Pet Rescue Miami

Humane Society of Broward County Schedules Fall Vaccination Clinics

2009-07-04T08:53:00.001-04:00

Humane Society of Broward County Schedules Fall Vaccination Clinics

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Humane Society of Broward County has scheduled the following vaccination clinics for the Fall. Here are the details you’ll need to know.

Saturday, September 26th: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM is for CATS ONLY
Sunday, September 27th : 7:00 AM = 11:00 AM is for DOGS ONLY

Saturday, November 14th: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM is for CATS ONLY
Sunday, November 15th: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM is for DOGS ONLY

The clinic is held in the back parking lot of the shelter located at 2070 Griffin Road, just west of I-95. Appointments are not necessary.

Regular Service Dog Package (dogs 4 months and up)
$35 if spayed or neutered; $50 if NOT spayed or neutered
Package includes: Rabies with Broward County tag*, 4 in 1 Booster, Bordetella

Puppy Package (3 months and under)
$25; Package includes: 4 in 1 Booster, Bordetella, Dewormer

Cat Package (4 months and older)
$25 if spayed or neutered; $40 if NOT spayed or neutered
Package includes: rabies with Broward County tag*, FVRCP, Revolution (1 dose)

Kitten Package (3 months and under)
$15; Package includes: FVRCP, De-wormer

Vaccines and services sold individually:
Micro Chip and Registration $20.00 Heartworm test $20.00
4 in 1 Booster shot $10.00 Bordetella shot $10.00
FVRCP (cat booster): $10.00 Droncit (de-wormer): $10.00
Rabies with Broward County tag* NOT spayed or neutered $30.00
Rabies $10.00, with tag* $15.00 (Broward County tag)

*Tag is for Broward County Residences only.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations from companies and people who want to help us help the homeless animals. For more information call 954-989-3977 or visit our website at www.humanebroward.com to see pets available for adoption, make a donation or find out about upcoming events.

THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.
###

Cherie Wachter
Director of Marketing
Humane Society of Broward County
2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.humanebroward.com
954-266-6831 Direct
954-989-3977 Adoption Desk

Get your kitten spayed or neutered for 1/2 price through August! To schedule an appointment call 954-463-7729 or email spayneuter@hsbroward.com

Fix Fluffy for Half Price!

2009-03-29T17:35:00.001-04:00

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Spring time brings warm weather, beautiful flowers and thousands of homeless kittens to shelters all over the country. When you adopt a feline from the Humane Society of Broward County it is spayed or neutered before it goes home; but if you acquire a kitten elsewhere it can be expensive to have the kitten sterilized. In an effort to help you save some money and help control the feline overpopulation problem, the Humane Society of Broward County is offering half price spays and neuters for kittens between the ages of 8 – 16 weeks during the month of May.

Prices are normally $40.00 for females and $25.00 for males but if you schedule your kitten for an appointment in May the cost will be just $20.00 for females and $12.50 for males. Vaccinations will also be available for an additional fee.

According to Cherie Wachter, Director of Marketing at the shelter, “our goal is sterilize 200 kittens during the month and we hope the public will take advantage of this offer. The Humane Society of Broward County veterinarians were some of the first vets in the country to perform early age sterilization and have doing the procedure for nearly 20 years now.”

To schedule an appointment call 954-463-7729.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations from companies and people who want to help us help the homeless animals. For more information call 954-989-3977 or visit our website at www.humanebroward.com to see pets available for adoption, make a donation or find out about upcoming events.

March 13 “K9 Veterans Day”

