Rescued dog from Pennsylvania puppy mill

On Friday, the puppy mill was shut down as a result of an undercover investigation that revealed the horrid conditions. The Pennsylvania society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed 32 od the dogs and there were over 300 dogs in another building that will require attention. Some dogs had obvious wounds on them, while some of the older dogs have very overgrown nails because the dogs had never been on solid ground.

So how was Blank caught? Blank sold a 3 week old Yorkshire puppy to an undercover agent. The legal age for the sale of the puppies is 7 weeks. Unfortunately, the puppy died as a result of dehydration, hypothermia and emaciation.

Right now, the Yorkshire terrier is the 9th most popular dog in the country, which has made it the number one dog being bred by puppy mills. According the the American Kennel Club, there are some very important things to look for when looking for a Yorkshire puppy. First and foremost, you should use a legitimate breeder. You can veryify a breeder’s status by contacting the AKC to determine if they are registered as such. Don’t look for a bargain. This is not the time to be looking for a cheap deal. If you know the price that Yorkshire puppies demand and you are in contact with someone who is offering puppies for a fraction of the average cost, you should be extremely careful, as this could be indicative of a puppy mill.

So be cautious and pay attention. The more we do, perhaps the more puppy mills will be discovered and abolished and their owners prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Think about it. Many of the things that people get from religion and their beliefs can also be gotten from a dog. For example, when you are frustrated, angry, sad or confused, merely petting a dog or getting a warm nuzzle or kiss is enough to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Many people are comforted in the same way by prayer!

In terms of religion, aren’t most people taught that G-d is all forgiving and loves us unconditionally? Well, if you forget to feed your dog or don’t take him out to walk or exercise as often as you should, does your dog give you an attitude or hold a grudge? Of course not, your dog will love you no matter what and be grateful for whatever time and energy you give him/her, even though it probably isn’t enough. This is close to religous teachings as well. Just because we don’t go to church or formalized religous services, supposedly G-d still cares and guides us.

Again, I am not a religous person and can’t speak to all who are. My reference to a dog as G-d, means no disrespect. In fact, it is completely the opposite. I, like so many others, think so highly of these great animals, that I wouldn’t be surprised but would be very pleased to see a great big lovable dog at the pearly gates when its my time, wouldn’t you?

However, measures such as these are not unique. In 1988, 20 years ago when the Olympics were held in Seuol, South Korea, the use of dog meat was also suspended. The Chinese tourism officials recognized that the practice of eating dog meat is not accepted universally and in an attempt to demonstrate respect for other cultures and ethnic beliefs, the suspension of the sale and use of dog meat has been put into place.

As with any decisions, there is controversy and so is the case with this. There are some traditional Chinese who say that eating dog meat has long been custom and tradition in China and that beef and pork were not banned from other Olympics, even when it infringed on the beliefs of Indians and Muslims. Point very well taken, however there is the view of public opinion and I thing the Chinese officials recognize the use of dog meat goes deeper to most non-Chinese than the use of cows or pigs. In many cultures, especially countries and cultures of the west, dogs are considered family members and are loved with the same depth and devotion as ones’ children in many cases. This can’t be said for the cows and pigs.

I think the ability of the Chinese to recognize the feelings that many people have towards their dogs is to be commended. They have proven that while they may still enjoy their own customs and traditions, they respect those of others enough to put theirs on the back burner, so to speak.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the organization and this event was used to raise awareness of the plight of the many homeless dogs and cats in New York City. It is hoped that as a result of this event and others like it, people will welcome the idea of adopting a pet from a local shelter so that the number of dogs and cats that are euthanized will continue to decrease. According to Mary Tyler Moore, back in 2002, the rate of euthanaisia in shelters was at about 70%, but in 2007 that rate had decreased to 43%. The New York City shelters that took part in this event include all of the following: A Cause for Paws, Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Animal Haven, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, ASPCA, AC&C, BARC, Bide-A-Wee, Bobbi & the Strays, City Critters, Humane Society of New York, Husky House, Kitty Kind, Long Island Greyhound Rescue, Loving Touch, Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, NYC Siamese Rescue, Pet-I-Care, PLUTO, Russell Refuge, Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare, Stray from the Heart, Tigger Foundation, Arf, and Save Kitt.

Bernadette Peters recently has been listed on the New York Times bestseller list for a book she wrote with the title “Broadway Barks”. The book was inspired by this event and it is about a puppy who is lost in Central Park in New York City and finds its way to Shubert Alley to be part of this very special event. With the book, which is filled with colorful maps and pictures is a CD with Peters reading the story as well as singing a song that she wrote and composed. Bernadette Peters is a classic Broadway star and puts her heart and soul into her performances and the causes she supports. All of the proceeds from the sale of the book/cd will go back to benefit this organization.

The event took place between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Moore and Peters were only two of the many Broadway stars who helped to make this adopt-a-thon a success. Many of the stars of Broadway’s biggest hits were on hand to help out the cause. To find out more about this cause, how you can help and even when you can attend the next event, check out the website by clicking HERE!!!

