woman rescue mission." Officials seized the animals in May, after getting reports that many of the horses were malnourished, and had overgrown hooves and other serious conditions. Five of the horses were so sick they had to be euthanized; two died from malnutrition. Oddly enough, no mention in the story below, from the "Ocala Star-Banner," of animal cruelty charges. COUNTY GETS CUSTODY OF 123 HORSES By Suevon Lee OCALA STAR-BANNER Published: Thursday, August 14, 2008 OCALA --A judge on Wednesday gave Marion County permanent custody of 123 horses and miniature ponies that were seized from their owner in late May following an extended period of neglect and maltreatment. County Judge Steven G. Rogers also ordered that the owner, Francine Derby, be held responsible for $15,000 of the nearly $25,000 the county spent for hauling the horses from four properties and bringing them back to health. "Obviously, the care was something that was lacking here," Rogers said after listening to an hour's worth of testimony from county officials and animal care experts and viewing photographs of the horses. Wednesday afternoon's hearing at the Marion County Courthouse came nearly three months after the county filed an emergency petition for protective custody of the horses, which witnesses described in court as severely malnourished, crawling with parasites and suffering from overgrown hoofs. Not all of the animals made it; five horses have since been euthanized, while two have died from malnutrition. ]]> They are currently being in housed in fields around Marion and Citrus counties, according to Animal Center Director Jill Lancon. The horses will undergo medical tests and be put up for adoption. "I've got a running list of people who are interested," Lancon said. Derby, a Fort McCoy resident once described by a friend as a "one-woman rescue mission" who took the horses under her wing and kept them on properties from Summerfield to Belleview, was not present at the hearing and could not be reached for comment by phone. "She's gone underground," County Attorney Thomas Wright said. He said the county will not pursue its case in Circuit Court, where a judge could order Derby to pay the full cost of rehabilitating the horses. County judges are limited to awarding damages up to $15,000. In June, Derby, 44, said in an interview that she was feeling overwhelmed by the number of horses left in her care and that she had entered into agreements to transfer ownership to other individuals. She was also hampered by poor quality hay and feed, she said. But several animal experts said in court that they were especially startled by the sight of protruding bones and deformities on the animals, since miniature ponies are fairly easy to keep. "It was disturbing. It really takes effort to starve miniature horses," said Marilyn Maler, a veterinarian who examined the horses. Kim Thompson, an acquaintance of Derby's who was at the hearing, said the county has exaggerated the horses' condition and that she is entitled to have custody of them. "They took advantage of this woman," she said after the hearing. Thompson rose from her seat during the hearing in efforts to be heard but was ordered by the judge to immediately sit back down. Morgan Silver, executive director of the Horse Protection Association of Florida, testified that she first noticed the neglected horses in April 2003, when she happened to pass by Derby's Fort McCoy farm. She observed curled-up hoofs, "like elf shoes," and six to seven horses to a feeding pan. "They would be fighting each other off," she said. "This is probably one of the worst cases I've ever seen with horses that are neglected and suffering," Lancon said. "I was just horrified that someone could allow this to happen to their horses."

Artist raising money for injured abandoned animals.

2008-08-14T17:40:41Z

Here’s your chance to help seriously ill or injured homeless animals and pick up a lovely original piece of artwork at the same time. Miami artist Darek Pala is auctioning ten of his paintings, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to start Karmela’s Fund. The fund will finance surgeries and medical treatments for seriously ill pets in the custody of four Miami-area rescue groups: Buddies Thru Bullies, Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services, and Paws 4 You Rescue. The care will be provided by Miami Veterinary Specialists, a regional critical care and emergency center that treats animal patients needing advanced surgeries or procedures. The fund is named for Pala’s dog, Karmela, who has three legs. Pala adopted Karmela from a Miami animal shelter where she had been surrendered by her owners, who were unable to pay for Karmela’s treatments. According to the center, thousands of dogs and cats, like Karmela, are taken to animal shelters because they have conditions their owners can’t afford to treat or don’t want to bother dealing with. People often shy away from adopting such animals, so the majority are euthanized. “We have close relationships with the shelters and rescue groups in Miami, and they are short on funds as well,” said Dr. Juan Sardinas, a surgeron at Miami Veterinary Specialists. “We see broken legs, tumors. Maybe Karmela could have kept her leg if her owners had gotten her treatment earlier.” Bidding for the paintings, which all feature dogs, starts at $1,000 a piece. The auction continues today and through tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 15. You can see the paintings in person at Miami Veterinary Specialists, 8601 Sunset Drive, Miami, during business hours. You also can view them online by clicking here. To place a bid, call Robbie at 305-665-2820. You also can make a donation to Karmela’s Fund at that number.

