My Friendly Pets

We have heard of K-9 units used with the police, cadaver dogs, therapy dogs and many other ways dogs have worked to make society a safer and better place.

The Texas Border Patrol has a canine unit also that is used to protect our borders from those trying to enter the country illegally. We automatically assume that these units only try to “find the bad guys” and send them back where they belong. T

However, there is a special Border Patrol - Search and Rescue unit that works to try and find illegal immigrants who cross the borders in rough and difficult terrain and often get lost in the desert. Many lose their lives in these deserts.

But with the help of Robert Noziska and his canine partner Chelsea, they are saving many lives in the desert that would have been lost to the harsh elements. These dogs are specially trained to find those lost, dead or alive. Sometimes the rescue is more of a recovery and unfortunately some of what Chelsea has found is what is left of an immigrant after the coyotes and buzzards have had their fill. However, with more dogs being trained and used in the search and rescue efforts, it is hoped that lives will not be lost. Those so desparate to come to our country will be returned to theirs alive and well, until they have the means and methods to enter this country legally. And they have dogs like Chelsea to thank for that chance!

I will be giving many health tips as well as behavioral tips for our 4-legged friends as the days go on. Also I will be talking about getting a dog if you’ve never had one or if you are a bit hesitant to have one. There are many things to consider when you are deciding to become a dog owner.

However, today, I’d like to talk about a canine health issue that many of us can relate to. That is canine cancer. According to Patricial Olson, CEO and president of the non-profit Morris Animal Foundation, 1 in every 4 dogs will die from some type of canine cancer. The foundation has begun a Canine Cancer Campaign which hopes to raise enough funds to cure cancer in dogs within the next 10 to 20 years. The site is www.curecaninecancer.org.

Ms. Olson knows that this is a lofty goal, but if according to Ms. Olson, “that’s how big things happen”

We had a mixed german shepard mutt. His name was Ziggy and he was truly there from when our family began. In fact, we got Ziggy as a pup the day after my husband and I returned from our honeymoon in 1986.

Ziggy was about 11 when he started biting at his leg and we noticed a lump. We took him to the vet, had the lump removed, and it was diagnosed as a malignant tumor that had already metasisized. There was little we could do, but keep him comfortable. Ziggy was with us another 11 months, until we let him go, so that he would suffer no more. That was one of the hardest experiences ever, as I’m sure many of you know.

I believe we all must speak for these animals as they can’t speak for themselves. They need our help. Please visit the site above and learn as much as you can and give what you can afford. Every little bit helps…

Illinois Senator, Dick Durbin has started a campaign to change the standards for pet food evaluation. He is urging the FDA to change their policies for regulating the pet food industry. Pets are important members of our families, and should be treated accordingly. Click Here for more about Senator Durbin’s Campaign.

dogs, pets, animals, dick durbin, pet food, fda, reform, food safety