2009-02-11T16:49:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release February 4, 2009 Governor Crist is set to make Florida the first state in the Union, to declare March 13 as “K9 Veterans Day” A nation-wide effort, with roots in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is working to get the entire country to recognize March 13 as K9 Veterans Day. And Florida will now truly take the lead on this honorable mission, as Governor Crist is set to declare K9 Veterans Day for the entire state. Last year Mayor Peyton made Jacksonville the first city to declare such a thing, and the group is hopeful that Florida will also have it’s Congress people lead the way for the national recognition, of all the dogs, of all our wars. And because of the current war on terror, such dogs as Customs Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Border Patrol Dogs, Police Dogs, Secret Service Dogs, and many more will be included in the recognition. This then will be a memorial to their service annually, as they too served, bled, and died. Dogs have served with honor throughout the history of our Country’s birth and growth, and have served at many jobs in all of our wars. However, there was never an official K9 Corps until March 13, 1942. Hence the effort to create March 13 as K9 Veterans Day. Doing this honors the dogs for their selfless service, while avoiding any objections one may have if dogs were truly included in the human Veterans Day. To this day dogs are serving daily in Florida, and Coast Guard dogs helped to guard the beaches way back during WW II. And Joe White, who launched the effort, lives in Florida, so he feels it only right that Florida lead the way on this, letting everyone know that the state honors all it’s Veterans. And thanks to Mayor Peyton, and Governor Crist, Florida is apparently on a mission to get this done. Hopefully other cities and states will follow Florida’s lead, and proclaim K9 Veterans Day for their area.

Joseph J. White
www.k9veteransday.org
904-241-6051
K9veteransday@aol.com

FREE SPAY AND NEUTER FOR CATS

2009-02-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Miami-Dade Citizens Urged to Spay or Neuter Pets

Miami-Dade County, FL – In an effort to help control the pet overpopulation problem, Miami-Dade Animal Services will offer free spay/neuter services for cats, every Thursday, starting February 12th, 2009, at the shelter located at 7401 NW 74th Street, Miami, FL 33166.

“There are simply too many unwanted cats and not enough homes. Spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and protects them from health issues that may develop later in life”, said Dr. Pizano, Animal Services Director.

WHAT: Free spay and neuter for cats only. First come first served.

WHO: Miami-Dade Animal Services Department

WHEN: Check in at 8:00 a.m. Thursdays, staring February 12th, 2009

WHERE: Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter - 7401 NW 74 ST - Miami, FL 33166

Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination for cats over 4 months of age. Rabies vaccine can be obtained at Animal Services for $10 (or $3 for qualified low income). Up to 4 cats per household; 2 months and older. Cats must be in separate carriers. No food or water after 9:00 p.m. the night before. No appointment necessary. Veterinarian may decline surgery due to health reasons. Feral cats will be ear tipped.

Pet overpopulation is something we can control, but we need the community to make a difference. Be part of the solution, spay or neuter your pet.

Miami-Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter V, as well as Florida Statutes 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues. Unlike private shelters that have limitations on the number of pets they accept, Animal Services accepts all dogs and cats. Each year, the shelter impounds more than 34,000 pets. The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311.

MEOW-MEOW Basics

2009-01-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

MEOW-MEOW Basics

A FREE Seminar for All Cat Lovers

Our staff will discuss behavior modification tips for issues like:

• Litter training
• Climbing
• Scratching
• Hiding
• Marking/spraying
• Biting
• Stalking
• Cat fights
• Fearful cats
• Chewing
• Counter jumping

Learn everything you need to know to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat!

We’ll also address:

• Cats and your pregnancy
• Multi-cat households
• Kittenhood
• Introducing the new pet
Held quarterly upstairs in the Education Center at the Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, 33312 To register for our next one, call 954-266-6875

Bow Wow Basics - Training Seminar

2009-01-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

Bow-Wow Basics

FREE One-Hour Seminar on Positive Dog Training!

For the New Puppy:

• The quickest way to potty train your puppy
• What to expect in the first year of puppyhood
• Creating good habits from the start
• The importance of early socialization and training or the New Adult Dog:

For the adult dog:

• How to make a smooth transition from shelter to living room
• Simple measures to curb common problems, including aggression
• Creative exercise ideas
• Training tips to get you started

Presented by: The Broward County Humane Society. To register for the next seminar, call: 954-266-6875

Seminars are held once a month on a Saturday at noon

Learn everything you need to know to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved canine companion.

The seminar will be given by HSBC’s senior trainer, a professional Certified Pet
Dog Trainer, who will be available to answer your specific questions.

Learn about the low-cost training classes offered by the Humane Society of Broward County

*Please do not bring your dog. This seminar is for humans only.

