I received this in an e-mail today; I'm not sure where it originated.
If I didn't have a dog or cat:
I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
Mars Petcare US has recalled a limited number of bags of Special Kitty Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Martin Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
The pet food is being recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential salmonella contamination.
State police say a dog stolen from its home in Perry County was decapitated and dumped along Route 34 near Shermans Dale.
The black Labrador retriever was taken Oct. 16 from a fenced-in yard in Carroll Township, Perry County, according to police.
The dog's beheaded body was found Oct. 24 in the White Oak Inn parking lot.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call state police in Newport, PA, at (717) 567-3110.
HOKAFI's Pet of the Week is Duke, a 2- or 3-year-old boxer/pit bull mix found as a stray with his buddy Max. Duke is a sweet boy who enjoys walks and car rides.
He is microchipped, up-to-date on vaccines and will be neutered before adoption.
Duke might need some work with housetraining but appears to be a quick learner and eager to please.
For details, call (717) 697-3377, go to www.helenkrause.org or visit the shelter during adoption hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Heavenly Paws Animal Shelter's Pet of the Week is a 1- or 2-year-old female brown tabby found on Admire Road in Dover Township.
She is affectionate, spayed and up-to-date on vaccines.
For details, call 495-1727, e-mail ann@heavenlypawsshelter.com or visit heavenlypaws.wordpress.com.
From ASPCA:
That parade of kids, adults--and yes, even pets--in funny outfits is due to arrive at your door next week, bringing all the sweet and scary joys of Halloween! But pet parents, as you carve the jack-o-lanterns and fill those bowls of candy, please be aware that your furry friends may stumble upon dangers you hadn't thought of.
The following are just a few precautions you should take:
No Chocolate: Even if your pet has a sweet tooth, ingesting chocolate--especially baker's and dark chocolate--can be dangerous for dogs and cats, possibly causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures.
When we were there, Diesel was the only bulldog; but we were told there had been another bulldog there earlier. There were also German shepherds, a Great Pyrenees, a Newfoundland, a miniature bull terrier ( I didn't even know there was a miniature version of those), a Bernese Mountain Dog, at least one beagle, lots of beautiful pit bulls and many other dogs.
The dogs all seemed to be enjoying themselves, sniffing each other and making friends, and getting lots of attention from the people there.
There was a hula-hoop competition (not what you're thinking -- it was more like musical chairs), and for $1, you could let your dogs try weight-pulling or the agility course.
Sam took Diesel through the agility course, with help from a trainer. Although Diesel seemed less than thrilled, he did do pretty good with the teeter-totter. He didn't know what to make of the poles, and REALLY didn't like the blue tunnel.
A female tan chihuahua puppy named Mya was lost in the Manchester Apartments area. She has a smooth coat and floppy ears.
A reward is offered for her safe return.
If seen, call (717) 266-1889.
Maryland SPCA's Shop-a-Paw-Looza online auction ends Oct. 27.
Check out the online catalog at www.cmarket.com. Remember, you're bidding to to support the animals at The Maryland SPCA!
This orange and white declawed cat has been hanging around a home in the Dover, PA, area for a few weeks. The cat is very friendly and doesn't appear to mind the family's dog. If this is your cat, call (717) 292-6973 or e-mail shannfolk@verizon.net.
If the cat's owners are not found, the homeowner is hoping to find a home for the cat. If interested in adopting the cat, call (717) 292-6973 or e-mail shannfolk@verizon.net.
Tuesday (Oct. 21) is National Reptile Awareness Day.
Find out more at www.forgottenfriend.org.
Photo: An Ornate Nile Monitor Lizard lounging with a Boston Terrier and Jack Russel Terrier. Although this behavior is not typical, it shows that mammals and reptiles can peacefully coexist.
My husband and I recently adopted a dog from Canine Rescue of Central PA. He's working out great and we now have a wonderful pet, but I am appalled by Canine Rescue's bookkeeping and manners towards us after we adopted.
I paid the adoption fee with a check. Several weeks went by, and it was never cashed. I grew a bit concerned (was it lost? stolen?), so I called and left a message for them.
From the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General:
Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that the Attorney General's Office has a filed legal action to permanently shut down a Lancaster County dog kennel. Corbett is also asking Commonwealth Court to impose more than $4 million in fines on the kennel owners for their alleged advertising violations, which are spelled out in previous court settlements.
Corbett said that attorneys in his Bureau of Consumer Protection have filed a contempt petition in Commonwealth Court against Puppy Love Kennels, also doing business as CC Pets, and their owners Joyce and Raymond Stoltzfus, of Peach Bottom, Lancaster County.