Mimi Ausland, a 12-year-old, started a trivia Web site to feed homeless cats and dogs Kibbles.(Photo Courtesy of Robb Kerr)

While watching the Today Show this morning, I came upon an interesting and inspiring story. Mimi Ausland is a 12 year old from Oregon. Mimi has always had an overwhelming love for animals. As she was playing an internet word game on the website www.FreeRice.com, which helps feed people in impoverished countries, she had a wonderful idea. Why not use an internet site to feed the many hungry dogs in shelters? Mimi, a volunteer at a local shelter in her area, knew that many shelters were overloaded with dogs. The housing crisis has caused many dog owners to simply abandon their dogs and most end up in shelters, without homes and hungry.

With her idea, and her parents’ help, it took about 4 months to get the website, www.FreeKibble.com up and running. On the site, there is a daily trivia question and whenever someone goes on the site and answers the trivia question, 20 pieces of Kibble are donated to a local shelter. At this writing 1,630,090 pieces of Kibble have been donated to help dogs in shelters close to Mimi’s home.

Again, Mimi is only 12, but she came up with the idea and is responsible for finding sponsors, serving as spokesman and generating media attention for her special effort. It seems to be working with close to 2 million pieces of kibble already donated, and more support than she could ever imagine, she is looking to expand her efforts.

Richard Thompson, the founder of Zootoo.com is donating all of the kibble that is generated through Mimi’s site. Thompson says,
“She has enthusiasm, passion, and she knows what she’s doing.â€? I think people are taken with the idea that a person as young as Mimi has the drive, initiative, heart and compassion to undertake such a huge project. It takes about 1/2 pound of kibble a day to feed a dog in a shelter. Through Mimi’s wonderful project, the dogs in the shelter near her home have been eating for over two months and it continues.

I think we’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more about Mimi and her kindness and generosity in the future. Her spirit is contagious. Just check out the site by clicking here and pass it on to all of your friends and family!!!

The first episode was interesting. We got to meet all of the teams and watch how they begin to interact. Like any reality show, I started passing judgments and making determinations of who would last and who wouldn’t by the first commercial!!! One of the first contests was a game of musical cubes(The Dog Bone Challenge). All dogs and their owners circled a certain number of cubes while music was playing. As soon as the music stopped, a dog had to get to, jump up and sit on the cube. The dog left without a cube would be asked to leave. After each round a cube or two was removed. At the end, it was between the teams of J.D./Galaxy and Michael/Ezzie. J.D./Galaxy won and were given the key to the Big Bone Suite, where anyone, dog or man would be happy to rest their paws.

In the Best in Show Challenge, there were some pretty poor performances, but in the end Michael and Ezzie were sent home. Michael was devastated, but he claims he was never more proud of Ezzie and her performance.

I think things are going to get sticky as the weeks go on. There are some very strong personalities (and I don’t mean from the dogs). If you hadn’t watched, take a look for an hour on Thursday evenings this summer. The show won’t win an Emmy, but it is entertaining and some of the dogs are down right adorable!!!

Laura and Preston. Laura who is 27 and a film producer who is from New Jersey, but came to Los Angeles to follow her dream of working in films. She is an active lady, who with Preston, bring smiles to many. Preston is a 5 year old pure Pomeranian, who loves the beach, the girls that are there and the camera. Preston is also a certified therapy dog

David and Elvis. David is a 55 year old doctor from New York City who never had a dog in his life until 2 years ago. Elvis is a 2 year old Parson Russell Terrier. Being adopted by David, who comes from a tight knit Jewish family gave Elvis the privilege of a $10,000 “Bark Mitzvah”, which brought together 100 family members and friends to celebrate the occasion. Elvis is full of personality and loves morning jogs with David. It will be interesting to see these two confirmed bachelors in the house with the rest of the teams.

Laurie and Andrew. Laurie, a resident of Virginia spends a lot of time with dogs. She is a Dog Fitness Specialist and also runs a doggie day care center. From the description, Laurie is known for her outgoing personality and her witty, outspoken ways. That should add sparks to the show. Andrew is a 5 year old Maltese who is well behaved and the “perfect companion”. He has competed in several dog shows winning top prizes.

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet. These must be the most theatrical pair on the show. Beth Joy has a degree in music, theatre and dance. She dedicates herself full-time promoting Bella Starlet’s career. The pair participate in many dog related activities to promote animal advocacy and adoption. Bella Starlet is a 10 year old Mutt (Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Shih-Tzu and Pomeranian). She loves many kinds of fruits and veggies and shares her home with 5 other dogs and in New York City!!!

Last, but by no means least is Teresa and Leroy. Teresa has her own dog sitting and pet care business in Virginia. She is competitive and treats her dog like royalty. Leroy gets special outfits and elaborate birthday parties. Very unlike one of the dog owners mentioned, which should present some interesting interactions. Leroy is a 5 year old border collie who loves to play frisbee. He is a “focused performer” who loves the activities for which he trains.

