Pets and Animals

Contact lenses save sight of animals with cataracts

2009-07-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

A baby sea lion is kissed by its mother. The contact lens surgery has sparked interest at Sea World for one of their sea lions

Animals from rabbits to rhinos are having their sight saved, thanks to a German company that makes custom-made contact lenses.
The acrylic intraocular lenses are implanted when the creature's vision has been completely obscured by cataracts.
Operations are performed by vets in the German company S&V Technologies, which launched in 2008.

'Cataracts generally means blindness for animals, unlike for humans,' said the head of the company's veterinary division, Ingeborg Fromberg.
'And because animals have short lifespans, it means losing quality of life in a greater share of that life.'
The firm has had interest from Sea World in San Diego for a trick-performing sea lion with blurry eyesight as well as a Romanian zoo on behalf of a visually impaired lioness.
Although the surgery is pricey the World Wildlife Fund has already paid for the lens transplants for brown bears in a China nature reserve.
Meanwhile pet owners are often willing to pay thousands to improve the quality of life of their animals.
'Pets are often seen as members of the family and worth any expense,' Fromberg said.
The company was founded by a Bavarian chemist Christine Kreiner in Henningsdorf. S&V Technologies now has an annual turnover of £2m and a US subsidiary in Salt Lake City.

Woman teaches dog to read

2009-07-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

New York animal trainer Lyssa Rosenberg has taught her terrier to obey simple written commands.

Willow plays dead when she sees the word 'bang', stretches a paw in the air when she sees 'wave' and gets up on her back feet to beg when she sees the words 'sit up'.

"She's an unbelievably quick learner," said Ms Rosenberg, who has trained other dogs to appear in TV adverts and pose on photo shoots.

"She can do 250 different things and I used to joke that I would teach her how to pour me a martini. Then for a bet I told a friend I would teach her to read. He promised me a free trip to Mexico if I could do it.

"It took her just six weeks to recognise words and respond to them. And it isn't just my handwriting she understands. My friend printed the words Willow learned off the computer and she reacted to them.

"Well I won the bet and Willow came with me to Mexico.

"Willow has her own pet passport and regularly flies transatlantic to visit Ms Rosenberg's husband Gareth Howells, in Guildford, Surrey.

Willow was also the second witness at the couple's wedding at New York City Hall in March - signing the marriage certificate with an inky paw print.

Ms Rosenberg even takes the 10lb English terrier mix on business trips because Willow is more than happy to share her carrying case with other animals.

"I once had to fly from California back to New York with a rabbit and two guinea pigs. Going through airport security was hilarious because first I pulled out the rabbit from the bag, followed by the guinea pigs and then the dog."

Smallest Dog In The World , 3 inch Tall

2009-07-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

Cute pup: Six-month-old Maltese pup Scooter sits dwarfed by this tea cup

Is this the smallest dog in the world? Scooter the Maltese terrier is just 3ins tall

Forget toy poodles and miniature schnauzers - Scooter, the Maltese pup, can sit quite comfortably in a tea cup.

And his owner, Cheryl McKnight, believes that qualifies the white bundle of fur to take the title of the smallest dog in the world.

He is so tiny, in fact, that Miss McNight, of Auckland, New Zealand, has had to make him a special jumper out of a purple sock to make sure she doesn't accidentally step on him.

She believes Scooter has stopped growing at the towering height of three inches - almost an inch smaller than the current small-dog record holder, Boo Boo, a long-haired chihuahua living in the US.

'Scooter is so small he can sit in one of the tea cups I use,' said Miss McKnight.

'There are some disadvantages in him being this size because I can't take him for a walk - it would take all day - and I can't find a leash to fit him in any case.' As for feeding time, there's no point in giving six-month-old Scooter a normal dog-sized bowl.

Instead he eats out of an egg cup three times a day. His bed is a shoe box.

'He's so much a part of my life these days - and to think that at one stage I almost gave him away.

'For the first 10 weeks or so I didn't really want him,' she told the New Zealand Press Association.

'I thought nah, someone else can have him. But over time I've fallen in love with him.'

Obamas' new dog Bo - Portuguese water dog.