Thank You to the Pet Rescue Volunteers

2009-01-10T09:23:00.003-05:00

As 2009 begins, we want to thank all of our volunteers for their dedication to Pet Rescue. The cats and dogs at our shelter benefit greatly from the time the volunteers spend socializing the cats and dogs and walking the dogs.... Norma, Matthew, Maritza, Kathy C., Kathy W., Howard, Leigh, Lisa, Lewis, Michael, Norma M., Emily, Breta, Angelo, Maggie, Xiomara, Maureen, Carlene, Manon, Christina, Vicky, Donna, Lynn, Kat, Robin and all the others who take time out of their busy schedules to be a friend to our animals. Please forgive us if we have not mentioned your name but be aware that the dogs and cats know who you are and your devotion to them.

A special thank you to Emily Tanen for the photos of the dogs she so generously shared with us for posting on our website as well as Petfinder and AdoptAPet. Taking photos of the dogs is not an easy task and we appreciate the assistance she provided to our volunteer photographer, Lynn.

And to our main volunteer and president, Kathy Wasconis. What can we say? Your 25 years of dedication to our shelter is unprecedented and you have earned your wings!

Pet Rescue Has Lost a Friend

2008-03-20T10:55:00.003-04:00

It is with deep sadness that I let you know of the death of our friend, John Lovell. John initially designed Pet Rescue's website back in 1998 and got us up and running so we could showcase our beloved residents for the world to see and adopt into new homes. The website has been a wonderful marketing tool for Pet Rescue and John had the foresight back in a time when few others did to get our "pets" out there to be seen in a new way.

Recently, John re-mastered the website with a new vision and adding features we never had before attracting more viewers and making navigation much easier. As the person that has updated the website for over 6 years, I was a bit scared that he would make it impossible for me to make changes or add new photos. John, with his kind heart assured me he would make it "Lynn-friendly" and I would have no problem updating the site. He guided me through the procedures for adding to the redesigned pages and within no time, I was able to do it.

John did all his work for Pet Rescue without a fee. He had always loved animals and was more than happy to help us.

Some of you may have read John's letter on our blog about his beloved dog, Kirby, who died last year. On Monday, March 17th, they have been reunited. John left one dog behind here, but Mike will soon be in a new loving home.

Pet Rescue and I will miss John.

DON’T ABUSE YOUR PETS OR OTHER ANIMALS WHEN YOUR STRESSED

2007-11-25T18:10:00.001-05:00

DON’T ABUSE YOUR PETS OR OTHER ANIMALS WHEN YOUR STRESSED
By: Stanley Popovich

Everybody deals with stress and anxiety, however some people sometimes take it out on their pets. Instead of taking your problems and frustrations out on your pets or other animals, here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their stress, anxieties, and fears.When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with anxiety, the first thing you can do is to break the task into a series of smaller steps. For example, changing careers can be a stressful situation. In order to help manage this task, try to divide this goal into a series of smaller steps and do each of these tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success. This is a lot more effective then taking your frustrations out on your pet.Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. Instead of taking it out on your dog or cat, a person should take a deep breathe and try to find something to do for afew minutes to get your mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This mental timeout can help you refocus on your current situation.In dealing with your anxieties, a person should learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of focusing on exaggerated assumptions that may or may not happen, focus on the present and take it one day at a time.Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about our stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can not only make us feel better, but they might be able to give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. This is a lot more effective than yelling at your dog or cat.It is not easy to deal with our stressful problems, however taking our frustrations out on your pets or other people will not make the problem go away. When things are not going right, try to remember to treat your pet in the way you would want to be treated.

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

THE ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTING A DOG OR CAT

2007-11-25T18:09:00.000-05:00

THE ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTING A DOG OR CAT

By: Stanley Popovich

There are many advantages to adopting a dog or cat. Adopting a pet can be a great way to reduce our every day stresses and anxieties. In addition, there are many other reasons why adopting a dog or cat can be important in your life.

For instance, pets can help us to relax and help us to focus on the good things in our lives. This can be very helpful when we are overwhelmed by the stresses and anxieties of our lives. Playing with our pets can help reduce our fears and anxieties in any situation.