This should be a very interesting show. Remember, check it out tonight on your local CBS channel and watch for weekly reviews and updates. If you want to check out more information on The Greatest American Dog, click here.

J.D. is the oldest of the contestants introduced thus far. He is 38 and his dog Galaxy is 9. Galaxy is a mix of English Pointer and Border Collie. J.D. is a professional dog entertainer. He loves his 10 dogs including Galaxy, but he doesn’t believe in spoiling or indulging the animals. He is married with a son and step-daughter. Galaxy is considered to be an extremely good athlete who demonstrates maturity and confidence. She loves playing frisbee, with tennis balls and enjoys a good swim or run in the snow!!! J.D. and Galaxy are from Oregon.

Brandy and Beacon have been a team for two years, ever since Brandy recieved Beacon as a Christmas gift. Originally from Arkansas, Brandy has been in California for a few years and is currently a fashion designer with her own line of clothing called Cross Training Clothing. Beacon is a 1 1/2 year old minature Schnauzer, who although a girl, likes to play tough and tumble like a boy. She has agility training and alerts Brandy that she wants to go out by ringing a bell. I bet we wish we had all taught our dog(s) to do that!!! What a great idea!!! These two look like soulmates together.

Bill and Star. Bill and Star hail from Texas, where Bill, his wife, Star and two other dogs live on 18 acres of land. There is plenty of room for Star to run and romp. Bill is 60 years old, has his own business as a pressure washer and when he isn’t working he and Star like to make people smile with the many tricks that Star can do. Star is 7 years old and a full breed Brittany . She has been formally trained and has competed nationally in agility competitions. One of Star’s favorite foods is bacon.

Ron and Tillman. Ron is 39 and Tillman, a 3 year old English Bulldog have been forever friends since Tillman became a Mother’s Day gift for Ron’s wife. In fact, Ron and Tillman are so dedicated to each other that sometimes Erika, Ron’s wife and son are a bit jealous of their relationship. Ron is a laid back California guy who loves the beach, but also works as a construction manager, when the beach weather is not real great!!! Tillman is a boarding kind of dog. He loves to skateboard, snowboard and skimboard. He loves being part of the family and gets really upset when he is left home alone.

All of the contestants and their dogs seem to truly love each other. I think this will be an interesting reality show, to say the least. Watch in the next entry for the final contestants and then a review of the show on Friday!!!

I though this week it would be cool to look at the teams on the show and set the stage for what will be a weekly review of the show.

Travis and Presley. Travis is a 29 year old bartender who is single, lives in Los Angeles and comes from Oklahoma. Presley is a 1 1/2 year old boxer who enjoys lots of tricks and is seen by Travis as intelligent, affectionate and playful.

Michael and Ezzie. Michael hails from San Diego and is an aspiring actor/comic. Ezzie is a 2 1/2 year old Boston Terrier who loves to dance as one of her best tricks. Michael says Ezzie doesn’t like pools, but loves the ocean. Michale also says she highly intelligent, hyper, affectionate and high strung. With all of these TYPE A personality dogs, it should be a very interesting show!!!

Elan and Kenji. Elan is 24 years old, is from Oregon and has an extensive health studies background. She wants to open a pet care center and is very active with the Oregon Humane Society in her role to rehabilitate and encourage good behavior in dogs that come through the shelters. Kenji is a year old giant Schnauzer. She is energetic, loves other dogs, but tries to come out as the leader of the pack. Her stunning appearance can stop traffic!!!

I’ll catch you up on the other nine teams before the show debuts on Thursday. In the meantime, check out more of the show by clicking here.

However, having your dog swim in the water not only provides fun, but valuable exercise as well as a very strong healing component. Dogs who suffer from arthritis or who have had leg, hip or back injuries/surgeries benefit greatly from what is known as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy should be considered if your dog has trouble getting up and down, difficulty climbing stairs, is reluctant to go for walks because of limping or difficulty moving, is overweight or recovering from injuries or surgeries, as mentioned above.

In my research, what appears to be one of the best canine hydrotherapy centers is called the Interstate Canine Swim Center.
This wonderful facility is located in Maryland and is the first and largest canine swim center in the state. The climate controlled indoor canine pool is 35 feet wide by 60 feet long. The pool is used for therapy, rehabilitation, recreation and just good ‘ole doggone fun!!

Some of the benefits of having your dog swim include the following, a decrease in swelling of joints and limbs, an increase in circulation which helps with endurance, balance, coordination and other motion issues. As with humans, dogs who swim are enhancing their cardio vascular conditioning. With older dogs, swimming helps to increase energy as it would with elderly humans. At the Interstate Canine Swim Center, there is one-on-one sessions with the dogs and the therapists. Many happy dog owners who have watched their dogs heal and flourish as a result of hydrotherapy, decide to continue to have the dog swim at the center, for all of the other benefits the dog gains, especially the FUN part.

So if you don’t have a pool, check around to see where the closest dog swim center may be near you. Perhaps you and your do could enjoy a whole new activity together and keep cool at the same time.

Check out the swim center mentioned in this entry by clicking here!