Bark Radio on location – Sept – Oct 2009

Breed Ban IQ Test

Breed Ban IQ Test

1. If you were the sheriff in your town and you learned that Toyotas were disproportionally involved in more auto accidents than any other model, would you:
(a) ban Toyotas and confiscate the Toyota of anyone caught driving one
(b) arrest the drivers responsible for those accidents?

2. Which course of action in Question 1 do you think would:
(a) inconvenience the fewest number of people?
(b) be the more efficient use of taxpayer dollars?
(c) be more effective in preventing future accidents involving Toyotas?

3. If your answer to Question 1 was (a) — ban Toyotas — and the sheriff’s department learned that, by a statistical quirk, drivers of confiscated Toyotas were now perpetrating further accidents by driving, say, Hondas, would you then ban Hondas? If not, why not?

4. If your answer to Question 3 was, “Ban Hondas, too, dammit, something HAS to be done,” then would you propose a ban on ALL car models with names ending in “a,” such as Kias and Mazdas, reasoning that all these brands are pretty much made for the same purpose? If not, why not? If so, how would you deal with car brands that end in the SOUND of “a,” such as Chevrolet?

5. Are you beginning to understand that:
(a) because most of the tens of millions of pet dogs are NOT registered, “breed” cannot be defined in a meaningful way?
(b) that miscreants employ pit bulls, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Akitas, Great Danes — that is, whichever dog is handy — as personal tools of terrorism?
(c) that law enforcement authorities could waste inordinate amounts of time (and, therefore, taxpayer dollars) policing a breed ban, adding to their jobs a task perhaps even more meaningless than enforcing jaywalking laws?
(d) that the people most likely affected by a breed ban — that is, those inconvenienced, harrassed and likely to suffer damage — are the 99.9% majority of utterly innocent dogs and people?
(e) most important, that breed bans do ESSENTIALLY NOTHING to address the real problem: Human scumbags who abuse animals?

Key: If your answer to any part of Question 5 is “no,” I’m afraid you have flunked. Please go back and reconsider your responses.

Hint: The answer to the question, “What shall we do about the bank robber who got away on a bicycle?” is not: Ban bicycles. Real answer: If your dog hurts someone, you — not the dog — should be responsible. Anti-cruelty and anti-dog-fighting laws already exist. Tell your mayor, and city or county or provincial council to up the current penalties, and insist that judges enforce those penalties against lawbreakers.

-Test created by Paul Glassner, SF/SPCA
Originally posted at http://pitbullsonlinecommunity.ning.com

Because I have you…

My friend Terrie Scott from mars-safehaven.net posted this to her Facebook page today and it’s simply to good not to share. If you work in animal rescue you’ve felt her frustration too, well this time she asked the question and receive the answer – give it a read, it will register with you – Terry

I know we’re all tired, frustrated, angry and depressed by what we have to see and deal with every single day. And, our jobs don’t end at 5pm. We’re used to working around the clock, being held hostage to our computers until we have done everything humanely possible to save as many animals as we can.

I shared this privately, but thought many of you fighting on the front lines could stand to hear this too. Since you need to know how much you are appreciated and respected for your dedication and hard work.

I understand that no one wants praise, especially when so many animals are lost. And, it’s those that are lost that make our hearts ache on a daily basis. And, those that remain behind, trembling in cages that make us scramble and fight to save them.

I want to share this with you and keep it close to your heart when you feel overwhelmed and close to giving up.

I am sure there have been days when you have just screamed out loud.

I’ve had a couple of days where I’ve gotten so upset and frustrated that I’ve actually SCREAMED at God – out loud.

With tears running down my face, I’d scream at Him, “Stop this senseless killing and help these animals. Why do You allow this to happen?!!!”

There I was, alone in the privacy of my home, yelling at God, about what I perceived to be His lack of support.

I had my cry and settled myself down. Then, I logged back on to the internet.