2009-04-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Michelle Obama walks the family's new six-month old Portuguese water dog Bo

WASHINGTON — New White House dog Bo took a bow before a paparazzi-style pack of cameras on Tuesday, prompting President Barack Obama to proclaim the new First Pet had "star quality."

The newest addition to the Obama family, a cuddly black-and-white Portuguese water dog, finally emerged from the White House on a leash held by First Lady Michelle Obama, ending a long saga dating back to the 2008 campaign trail.

The pooch was promised by Obama to his daughters Malia 10, and Sasha seven, to make up for his long absences while running for president.

The six-month-old dog drew a chorus of "ahhhhs" as it was paraded before journalists by the girls at a photo op on the south lawn of the White House, and Obama was asked where the new pet would sleep in the presidential mansion.

"Not in my bed," he joked and said that the breathless news coverage of the dogs imminent arrival was "spectacular" and said Bo had "star quality."

Obama also said he had heard that Portuguese water dogs were partial to tomatoes, adding: "Michelle's garden is in danger."

Asked about former president Harry S Truman's remark that the only way to have a friend in Washington was to get a dog, Obama said "I finally got a friend -- it took some time."

After showing off their new pet to the cameras, the Obama family took a long walk around the White House grounds, with the tail-wagging pooch in tow.

At one stage, in what might be the most photographed dog walk in history, the president broke into a run as the dog yanked on the leash and nearly pulled him over.

For a White House that likes to keep the media on a tight leash, the saga of the Obama dog has been a source of favorable stories for months -- barely a presidential news interview has gone by without a canine question.

The dog is a gift to the Obama family from veteran Senator Edward Kennedy, who owns several Portuguese water dogs.

The Washington Post reported that the girls named the pet Bo in part because their cousins have a cat of the same name, and perhaps after Michelle Obama's late father's nickname Diddley, after the late rock 'n' roll legend Bo Diddley.

The list of breeds in contention was narrowed by Malia Obama's allergy to many dogs.

Presidential pets have long been a focus of intense interest.

More recently, Bill Clinton formed a close bond with a chocolate labrador named Buddy, and the former president was devastated when his faithful friend was run over by a car after he left office.

With a history going back to pre-Christian times, the Portuguese Water Dog travelled the world with 15th century Portuguese explorers, swimming between ships with its webbed feet.

Fishermen meanwhile used them to recover lost nets and guard boats.

The breed slipped out of favor during the 20th century until enthusiasts in Portugal and the United States launched a revival -- inspired by the dogs' gentle temperament, particularly with children. They are sturdy working dogs with a very high energy leve

First Ever Doglympics Off to a Running Start

2009-04-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Dogs of all caliber turned out to give competitive sports a go at the first annual Doglympics in Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- From flying disc competitions to potato sack races, there were events for competitors and novices alike at the first annual Doglympics in Orlando.

"You're encompassing both," Doglympics founder Teena Patel explained of the Feb. 28- March 1 event. "It's something for pet owners to do, as well as [for] competition dogs to do."

More than 200 teams from across the U.S. and Canada came to compete in the Doglympics, which was the first event of its kinds to feature a variety of canine-focused sports in one location.

"This is kind of the mall of dog sports because you can go somewhere and get everything all at once," flying disc champion Matt DiAno said.

In just the flying disc competition, 79 teams alone vied for gold, silver and bronze medals.

"We were here from 7 o'clock until 7:30 yesterday and there were people in the stands the entire day," DiAno said.

Speedy events, like competitive lure course racing, kept crowds captivated for hours.

"Almost any breed can do this lure coursing," said lure course racing participant Shelley Holland. "It's really open to all dogs and we're always surprised at the dogs and 'How can they love a plastic bag,' you know?"

In lure course racing, dogs chase a lure, often nothing more than a tied up plastic bag, all the way around an oval track. Here, they compete against one another or individually for time.

However, champions weren't the only ones welcome at the event. Keeping with Olympic tradition, amateurs also competed in events like a potato sack race.

Hershey the Daschund won that event, giving his family quite the "Doglympic experience."