Pets can get our minds off of our problems. A person could do an activity with their pet or other animals that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Spending time with animals will get your mind off of the problem and give you the energy to do other things. Most importantly, playing with animals will give you the self-confidence that you can cope and that you can get through a stressful day.

Spending time with a pet can reduce loneliness and can be a great source of companionship. A pet can help us to feel better. Also many people talk to their pets and this can help us to get their problems out in the open. Animals can be of good company to all of us and can prevent the fear of being alone during our troubles.

Taking care of dog or cat can be a great way to increase our happiness and self-confidence. There are many animals out there who could benefit from your time and talents. Doing something that will help your pet or other animals can give you a source of pride and accomplishment.

Pets are 100 percent faithful and will be by your side through the good and bad times. Everybody deals with anxieties, stresses and other life problems, and it is during those times when you need someone by your side to talk too. People in our lives come and go, but your pet will never leave you regardless how bad your problems may be.

There are also many different breeds of dogs and cats we can choose from which can accommodate our life styles. If you want a certain type of pet that will suite your life style, all you have to do is talk to a pet expert or a veterinarian. These people will work with you to determine what type of dog to get that will fit in with your household.

By adopting a pet, you will be saving a life; a life of an animal that could very well become your best friend. A pet will love you unconditionally during his or her lifetime. Don’t let a few obstacles prevent you from gaining a faithful companion in your life. Adopting a pet can be beneficial to your health and be one of the best things that you can do in your life.

BIOGRAPHY:

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Blog Housekeeping

2007-11-01T10:10:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update regarding our Picasaweb photo galleries for Pet Rescue's latest adoptable cats and dogs, and the alumni dogs and cats photo galleries.

Rather than trying to keep our Picasaweb photo galleries up to date and synchronized with the main web site's galleries of the same images, the links on the blog have all been changed to directly access the main web site's photo pages. The Picasaweb galleries for those images have been removed.

This should be a seamless transition and will give you direct access to the most up to date and current images of all the Pet Rescue animals, especially since Lynn does such a wonderful job of maintaining those pages with the most recent information.

Thanks to Lynn for all the hard work she does!!!

NEW SPOOK-Tacular Photos

2007-10-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

We've just uploaded a bunch of new photos from the SPOOK-Tacular, the 2007 Pet Rescue Dinner. These are photos by Keyrana, Johnny and Heiro.

To see Keyrana's Photos, click here. (173 photos)

To see Johnny's Photos, click here. (123 photos)

To see Heiro's Photos, click here. (19 photos)

John's 63 photos, that were uploaded immediately after the dinner, are still available. See the next message to see his photos.

ENJOY THE PHOTOS!

The SPOOK-Tacular (Photos)

2007-10-06T23:04:00.000-04:00

What a GREAT dinner, event, gala, and stage show from Zella Lehr, Phil Cristian, the Amazing Robere, and the ZMC Dancers! The Pet Rescue SPOOK-Tacular was a tremendous success and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.

SPOOK-Tacular Gallery by John
Click to see the photo gallery

To see all 63 preliminary images of the evening's activities, click here, or on the picture above. There were four photographers working the event, so there will be a LOT more photos in a few days. Be sure to check back often to see them!

If you were at the event, you may actually see yourself in the photos. Once at the photo gallery, you can download the images or even order prints. If you like the photos and download or print them, why not show your appreciation for the great pro bono photographers by making a donation to Pet Rescue? What a terrific idea! Just click the "Make A Donation" button at the top-right of this page, below the Pet Rescue logo, or any donation button on the main website. Remember, donations are tax deductible and really, really, really help the animals in our care.

Were you at the SPOOK-Tacular? Share your thoughts with everyone else. Click the "Comment" link below to post a comment about what you thought of the event, or to read other's comments.

HELP! High Vet Bills

2007-09-30T22:49:00.000-04:00

We need your financial assistance. Our vet bills are extremely high due to recent surgeries, heart worm treatments and medications for the animals in our care.

If you can assist, please make a donation on-line by clicking the "MAKE A DONATION" button at the top-right of this page, or you can send a check to:

Pet Rescue, Inc.
3440 NW 191 Street
Miami, FL 33056

If you can do anything to help us care for the animals' medical needs, we would greatly appreciate it.