I was greeted by a public comment from a stranger saying, “I asked God why He allows this to happen… He said, I don’t allow it, I have you…”

I kid you not. Gave me chills. Never heard from the person before or ever again since.

And, I never made a public comment about being angry at God, it was one of those private moments alone at home and the SECOND I logged back on to the internet, THAT message was waiting for me.

Think about it. And, know you are making a difference.

God bless all of you.

Terrie

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven (Ohio)
www.mars-safehaven.net

A man and his dog…

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?”

“This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered.

“Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked.

“Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought right up.”

The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

“Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, “come in, too?” the traveler asked.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.”

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

“Excuse me!” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?”

“Yeah, sure, there’s a pump over there, come on in.”

“How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog.

“There should be a bowl by the pump.”

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

“What do you call this place?” the traveler asked.

“This is Heaven,” he answered.

“Well, that’s confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.”

“Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That’s hell.”

“Doesn’t it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”

“No, we’re just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”

Author Unknown

An American Opera – The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever!

Episode 14 of Bark Radio -> Listen to it here

A Conversation with Tom McPhee
Many of us watched in horror – from a safe distance – the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tom McPhee was there. He witnessed the tragedy that befell those who called the Gulf Coast home. Including the animals. Especially the dogs and cats who were suddenly not only homeless … but helpless. Filmmaker McPhee has created a powerful statement about that time – about the heroes and villains who were there and who walk among us. Join us in a conversation with Tom. And when An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever! comes to your city or town, see it. And remember … it could happen again.

Canine Cancer

The finest dog I’ve ever known died because he developed lymphoma. When he was diagnosed, my well meaning vet could offer me nothing more than the standard treatment plan, which I refused. No one was pumping chemicals into my Maxx. I took my boy home to die.

Why?

It’s the information age. So why can’t I find the answer to this simple question: Who is legitimately trying to find a cure for canine cancer? Where is the research being done that will explain why a perfectly healthy 10-year-old dog wakes up one day with swollen lymph nodes?

Is cancer indeed such big business that there is no research out there that is not tied to the pharmaceutical companies whose profits depend on dogs staying sick? Is cancer tied to nutrition? If it is, do we want research to be funded by commercial dog food companies whose profits depend on people feeding Fido their food? Are there environmental causes linked to both canine and human cancer?

Google “canine cancer”, folks. There is so much crap to wade through, so many organizations ready to take your money, so many words and so few answers. What’s a concerned pet parent supposed to do? We’ll start with some basic information. We’ll introduce you to some terrific people and dogs. And we’ll keep asking questions. Anything we learn of value … we’ll share.

Luke and The Boys

Luke Robinson lost two of his dogs to canine cancer and asked himself why? Instead of sitting idly by, Luke decided to raise awareness. He sold his truck, packed his bags, prepared his two dogs, Hudson and Murphy, and began a journey. They are walking from Austin, Texas to Boston, Massachusetts – along the way raising awareness for canine cancer. As of March 16, 2009, Luke and The Boys had been on the road for a full year and had inspired thousands of people along the way to join in the effort to find a cause and a cure for canine cancer. Visit their website to learn more about them. You can also follow two dogs a-twittering at http://twitter.com/HudsonandMurphy. The Boys are trying to get more followers on Twitter than Luke, so you’ll have to go out and find Luke if you want to follow him. Woofs and wags, boys!

Here were to be some factoids.
Sadly, the more I looked for FACTS the more confused I got. I’ll be visiting with my favorite reference librarian next week. Perhaps she can point me in the right direction.

The Interview
To end on a positive note, Dee and Terry interviewed Luke from 2dogs2000miles. Learn more of this amazing story at www.barkradio.com.

Got a cue?

[From "Brown Dog Tales" : Dee Bogetti]

In positive dog training a cue is a word or a signal to which your dog responds by doing something. Sit is both a cue (word or signal) and a behavior (something your dog does). 