"It's great," said Hershey's owner, Michelle Snider. "We watched the herding and some of the disc and it's just been neat to see what the different breeds can do."

And that awareness of breeds and dog ownership is the spirit behind Doglympics. Patel says attendance was great for this inaugural event, and that it should continue to increase each year as the event itself grows larger.

"I would love for this to grow into a grooming competition, an obedience competition as well as confirmation," Patel said.

Patel and her staff say they're already planning next year's event. For more information, visit UniversityOfDoglando.com.

By Kris O'Donnell

Odd Couple: Alligator Falls in Love with a Garbage Truck

2009-04-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Odd Couple: Alligator Falls in Love with a Garbage Truck: "There's no accounting for love," said a Sarasota Jungle Gardens' staff member about Attitude, the alligator, who bellows her mating call bi-weekly when the garbage truck stops by the zoo.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Christine Costanzo went outside when she felt her office walls at Sarasota Jungle Gardens vibrate. She walked through the park, following the sound of the rumble until she found herself at an alligator's enclosure.

"And I watched her do her thing," she said.

Attitude the alligator had raised herself out of the water, head and tail pointing upward. Powerful contractions of her mid-section forced a series of low-pitched bellows resounding through the park.

"It's like a roar," said Costanzo, the attraction's public relations coordinator.

The sound is an alligator's way of communicating with another gator.

"Wild gators will do it more around mating season," said Julie Harter, Jungle Gardens' reptile curator.

The call of the wild could also be mistaken for the machine-made rumble of a large engine, which is fitting because Attitude seems to confuse the two.

Park personnel had noticed for a while that the gator, estimated to be about 30-years-old, did her bellowing on regular basis twice a week.

It wasn't until recently that they realized it happened coincidentally with another regular bi-weekly occurrence -- trash pick-up days.

"The sound that the truck makes that makes them think that it's another alligator," said Harter, adding that Attitude's announcements could be either an invitation to a potential mate or a warning to a perceived invader.

Harter believes it's a mating call. Other alligators and crocodiles in nearby pens could trigger Attitude's reaction if it were a territorial defense.

"There's no accounting for love," Costanzo added.

If it is a mating call, Attitude has never seen the object of her affection. The trash dumpster is not visible from her pool.

The garbage truck's driver, Dwight Trent Gordon, was unaware of the gator's greeting to his truck until Costanzo explained it to him.

"That's amazing," Gordon said. "I would like to see that."

He had not seen it because the gator bellows only when the truck is in gear. Costanzo has since given him a DVD showing Attitude in action.

Gordon drives the same Peterbilt truck on each garbage pick-up route, so it's not known if the gator is reacting to the sounds of this particular machine.

The truck usually makes its pick-up before the park opens, meaning most visitors have never seen Attitude's call. Recent publicity has drawn interest.

"People will ask, 'Is that the gator in love with the garbage truck?' " Costanzo said.

It's not something that an unknowing park patron would look for. When not appearing in the daily "Reptile Encounter" show, Attitude lies almost inert in her pool, only her eyes and nostrils poking out of the water.

Lying still makes a gator in the wild less visible to prey, and the conservation of energy means the gator can last more than a year between meals.

"That's a pretend gator," an elderly park visitor joked to a group of children trailing behind him as they stood outside the enclosure, with Attitude idle inside.

The trash truck was just beginning to rumble in the distance.

By John McQuiston

Miracle Cat Survives 7 Days With Arrow in Eye

2009-04-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Precious Angel, pictured above, has recovered from a metal arrow wound to the eye.

DETROIT -- A miracle cat is what people are calling a 6-month-old stray kitten who survived a vicious attack to its eye.

Michigan is known for its bow hunting season every early spring -- but Precious Angel, a tabby, felt the full, painful effects of that tradition in the beginning of March.

An unknown assailant fired a sharp arrow into Precious Angel's eye, but the cat appeared undisturbed by the gruesome attack.

"She didn't even know she had an arrow in her, but her eye was popped out of her head, laying on her cheek. It was very gross," said Vickie Taylor, one of Precious Angel's foster parents.