Pet Rescue at PetsMart

2007-09-29T23:50:00.000-04:00

Pet Rescue will be at the PetsMart in the Miami Design District on Saturdays from 3-7 PM and on Sundays from 1-5 PM. The PetsMart is located at North Miami Avenue and 31st Street in Miami. A Pet Rescue volunteer will be on hand to assist in finding loving homes for our cats. Come see some of our wonderful kitties, or tell your friends about Pet Rescue at PetsMart!

Cesar Millan in Miami

2007-09-26T07:31:00.000-04:00

The star of the Emmy-nominated hit series Dog Whisperer brings his magic and wisdom about dogs and dog psychology to this unique live special event. Fans of the show and dog lovers alike will be immersed in Cesar’s world for three compelling hours, as the best-selling author of "Cesar’s Way" reveals his secrets to happier, healthier relationships between humans and their canine companions.

November 11, 2007 @ 2 PM - Carnival Center Ticket Information

Well Trained Dog ?

2007-08-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get people asking you if your dog does tricks? Even when your dog does NOT do tricks? Even when you just adopted the dog the day before? Does it make you angry?

Maybe even worse, do you know someone with a well trained dog that makes you own sweet, but ill mannered pup look bad? Don't you hate that?

Here's the answer. A well trined dog that you may not be able to pass off as your own, but will do all the standard commands perfectly every time. Just CLICK HERE to visit the site and have a go. It is very cute and if you like Yorkies, this is especially good.

Have fun!

It is a HeartGuard sponsored website.

Vick Takes Dogfighting Plea

2007-08-24T13:08:00.000-04:00

In a Richmond, Virginia, court today, the Atlanta Falcon's 27-year-old star quarterback, Michael Vick, filed papers including a signed plea agreement and written allocution to prosecutors in regards to a federal dogfighting investigation.

According to court documents, Vick said he did not gamble during dogfights. He did, however, admit to bankrolling the gambling operation and to participating in the killing of at least six dogs. The original charge was listed as "Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture," and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. There is speculation that Vick will be sentenced to between 10 and 18-months in jail based on recommendations by prosecutors on the case. The judge is not bound by any recommendation or by the federal sentencing guidelines. U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson had earned a reputation for handing down stiff sentences, even to high-profile defendants. However, "tough but fair" is the description most often heard from lawyers who appear before Hudson, who owns a Bichon Frise and has declined to be interviewed.

Three co-defendants -- Purnell Peace, 35; Quanis Phillips, 28; and Tony Taylor, 34 -- have already accepted agreements to plead guilty in exchange for reduced sentences. Last April, Vick and two of the co-defendants apparently met to test the fighting skills of the dogs. The three agreed to kill six to eight dogs that did not perform well. All of the dogs were killed by various methods that included hanging and drowning.

Vick is scheduled to plead guilty on August 27th in Richmond's U.S. District Court to a conspiracy charge related to dogfighting. Prosecutors for the state of Virginia have said that additional state charges may be brought against Vick in the future.

In a related interview in an Atlanta newspaper, Michael Vick's estranged father says he tried to get Vick to quit dogfighting years ago. Michael Boddie said that around 2001 his son staged dogfights in the garage of the family's home in Newport News, Va., and kept fighting dogs, including injured ones, in the family's backyard.

Boddie dismissed the notion that Vick's longtime friends were the main leaders behind the dogfighting operation. "I wish people would stop sugarcoating it," Boddie told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "This is Mike's thing. And he knows it."

For more information and links of interest, check the Orlando Sentinel.

For the visual results of dogfighting, visit this EnviroLink Forum page.
WARNING: The linked page contains disturbing images.

Editor's Note: We assume this means that instead of the dogs he kept, Michael Vick will be the one caged or chained-up most hours of the day. He'll be allowed outside for supervised exercise and it will be he who will be watched through the cell bars by people and their [guard] dogs. There may even be some gambling on who will win any fights that Vick may have with other inmates. Turn about is fair play, dogfighting isn't ! ! !
-------------------------------------------------------
From beasts we scorn as soulless,
In forest, field and den,
The cry goes up to witness
The soullessness of men.
~M. Frida Hartley

Dumb and Dumber-er-er

2007-08-23T08:42:00.000-04:00

The Associated Press is reporting that New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury defended Michael Vick, calling dogfighting a sport and comparing it to hunting. Marbury spoke Monday about the federal dogfighting conspiracy charges against Vick while promoting his basketball shoe in Albany, N.Y.