A jug of wine, a box of MilkBones, and thou.

2008-08-14T16:56:47Z

A lovely summer afternoon. Fine art. A chilled glass of chardonnay. And your best friend at your side. Doesn’t get any better than that, eh? I’m sure the 15 people who attended the Museum of Art’s first Dog Days of Summer wine tasting would agree. Dog lovers and the objects of their affection came from Boca, Miami and Hollywood on a Sunday early this month to sip wine (or water, for the four-legged ones), chat and bark. Tables were set up outside in the museum’s breezy atrium in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Even the wines were canine-themed, with names like Dachshund Red. A portion of the proceeds went to Sebastian's Haul Foundation to Support Greyhound Rescue. “Everyone really enjoyed themselves, the wine, meeting others. And of course, being able to bring their dogs was most important!” said Douglas Ratcliff. He’s the man behind those exciting changes in the museum’s shop and event schedule, which now includes regular wine tastings and a café with a delicious menu. Douglas hopes to do more wine-and-dog events at the museum but first wants to connect with the Humane Society and other local animal welfare people. So rescue groups: Give a shout-out to Doug. You can e-mail him at artandwine@mac.com. And click here for more info about The Wine Bar and The Store at the museum. Art, animal causes and wine: This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The primary for Presidential pup is too close to call.

2008-08-13T18:29:04Z

Talk about your close races. There is only one percentage point between the top two candidates in the "Pick the Obama Dog" election being sponsored by the American Kennel Club. The organization launched its poll about a month ago, after Presidential hopeful Barack Obama -- whose family, unlike John McCain's, is pet-less -- announced his kids could have a dog if he made it to the White House.

Next First Dog?

The AKC came up with five possible choices -- a poodle, a minature Schnauzer, a Bichon Frise, a soft-coated Wheaten terrier and a Chinese Crested -- and invited the public to weigh in. So far, the poodle is leading with 26 percent, but just by a nose. The terrier is close behind, with 25 percent, and the schnauzer has 20 percent. Next comes the Bichon Frise with 19 percent. The Chinese Crested is at the tail end, with 10 percent, which suggests that maybe voters know that Chinese Cresteds often win the famous annual Ugliest Dog contest in California. Is that the face that America wants to present to the rest of the world? The kennel club said its nominations were largely influenced by the fact that Obama's daughters have allergies. But hey: Obama keeps saying he's all about change. Isn't the AKC aware that the Bush family has terriers? Your opinion still can count, as the election is on until Aug. 19. Click here to vote and for more information about the canine candidates.

Loyal dog guards man's body for weeks.

2008-08-12T22:44:25Z

Literature and movies are filled with tales about dogs who are faithful to their owners even after death. Here is a sad but true tale reported today by Associated Press. (Photo of Cash, and Sara and Lane Baysinger) Dog guarded owner’s body for weeks after suicide. GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — A dog stood guard over her owner’s body for up to six weeks after the man committed suicide on the remote northeastern Colorado plains, authorities said. The body of 25-year-old Jake Baysinger of La Salle was found Sunday on the Pawnee National Grasslands about 75 miles northeast of Denver. Cash, his German shepherd, was found beside him, thin and dehydrated but still alive. The dog had apparently survived by eating mice and rabbits, authorities said. The Weld County coroner ruled Baysinger’s death a suicide. The cause of death wasn’t immediately determined but authorities found a gun nearby, the coroner’s office said Tuesday. Baysinger was reported missing June 28. An extensive search failed to locate him, but a rancher saw Cash last weekend, went to investigate and discovered Baysinger’s body and his pickup. “At least we know it’s over now,” said Baysinger’s wife, Sara. “We’d been looking for my husband for six weeks, and this isn’t how we wanted it to end. At least we can close this.” Cash has been reunited with her and her 2-year-old son, Lane. She said her little boy is “very close to that dog” and happy to see her again. Investigators said the dog probably kept coyotes away from the body.