Since dogs are masters at reading body language and learning routines, we need to understand that we offer cues (often unintentionally) all the time. What does your dog do when you pick up your car keys? his leash? your running shoes? Does your dog go spastic with that “can I go, please please please can I go?” behavior? Think about it. Fido wasn’t born knowing that jingling keys mean car. This is learned behavior through observation.

Why should you care? Because understanding how behaviors happen – both good and bad – can enhance your ability to change or modify those behaviors. Don’t know how? Enlist the help of a positive dog trainer.

Love dogs? Be sure to check out and listen to BARK RADIO every Tuesday & Thursday on BarkRadio.com.

Warm Weather Tips for YOUR DOG!

[From "Brown Dog Tales" : Dee Bogetti]

It’s almost summer and time for you and your dog to enjoy the great outdoors together! Here are some great tips to keep your four-legged friend healthy and safe.

1. In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or run errands. But remember: during warm weather the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. Dogs don’t perspire. They dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Dogs left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don’t think that just because you’ll be gone “just a minute” that your dog will be safe. To avoid any chance that your dog will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, play it safe by leaving your dog at home while you’re on the road. If you happen to see a dog (or cat) in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store near where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.
2. It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
3. Summer is time for yard work. Remember that plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your dog ingests them. In addition, many plants are toxic to animals.
4. Make sure your dog is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your dog, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
5. Check with your veterinarian to see if your dogs (and cats) should be taking heartworm preventative. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.
6. Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
7. Pets and pools can be disastrous. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a dog in a pool.
8. Provide plenty of water and shade for your dogs while they’re enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
9. Dogs can get sunburned and yours may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
10. In summer heat your dog can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and can result in death. The signs of heat stress can include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, and a deep red or purple tongue. If your dog becomes overheated, immediately lower his body temperature. Move him into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most important, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

And, finally, take the Red Cross pet first aid class.

 

Love dogs? Be sure to check out and listen to BARK RADIO every Tuesday & Thursday on BarkRadio.com.

Therapy Dog Tips

[From "Brown Dog Tales" : Dee Bogetti]

New to therapy dog work? Here are a few things to remember for your next visit:

1. If either you or your dog is not feeling well, cancel the visit.
2. Be on time.
3. Have your contact/escort’s name and phone number with you.
4. Make sure your dog is clean, brushed, nails trimmed and filed. Remember – the elderly have paper thin skin that tears easily.
5. Some facilities require your dog to be bathed within 24 hours of your visit. Make sure you know the rules.
6. Dress appropriately – no open sandals, shorts, etc. Khakis or BDUs work well along with a golf shirt or dress shirt.
7. Turn off your cell phone before entering facility.
8. Give your dog a potty break before entering facility. Always carry poop bags just in case.
9. Carry a second leash in case anyone wants to “walk” your dog.
10. Have fresh, cool water available for your dog after the visit.

More information is available when you join my group on Facebook.

Woofs & wags!

Love dogs? Be sure to check out and listen to BARK RADIO every Tuesday & Thursday on BarkRadio.com.

To Harness or Not to Harness

[From "Brown Dog Tales" : Dee Bogetti]

Sometimes it’s all about the gear. One of the best solutions for dogs who pull is a front-connecting body harness. The best on the market are the Halti and the Sensation.

The key to success with both of these harnesses is that the leash is attached to a ring on the chest. Why is that important? Because it’s the dog’s center of gravity. Uses? These harnesses are great for small people with big dogs, dogs with neck injuries, and dogs for whom nothing else works (including head harnesses like gentle leaders).

A body harness does not replace proper dog training. If you do not have a positive dog trainer in your life, contact me or find one in your geographic area through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Note: I tried the Sensation harness on Murphy, my 90-pound chocolate Lab recently when we attended a two-hour outdoor dog event. I was pleased with the result. Next outing I’ll use the Halti body harness and report back on that. db

Love dogs? Be sure to check out and listen to BARK RADIO every Tuesday & Thursday on BarkRadio.com.