Taylor said she thinks Precious Angel was wandering wounded for nearly seven days before someone spotted the injured cat on Sunday, March 1. That person brought her to Taylor's nonprofit, Wag Animal Rescue, located in Wyandotte, Mich.

Taylor and her husband, Rodney, immediately rushed Precious Angel, who had the lodged arrow coming out the back of her neck, to a veterinary clinic.

"To shoot out the back of her head," Taylor explained of the arrow. "That was metal there and this was wood here. I don't know how she survived."

Veterinarian Kim Bolduc, of Willowood Acres Veterinary Clinic in Romulus, Mich., was also doubtful of Precious Angel's potential for a full recovery.

"Before I even went in, I was like, 'This is not going to be good,' " Bolduc said. "You know I was thinking, 'Oh, we were gonna have to euthanize this cat.'

"So actually I was shocked when I walked in the room and the cat was just sitting there purring and wanted to rub up on me -- seemed perfectly happy with this arrow going through its eye."

Precious Angel may have been happy and oblivious, but her near tragedy left Taylor shaken.

"This was horrendous," Taylor recalled. "I'd never seen anything like this. I can't understand why people would do that. Any animal cats, dogs, anything."

Yet Bolduc said that random bow-and-arrow attacks aren't as uncommon as one might like to think.

"Unfortunately, it happens quite a bit that people will shoot at cats," Bolduc explained. "To get them out of their yard, keep them out of their garage, or I guess, just for their [attackers'] own sport."

After a few hours of surgery, Bolduc successfully removed the arrow from Precious Angel's eye and closed the gaping hole in her head. While the cat survived, she was left without her left eye. Bolduc explained this was the best possible scenario, given what could have been.

"This is kind of a one in a million, that the arrow went, where it did that it didn't go through her skull or obliterate her jaw or something like that," the veterinarian remarked.

Precious Angel, meanwhile, continues to recover from her injuries; she is expected to soon be up for adoption.

"Any family who adopts her will be lucky to have her," Taylor said.

Precious Angel's case has generated interest across the country, and prospective adoptive parents have popped up from Indiana, Chicago, and as far as Los Angeles.

"She's been doing great, she was eating, drinking and running around the cage," Taylor said of Precious Angel's state. "She's had no ill side effects from this. She lost her eye and she's got to learn to adjust her eye sight or whatever, but Dr. Bolduc did an amazing job."

Rodney Taylor, co-director of Wag Animal Rescue, agrees.

"I would say it's definitely a miracle that the cats alive. I can't imagine walking around anywhere from three to seven days with an arrow hanging out of my head and my eye ball hanging down on my nose," he said. "So God must have been looking after the animal is all I can say to have turned out this well."

Police are still investigating the case; the person or persons responsible for the attack could face up to four years in prison, as well as a $5,000 fine.

"They're investigating this, you know what happened to the cat," Taylor said. "Hopefully they'll get more details and be able to prosecute the person."

Pet First Aid Courses Help Owners in a Pinch

2009-04-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Red Cross first aid courses for pet owners can prepare them for handling disastrous, and preventable, outcomes for their ailing pets.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Taking a pet first aid class could save your pet's life. Instructor Lynne Bettinger knows this from personal experience.

Her emergency happened on a weekend when the vet was closed, as these things seem to do.

"One Sunday evening, my 15-year-old cocker was acting weird -- pacing, restless, drooling, dry vomiting," said Bettinger, a Red Cross pet first aid instructor.

Those symptoms could have meant many things, but then she noticed that the dog's belly was distended. When she felt it, it was hard as a rock -- a sign of bloat, a life-threatening gastric condition that is common in some larger breeds, but rare in cockers.

"If I had not taken pet first aid, I would not have recognized the symptoms," she said. "I might have said let's wait and see how he's doing. If I had waited any longer, he would have died."

Red Cross pet first aid classes, which last about four hours, are a combination of lecture, discussion, video presentation and live demonstration. They can be taught for dogs, cats or both, and topics include actions to take in an emergency -- such as CPR and controlling bleeding -- and how to recognize one, as in the case of the bloated cocker.