"I think it's tough," Marbury said, according to Albany TV station Capital News 9. "I think, you know, we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors."

On Monday, Vick said through a lawyer that he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. He also faces possible prosecution in Virginia.

"I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down," Marbury said. "I think he's one of the superb athletes, and he's a good human being. I just think that he fell into a bad situation."

Editor's Note: Is Marbury so out of touch as to actually believe that dog fighting and hunting are the same? Even if someone was opposed to hunting, the differences are just too great. The biggest difference being, of course, that hunting is legal. It makes me want to go right out and buy a pair of Marbury's signature B-ball shoes --- NOT! Whoever is using Marbury to promote their sports products needs to muzzle him as a spokesperson.

UPDATE 24 Aug 2007
New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury backed off his defense of Michael Vick, according to newspaper reports Friday (today). "What Michael Vick did was wrong, and he has admitted his guilt," Marbury said in a statement released by the Knicks to New York newspapers. "He should be punished. However, he should be given a second chance, as others have received for more serious crimes."

Editor's Note: Looks as though someone from the team or his shoe sponsor talked to him. Luckily they "released a statement" rather than allowing him to speak on his own. It sounds like he is half-a-bubble out of plumb.

Hurricane Center Feeds

2007-08-15T11:06:00.001-04:00

UPDATE 21 AUG 2007
Obviously, Hurricane Dean has bypassed Florida but has left significant category five style damage in Jamaica and Mexico. We have removed the NHC's Dean Updates from the right-side column. Still, think about what you would do if a storm heads in your direction. The time to make your plan is NOW!

Originally Posted 15 August 2007
Updates from the National Hurricane Center for Tropical Storm Dean have been added to the RSS Feeds section of the blog.

Tropical Storm Dean (supposed to become a hurricane by tomorrow) is not a definite threat to South Florida as yet, but should be a wake-up call if you have not yet finalized your hurricane emergency plans, purchased your safety supplies or made plans on what you will do with your pets in case a storm does approach.

Remember that you can always get the complete tropical outlook at the National Hurricane Center Website.

When Is The Right Time?

2007-08-13T09:33:00.000-04:00

If you have been reading the blog for any length of time, you are probably aware that I have two dogs: Kirby, a Border Collie, and Mike, a Broward Humane terrier-mix, rescue pup. Kirby was purchased/adopted at 9-weeks and Mike was adopted three years later, at 10-weeks of age. Mike is 9-years old now.

Kirby, at the age of 12-years, has been in failing health. His vision and hearing were both on the wane. Like me, arthritis was causing him difficulty. He could no longer jump onto the bed and had difficulty walking at times, especially in the mornings. He recently developed a severe internal problem that was not responding to treatment.

On Sunday, August 12th, 2007, his race was run. Kirby passed away and I can only hope that the concept of the Rainbow Bridge is correct. I am left with an emptiness that Mike is attempting, to the best of his ability, to fill. Yet, how can one make the decision to allow his best friend to pass on and not second guess the decision?

In my heart of hearts I know that as Kirby gazed into my eyes on Sunday morning that he was asking me to end his suffering, his unhappiness, and was telling me that it was okay, that he was looking forward to peace. His look told me that he was ready. Yet I was torn.

If I waited would he feel better in a few day? If I waited would he suffer additional discomfort for those same few days? Was it too soon? Had I already waited too long?

I decided to let him go, but the questions remain. He was my best friend, literally, not just in the sense of the old saw that "dog is man's best friend." He actually was my best friend, my big boy, my baby, my son. He is gone based on my decision and I wonder in moments of reverie if I was correct in my actions.

I have had four dogs during my adult life. Chrys was a foundling Golden Retriever-mix, who came to me one evening, skinny and injured, wandering in a parking lot. C.J. was a Golden-mix adopted from the Miami Humane. Then there was Kirby and Mike.