Today is National Feral Cat Day!
For a list of activities and other information, visit www.alleycat.org.
Education the public about where pet shop puppies come from makes a BIG difference and this Saturday ANIMAL PLANET will be in Lansdale to film a rally for an upcoming documentary about puppy mills!
Help show America how easy it is to raise awareness about pet shop puppies. Donating just one short hour of your time really does help to make a tremendous difference.
Why not join the members of North Penn Puppy Mill Watch, a grassroots advocacy group headquartered in Lansdale, PA, as they continue to raise public awareness about the pet shop/puppy mill connection?
Where: The Pavilion Shopping Center - Whites Road Entrance - Lansdale, PA
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 18
In the event of inclement weather, check the nppm.org website.
From Bob Rudy:
Both congratulations and my sympathy go out to Mike Argento for his touching and well-written story, "A greyhound like no other" (YDR 10/10/08).
Anyone who has ever lost a companion animal can relate to the way only a pet, especially a dog or cat, can enrich our lives. Studies have shown how pets can lengthen and increase an individual's quality of life.
By MIKE ARGENTO, Daily Record/Sunday News
The first time I saw Homer, I didn't know he was going to be my dog. He knew it, though.
We were in the yard at Nittany Greyhounds near State College. He saw me and ran over, clacking his teeth, jumping up and down on his front legs and barking. I remember thinking that the greyhound people said these dogs don't bark.
Apparently, nobody told Homer that.
He wasn't supposed to be my dog. My then-girlfriend Cine -- now my wife -- had always wanted a greyhound. She read books about them and was all prepared to get a greyhound. She liked the idea of rescuing a dog that was seen as a disposable commodity.
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week 2008 is coming soon--November 2-8. With music artists singing the praises of shelters and new ways for the public to show their love, this year's celebrations are sure to be the best ever! Animalsheltering.org can help you spotlight your shelter or rescue during this special week and all year long.
Visit www.animalsheltering.org/sheltersrockfor a downloadable event planning guide and other great resources.
Visit humanesociety.org/sheltersrock to learn about famous fans, download banners and find out more ways to celebrate the great work of animal shelters and rescues.
From Castaway Critters:
A fire on Monday, Oct. 6, that started in the refrigerator of a foster home sent five foster cats and one of the foster home's personal cats to emergency veterinary services.
Four foster cats have since succumbed to smoke inhalation and one cat was able to return home after a day and a half in therapy. The foster caregiver's personal cat did not survive.
With bills mounting beyond $10,000 and costs of $1,600-$2,000 per cat per day, Castaway Critters is in need of donations to assist these cats so they can return to their home and family.
For more information and/or to donate, go to www.castawaycritters.org or make checks payable to Castaway Critters and mail to: Castaway Critters, Attention: Fire Victims, PO Box 1421, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1421.
Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals is a 501(c)3 animal rescue and spay/neuter organization that has found homes for more than 5,000 companion animals since 2002.
I've lost my PUPPY! She is a 5-month-old chihuahua with floppy ears, is tan in color with a smooth coat.
I miss her very much! Have been searching for her since September 29. She was lost in the Manchester Apartments area, Manchester.
I am 8 years old and this was my first puppy. I have saved my allowance for a reward. If someone has her, can I please have her back?
Jordan Vogel
Manchester
(717) 266-1889
frane726@comcast.net.
HAS BEEN FOUND A spayed female black Labradoodle named Cordy escaped from her yard on Tri Hill Road, Spring Garden Township, Oct. 11; and was seen in Wyndham Hills at 6 p.m. the same day.
She's about 18 inches at the shoulder, weighs 30 pounds. She was wearing an orange collar with ID tags, and has an AKC CAR microchip.
If seen, DO NOT CHASE; please try to coax her into your garage or fenced yard and call (717) 880-8273, e-mail thepeteybird@yahoo.com. For details, visit www.findcordy.com.
A reward is offered for her safe return.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 14), Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, will be on the "Oprah" show, making the case to millions of people across the country in support of a campaign that, if successful, will end the cruel confinement of 20 million farm animals.
It's called Proposition 2, a measure on the ballot in California that will end the practice of cramming farm animals into cages and crates so small the animals can't even turn around, lie down, or extend their limbs. If passed, it will be the biggest victory for farm animals in U.S. history.
Click here to find out when the show will air where you live.
On Friday, Sept. 12, my sister from Cumberland, MD, called me to say that her husband of 25 years had collapsed at work and she was meeting the ambulance at the local hospital. I got in my car and left right away to be with her.