Students learn how to perform CPR and rescue breathing on stuffed animals modified to simulate lungs and airways. Breathe into a tube in the stuffed animal's mouth (covered with a sanitary mouthpiece), and its chest expands and contracts.

Real animals aren't quite so cooperative, and there are risks -- like cracking a rib -- that make sense if your pet isn't breathing, but not if it's done for practice.

The pet mannequins are also used to practice making emergency muzzles out of cloth strips. These can be necessary for human safety when an animal is in pain - "dealing with a sick or injured animal, even the nicest animal may bite you," she said. But students also learn when not to muzzle, when the emergency involves choking or difficulty breathing.

The Red Cross first began offering pet first aid classes in 1997; prices are set by individual chapters.

The course was revised in 2007 to separate care for cats and dogs, which are different in some important respects.

"A cat is not a small dog," said Deborah C. Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania, veterinary adviser to the Red Cross.

For instance, she said, while urinary blockage is possible in dogs, in cats it's one of the most common life-threatening problems, and it's critical to recognize the signs.

Another source for pet first aid classes is Pet Tech, which has 300 trained instructors in 30 states, Canada and Mexico. Started 13 years ago by Thom Somes, a former emergency medical technician and a human first aid instructor, the company offers first aid and CPR, dental care, and senior pet care classes.

Law Passed to Curb Pet Antifreeze Deaths

2009-04-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Though it smells sweet, antifreeze can prove fatal for pets. (ZT Pet News Photo Illustration)
Law Passed to Curb Pet Antifreeze Deaths: Virginia is the latest state to lessen the lethal blow a few licks of antifreeze can deliver to curious pets. Nearly 10,000 pets die every year from the sweet tasting toxic fluid.

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine signed a bill on Monday that requires antifreeze, a toxic substance, to be spiked with an bitter tasting agent, designated to ward off unsuspecting pets.

Antifreeze kills approximately 10,000 pets a year, says Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, noting that animals find the liquid's sweet taste alluring.

The bill was sponsored by U.S. Representative Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), who introduced the bill in January, after a constituent relayed her first hand experience with antifreeze's potential toxic effects.

"One of my constituents, Yvonne Royster, came in and told me that she had learned about the accidental poisoning of two dogs on her postal route," Cox said. "She was very concerned, and I thought, 'Let's take a look at this, and see if there is a way to stop these animals from dying.' "

Virginia is now one of seven other states -- including Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Arizona, Tennessee, Maine and California -- that has adopted such a measure in recent years.

The law specifically calls for all imported car engine coolants/antifreeze that have more than 10 percent ethylene glycol also contain denatonium benzoate, a notoriously bitter, yet innocuous, chemical compound.

Lawmakers and animal welfare advocates hope this inclusion can help cut high numbers of antifreeze-related deaths, Cox says. Two-thirds of veterinarians across the country report seeing at least one animal afflicted by antifreeze poisoning each year.

"The numbers were really surprising," Cox said. "Just very, very shocking statistics."

Ingestion of ethlyne glycol will first affect one's central nervous system, then can eventually lead to kidney and liver failure.

"For a 25-pound dog, it can take just as much as a few licks for this stuff to take effect," Amundson said, adding that the 10,000 reported deaths are a "low estimate."

Owners' failure to properly and securely store the toxic substance accounts to the majority of lethal antifreeze cases, Amundson said. Following ingestion, animals frequently exhibit lethargy and sluggishness. The symptoms are vague enough, though, that they sometimes go undetected.

"Even if a pet dies from antifreeze, it doesn't mean that a guardian knows why the animal died or what transpired," Amundson explained. "In some situations, animals begin to feel ill and go off to die somewhere else, or cases just go unreported."

Oregon first passed a law to make antifreeze more unappealing nearly 15 years ago, Amundson said -- the remaining states approved like bills more recently.

There are three main plants that manufacture the product in this country -- those plants now set aside specific batches of antifreeze to ship off to states like Oregon, California, and now, Virginia.

Amundson says that as more lawmakers realize the helpful nature of this law, as well as its relatively non-controversial nature, more states will push for their own bills.