C.J. died at age four of pancreatic cancer. It was swift in onset and there was no choice to be made. Chrys aged well until the day he simply could not rise, though valiantly trying with all his might. His eyes that day conveyed an apology because he was unable to stand. I allowed him to go away later that morning, to leave me forever. His eyes told me he didn't want to go. They said he wanted to stay with me despite his pain, but there was no other option. He only wished to stay for my benefit. For Chrys I berated myself for postponing his departure and allowing his pain to continue. I thought myself selfish.

Today I ask myself if I couldn't have waited a bit longer for Kirby. In thinking back I must believe that had I waited any longer, I would have only continued his discomfort. I think back to his eyes gazing into my own. Those expressive eyes that told me that he was ready to leave me. Those supremely intelligent eyes that said the decision was the right one and that everything would be alright.

It is less than 24-hours since Kirby passed, and I ask myself if I correctly interpreted his gaze. I ask myself if I should have waited. I ask if I had waited too long. I ask, and I ask, and I ask. There is no answer save that down deep I know it was the right thing do, the right time, the right decision. And, yet, I continue to ask, and ask, and ask.

In time I will stop asking, second-guessing or wondering about my decision. I can only hope that I interpreted his final gaze correctly, that he understood, that he agreed, that he forgives me. I can only hope that when Kirby and I meet again that he will view me with compassion and our friendship will be renewed. That he and Chrys and C.J. will have already met and become aquainted; become friends. That they are, even now, keeping one another company until my time comes to join them. My friends, my boys, my children. How I miss them all.

Kirby was born on December 17th, 1994, in Homestead, Florida, and was adopted on February 9th, 1995. A certified animal therapy dog, he was a pure-bred Border Collie, registered with the American Border Collie Association under the name Chase's Kirby Cameron Dell. He was the smartest dog I have ever known. He was a supreme gentleman. He was my best friend.

In Memoriam

Chase's Kirby Cameron Dell
December 17, 1994 to August 12, 2007

Comments are not being allowed for this post. We are not looking for condolences, though your good thoughts are appreciated.

Michael Vick Chew Toy

2007-08-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

First Coast News is reporting the appearance of a website that is causing some shockwaves after offering a chew toy for dogs that looks like NFL quarterback Michael Vick. The toys came out following the star quarterback's federal indictment on dog-fighting charges. The website offering the toys says it's for charity, but the Jacksonville Humane Society is saying "no thanks."

When the Humane Society found out they'd be getting the donations, they said they're sticking to toys they can trust. Chere Garrard, with the Humane Society, can understand why a dog lover would want to give their dog that chew toy. "Oh, oh, boy, let me give my dog this chew toy to chew on, a way to kind of, 'take that, Michael Vick,' said Garrard. That's especially true when a portion of the money made from the toy is promised to go to the Jacksonville Humane Society. But Garrard says the website selling the toy may not be all it seems. "We're skeptical as to whether that organization is on the up and up," said Garrard.

The first she'd heard of the donations came from the media, not the company selling the toy. "Normally, when people do fundraisers for you, quite often they'll contact you first and say, 'we'd love to do this, are we on the same page.' We never got that phone call," said Garrard. She says that's not all that seemed fishy. "It's interesting that the original press release that seemed to go out nationally had a Jacksonville dateline on it, and referenced the Jacksonville Humane Society, but no reference of our fire," said Garrard.

Another problem is that it's practically impossible finding the company, which claims to be based here in Jacksonville. All our searches for the company were unsuccessful. A Google search only turned up news stories of the toy. The Humane Society had the same problem. "Can't find them. Can't find them anywhere. Can not track down the business," said Garrard.

Garrard says if anyone does figure out the mystery donors, she says they've got to know. "If you can find out who's behind it, give us a call!" said Garrard. Shipping of the product, according to the website, begins Tuesday, August 7th, and would be received within 2-3 weeks. Garrard says, buyer beware.

Since the donations offer from the website was made. it's been taken back, saying: "Due to unforeseeable circumstances and squabbling over charitable donations, our statement claiming we will donate proceeds from the "Vick dog chew toy" has been removed. We will now do so anonymously," said the www.vickdogchewtoy.com website.