A short time later ,she called me back to advise that Joe did not make it. He had just turned 54 years old and now he was dead. Joey was very active in helping his community in LaVale, MD. He was a lifetime member of the LaVale Fire Company, and the rescue squad. He so graciously was willing to give of his time for others. It takes special folks to make those sacrifices.
Later that week, the rest of my family joined me at my sister's to help her through her loss. We are a family with a dog, two cats, and "Izzy" the iguana. While we were away from home helping Mary and attending Joe's funeral, somehow Shadow, our black cat, managed to get past the kind folks attending to my animals at home, and she was unknowingly left in the basement/garage area where it was dark.
From Last Chance for Animals:
Join Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) for two separate events during National Primate Liberation Week. More than ever, it is important that you support the ongoing campaign to end animal research at UCLA. Don't let them stop us from exposing the truth behind locked doors.
There are currently more than 20 Rhesus monkeys at Cal Tech in Pasadena that are being subjected to horrendous experiments to MAKE THEM BEHAVE! The monkeys are currently being used in brain mapping experiments involving restraint chairs, cementing head posts to their skulls, implanting electrodes and eye coils and repeatedly exposing them to sound and light in a chamber and depriving them of water and food. Please help us expose these cruelties.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
WHERE: UCLA, corner of Le Conte and Westwood, Westwood Village
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
and
PROTEST
WHERE: Cal Tech, corner of Wilson and California Blvd, Pasadena
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon to 2 p.m.
For details, visit all-creatures.org/saen.
The Pennsylvania Legislature on Wednesday night passed HB 2525, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania's puppy mills. Only one state senator out of 50 voted against the bill.
Introduced in May, HB 2525 doubles the cage space required for dogs in Pennsylvania's commercial breeding facilities, prohibits wire flooring and the stacking of cages, mandates exercise and twice-yearly veterinary exams for all dogs, and requires that animals be humanely euthanized by licensed veterinarians.
Governor Ed Rendell signed HB 2525 into law the day after it was passed.
Over the next few months, the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge will award a total of $100,000 in grants to participating Petfinder.com shelter and rescue groups in the United States and Canada.
Honor your favorite hometown shelter by visiting The Animal Rescue Site daily to cast your vote through December 14.
A weekly award of $1,000 will be given to the shelter/rescue organization that's accumulated the most votes for that particular week.
The final winners of the Challenge will be announced Dec. 15.
Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue of Glenville, PA, has been entered into Zootoo.com's second annual Shelter Makeover contest.
The grand prize in this contest, which will end May 1, 2009, is a shelter makeover valued at up to $1 million. (Actual makeover value depends on the condition of the shelter and judgment of Zootoo and is valued at up to $1 million in cash, services or in-kind value from promotional partners.)
Nineteen runners-up will share awards totaling $195,000.
I've been going to the annual Puppy Mill Awarenesss Day since 2004, and this year's crowd was the largest I've seen at the event.
Not only were there lots of people participating, there were also oodles of dogs of all breeds and sizes. (I think there were more French bulldogs than any other type. One of the Frenchies even had on a bat costume!)
The walk through town and to the puppy millers' houses took longer than expected, because there were so many people and dogs walking. Everyone was wearing shirts with slogans such as "No more puppy mills" or "Mill dogs never have a nice day." There were even mini versions of the T-shirts on some of the dogs. There were lots of signs with similar slogans, too -- some of my favorites were "Make quilts, not puppies" and "My God values dogs' lives."
Rikki Rockett of Poison was a no-show, although he's usually at Awareness Day. But the guys from Rescue Ink were there, as well as Chris DeRose of Last Chance for Animals and AnnMarie Lucas of Animal Planet's "Animal Precinct." Chris DeRose, who recently had surgery on both knees and his back and was limping quite badly, walked (hobbled) with the rest of us. Hope he had some good pain meds waiting for him!
By Joli Harrington, for the York Daily Record/Sunday News:
Dallastown Recreation Director Mary Kline said the plan to have a dog park at Dallastown Community Park is moving forward.
The park at West Cherry Lane and South School Place, which is behind Dallastown Rescue Fire Company No. 1, is expected to be complete in early spring, Kline said.
Fencing would allow dogs to be off leashes to play ball, Frisbee, etc.
A male gray domestic shorthair cat was lost Sunday, Sept. 28, on Freysville Road between East Prospect Road and Mount Pisgah Road in Windsor Township.
He's recently neutered and has an ear tip. If seen, call (717) 880-1079.
