My Friendly Pets

I have written several entries about cancer in dogs and the lack of treatment that is often available. I had even mentioned the case of my dog, Ziggy and how how a tumor on his leg had metasisized and ultimately caused his death.

Well, the FDA has recently approved the first drug to be used to treat canine cancer. This is an amazing feat, because up until this point the only treatment for canine cancer was with drugs that had been tested and used on humans. Veterinarians are only allowed to use human treatments on dogs in very controlled situations, otherwise it violates federal law.

The new drug, called Palladia is manufactured by Pfzier Animal Health, Inc. It is to be used on the type of canine cancer that accounts for about one in five cases of canine skin tumors.

“This cancer drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine,” as stated by Bernadette Dunham, who is the director of the FDA’s center for veterinary medicine. Dunham continued by saying the following, “Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs, Today’s approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog’s cancer.”

This is truly the beginning of something wonderful for dogs and their owners. Very often the treatments for canine cancer were rare or nonexistent. This offers promise and hope. Cancer in dogs is becoming more prevelant in dogs, just as it is in humans. In many cases, similar environmental factors contribute to the increase in these cases.

Let’s hope this is the beginning of more medications and treatments to help the pups we love.

Thanks to a new airline specifically meant for pets, your dog could soon be traveling in style. PetAirways will launch its business July 14th by serving 5 cities with its animal friendly travel flights. Dogs will not be considered passengers, but “pawsengers” and will no longer have to travel in the cargo area of the planes. For many dogs, traveling in the cargo department can be traumatizing. Often, the temperatures aren’t regulated and air isn’t circulated properly. Dogs become frightened and this can result in behavioral or psychological problems for the dog.

Alysa Binder and husband, Dan Wiesel knew there was a need for this type of service when they experienced the situation first hand. When moving from California to Florida, they transported their dog by plane and she flew in the cargo area, as most dogs do. The dog didn’t react well and the couple didn’t like a member of their family being treated like a piece of luggage.

The five cities that will be served by PetAirways initially will be Los Angeles, New York, Denver, Washington D.C. and Chicago. While owners will not be allowed to fly with their dogs, have no fear. Owners drop their dogs off for their flight and then go on their own flight to the specific destination. While on board, the dogs will be housed in safe and secure kennels in the open cabin of the plane. The dogs are never left alone and if flights are delayed, the dogs are taken out for walks if nature calls. They may spend time in the pet lounge before the flight takes off and get snacks and food at that time, but there is little eating on the flight, as they don’t want the dog’s stomach to be upset.

The cost is relatively reasonable with prices from $149.00 - $250.00 one way and is well worth the price. To get more detail on this service, click here!!

I apologize for being absent for a couple of days. My father is a WW II vet and is 87 years old. He truly wanted to visit the WW II memorial in Washington DC and this weekend (Friday to Monday), my family, including my brother and his children took him to see this wonderful tribute. There was limited internet access, so unfortunately, I was unable to blog over the weeken. However, I am back now and ready to give you an update on my last entry.

I know many of you were probably sickened to learn of the latest puppy mill raid. However, rest assured that many of these dogs are now being cared for and socialized so that they will eventually find a forever home. 30 of the rescued dogs and puppies are now located at the Lynwood PAWS Shelter. The Seattle Humane Society has picked up another 90 dogs and have taken them to their shelter to be treated medically and emotionally. Unfortunately, many shelters today are filled to capacity due to the economic conditions and it takes a lot of work to find room for these forgotten souls. However, the National Humane Society will do all it can to insure that these dogs are medically treated and able to to to homes where there are people that will love and care for them. According to one volunteer, Tracie Trocano who has opened up her home for some of these dogs, “I will love them and care for them and hopefully get them socialized.” Probably the best help that can be given is in the form of cash donations to help care for these animals. Currently there are still about 200 dogs at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Let’s hope for more miracles.