However, I had to share this story, as it is horrifying  and, apparently, legal. For those who let their dogs roam off leash, take heed, as you could inadvertently be putting your dog’s life in grave danger, not to mention your own.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Dogster, in partnership with the American Red Cross, recently launched an innovative pet ID and recovery service called Together Tag as a stand-alone solution or as a complement to your pet’s existing microchip.

Easy Online Enrollment
A one-time fee of $24.95 covers your dog for life. Simply add profile information to activate your account. Special discount for families with three or more pets!

Cool, Disaster-Proof Tags
The service – specifically designed for natural disasters – features stylish, reflective tags, lab-tested under extreme conditions.

Shelter & Community Alerts
Benefit from an extensive network of over 5,000 shelters and 1 million pet-lovers. Targeted alerts are dispatched as soon as you report your pet as missing.

Click here for more info.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

• Finding the best veterinarian for your dog;
• The dangers of electric shock; and
• This heartwarming story about a girl who saved a dog.

Woof!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Here’s an uplifting story about my greyhound hero, and here’s a somber story about more greyhounds in desperate need of help.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

At last, some good news to come out of what I have to say was one of the most distrubing animal-related tales to hit the airwaves in a while (besides Sarah Palin’s penchant for shooting wolves, that is).

Check out the happy-ish ending to the sad story of Michale Vick’s dogs at Sports Illustrated.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The American Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reminds all pet owners that especially during this time of year, there are many household hazards that can poison our pooches.

According to Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’S Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and author of Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health, says, “Over the holidays, veterinary hospitals often see an influx of pets affected by a variety of seasonal hazards, from cats vomiting after swallowing ribbons to dogs who’ve indulged in pilfered chocolates. It’s important to keep our animal companions safe when celebrating.”

The following tips from the ASPCA are sure to help keep everyone safe and sound this holiday season:

O Christmas Tree
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall–this will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling.

Tinsel-less Town
Animals love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Toy Joy
Stuff your pet’s stockings with gifts that are safe (and can’t be torn apart). Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, digestible chew treats or Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods.
 
Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
When ingested by pets, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

For more poison prevention tips from the ASPCA, click here.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It took about two hours for Greta to worm her way into my heart after I adopted her. And although there have been challenges along the way, I could not imagine my life without her.

As more and more greyhound racetracks are closing (hallelujah!), that means there are that many more greys that need forever homes.

Here’s a great article on getting a greyhound in the white house.

Or your house.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Forget Black Friday–this year, why not spend the day after Thanksgiving supporting a worthy cause instead of getting trapped in the mall (and credit card debt)?

As a dog lover, I’m also an animal lover in all shapes and forms. That’s why I plan to join In Defense of Animals and activists throughout the United States to stand up for the millions of animals killed for their fur.

Every year, over 50 million animals are brutally killed and skinned to make fur products. While many companies have pledged to go fur-free, other popular brands continue to cause and profit from animal suffering.

Fur Free Friday is the day after Thanksgiving all over the country. You can join an event in your area or plan one of your own. (This year, they’re encouraging activists to hold demonstrations in front of Nordstrom, still a major carrier of fur products. To find the Nordstrom location closest to you, click here.)

For more information on the cruel fur trade, visit www.furkills.org.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

In Calif., Governor Schwarzenegger wants to raise millions by adding a tax on veterinary services. On November 6, 2008, Gov. Schwarzenegger called for an increase in the California state sales tax to address the multi-billion dollar deficit in the budget, and proposed a sales tax on all veterinary services. This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to balance the state budget. 

This proposal could add approximately 9% to the cost of veterinary care. In already tight times, this means many animals won’t get the necessary medical care and treatment they deserve because veterinary services will be more expensive. Increasing the cost of veterinary care will only lead to more animals being abandoned, or euthanized.  

If you live in Calif. and oppose this idea, write letters, make phone calls, send emails, or fax your comments to the Governor and to your elected officials. 

If writing, try to personalize your letter and be brief. Let them know that pets are family members and this proposed tax will add a huge financial burden to your family. Ask that veterinary services be removed from the Governor’s proposal.

For more information, visit the California Veterinary Medical Association website.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Last week’s election was good news for greyhounds in Mass. and animals in Calif., as voters on both coasts made it clear that animals have feelings and animal cruelty should not be tolerated.

In Mass., Ballot Question 3 regarding the state ban on dog racing passed with 57 percent of the vote, ensuring commercial dog racing will be phased out by 2010. There are two dog tracks in Mass., and the hope is that rescue groups will be able to find homes for any racing dogs who become available for adoption. Although I don’t live anywhere near Mass., I took a personal interest in this, as I adopted a retired greyhound two years ago.

In Calif., Prop 2, also known as the Standards for Confining Farm Animals Act, won with over 60 percent of the vote, thus mandating an increase of confinement space for veal calves, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens. The Act is effective Jan. 1, 2015, when these animals will have the right to turn around, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. (I voted yes, and thankfully I was not alone!)

These are but two small steps that will make a huge impact on the lives of many innocent animals.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.