The Jacksonville Humane Society says they wouldn't accept the offer anyway, since Vick hasn't yet been convicted of anything.

2007 Pet Travel Stats

2007-08-09T16:57:00.000-04:00

Check out the pet travel statistics for 2007 from BringYourPet.com, a leading pet friendly hotel and lodging directory that continuously polls thousands of its Web site visitors, newsletter subscribers, and random households regarding their travel and purchase habits. All who participate in the surveys own at least one pet. Portions of the 2007 year to date results are as follows:

77% frequently take their pets with them when leaving town.
38.5% say it is “difficult” to find pet friendly lodging.
79% stay at designated pet-friendly hotels or lodging each year.
16% stay at designated pet-friendly 6 or more times each year.
63% would be more likely to lengthen their stay if given the opportunity to travel with their pets.
84.6% travel with dogs.
6.3% travel with cats.
33% travel with dogs over 50 pounds.
36% say it is ‘difficult to find pet-friendly lodging’ for their pets over 20 pounds.
10.3% complain that most pet friendly places they find also allow smoking.

For more information on pet travel, visit the BringYourPet.com website.

Fleas Plague Sunshine State

2007-07-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

By Alexandra Hackett from Tampa Bay's 10

Rhiannon is normally a happy energetic dog, but some tiny pests are making her miserable. "It’s been bad this time around I have never had it this bad," said pet owner Dena Bilella. Dena has been battling her dog's flea problem for a long time and just when she thinks it's under control, it pops up again, even during this exam.

Rhiannon also suffers from what's called “flea dermatitis”, her skin chewed raw from the itching. Dr. Heather Willis-Goulet, with Florida Veterinary Specialists, sees this all too often. Fleas don't discriminate. They love cats and dogs and Florida's hot and humid environment is ripe for a flea breeding ground. They live outdoors.

Only rarely do fleas jump from one pet to another. "They like it under rubbish in the yard, mulch underneath the house under….deep dark humid areas like that," she said.

Once a flea lands on your pet, it will start laying 50-eggs per day. "By the time you notice your dog has fleas, you have the whole life cycle: the eggs, the larva, the pupa, the adult, in your house and your yard," Dr Willis-Goulet sais. The doctor recommends a consistent treatment of adulticide and what she calls “flea birth control” to fend off both fleas and their eggs. But as with Rhiannon, it may take months to eliminate the infestation.

-Flea treatment for dogs should never be used on cats, because it can be very toxic.

-You usually don't have to treat your yard, but if you do, make sure it's something that's not UV-light sensitive, because it is degraded by the sunlight.

-Consult with your veterinarian for the best types of flea treatment and be sure to follow the label directions.

Massage Therapy For Pets

2007-07-14T15:24:00.000-04:00

Article by Azia Li Forrest, from the Villages Daily Sun

Once Nikki Hoffman finally learned how to calm her dogs, she decided to help others. "Massages help with range of motion with the older dogs," Hoffman said. "It improves circulation and enhances muscle tone."

Hoffman’s Barkissage Canine Massage Therapy has been open since April. Before that she was looking for a break from her 20-year career in technical sales. "We were living in Saint Lucie County, and it was around the time when we kept getting hurricanes," she said. "We had no electricity for several days and the dogs were panicked."

Hoffman, who has two Pekingese (Brandee-Cherie and Barry), said she noticed massages helped them relax. After moving to Lady Lake in 2006, she began doing more research on canine massage and became certified the following year. She also became an active member of IAAMB, the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, and began volunteering her services at dog shelters and rescue organizations.

"It used to be considered alternative, but it’s becoming more mainstream," Hoffman said about dog massage. "It’s very fulfilling because the dogs benefit from it and so do I." Barkissage is the first certified therapeutic canine massage company in The Villages. Hoffman works closely with veterinarians in The Villages and Fruitland Park. "There are a lot of older, geriatric dogs here in The Villages," she said.

Although she thinks massage is beneficial to canines, she said it is not a substitute for medical care when a pet needs it. "Massaging does not replace good vet care," she said, "it works in conjunction with it."