This situation is unique, Amundson says, as the main manufacturer of antifreeze has worked cooperatively with lawmakers and the Humane Society of the United States, among other organizations, in furthering the bill.

"We don't want to forget that the actual industry has been largely responsible for the passage of this bill, and that is a really special, rare situation, where the corporations and animal protection advocates were able to come together," she said. "It's been a wonderful, collaborative effort."

By Amy Lieberman

Steep vet bills, sour economy doom more pets

2009-03-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Owners facing hardship scramble for help or face ‘economic euthanasia’

Daisy Mae, a 2-year-old beagle, racked up $3,200 in vet bills after being hit by a car. Her family was on the brink of euthanizing her because they couldn’t afford the bills

When Lara Yount saw her daughter holding the empty leash, she knew the news was bad. Daisy Mae, their 2-year-old beagle, had run away again, this time into the path of a passing car.

“You could tell the leg was broken,” recalled Yount, 38, a mother of three from Bloomsdale, Mo., who found her dog in a ditch three weeks ago.

But when Yount got the bill to repair Daisy’s injuries — a fractured pelvis and a shattered tibia — she knew the news was worse. It was $3,200, a large sum in good times and an impossible amount since her husband, David, lost his steady construction job earlier this year.

“I tried to talk the vet down to $1,500, but he couldn’t do it,” said Yount, who earns $7.50 an hour at a local feed store. “I talked to my husband on the phone and he said, ‘We’ll just have to put her down.’ ”

As the United States economy continues to spiral, pet owners grappling with financial troubles are facing terrible choices, animal care experts say. Confronted with steep bills for emergency injuries or sudden illness, cash-conscious owners are delaying care, opting for less-aggressive treatments, or in some cases, choosing to destroy family pets they otherwise would save.

“They come straight from the vet and say, ‘I can’t afford to treat my animal,’ ” said Mark Kumpf, president of the National Animal Control Association and director of an animal shelter near Dayton, Ohio. “They’ll say, ‘The vet said he should be euthanized and I can’t even afford that.’ ”

Kumpf said he’s seen a 20 percent spike in people turning in animals at his shelter in the past year, and an equal hike in the number of people who request what’s known as “economic euthanasia.” No national figures track overall rates of relinquishment or euthanasia, but some veterinarians across the country say they’re also seeing a rise.

Others are worried that they soon will.

“It is a big concern,” said Dr. Kimberly May, a veterinarian and spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association. “We have been hearing anecdotal reports of people not going for treatment or not going as far with treatments as they were two years ago or a year ago.”

72 million dogs, 82 million cats
In a nation where 72 million dogs, nearly 82 million cats and 11 million birds share people’s homes, the human-animal bond would appear to be strong. Nearly half of U.S. households with pets regard the animals as family members, according to the AVMA.

But less than 3 percent of pet owners have insurance to cover veterinary care, according to industry estimates, including emergency care that can quickly exceed hundreds or thousands of dollars. Even then, nearly all vets require a deposit of at least half the estimated bill up front, with clear means to pay the rest. If owners can’t pay, vets can’t treat.

Increasingly, financial worries are prompting pet owners to seek alternatives at the vet counter, said Dr. Gary Stamp, a diplomat with the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. They’ll refuse certain diagnostic tests or ask for less expensive treatment options.

“There’s the optimal option, then a less positive option,” he said. “Then there’s the option where you just put them on fluids and hope for the best.”

Other desperate pet owners are swamping the few agencies that provide financial assistance for veterinary care. Demand for the Helping Pets Fund operated by the American Animal Hospital Association has tripled in the last several months, said spokesman Jason Merrihew.

By JoNel Aleccia

Gordo the skateboarding parrot stolen

2009-03-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Gordo, a 30-year-old Guatemalan parrot rides his skateboard during his daily walk with owner Fred Mireles. The 30-year-old green Guatemalan parrot, a popular attraction for a decade in the San Gabriel Valley community of Baldwin Park, was taken from his front porch cage Wednesday morning, March 25, 2009.

BALDWIN PARK, Calif. — A birdnapper snatched Gordo the skateboarding parrot. The 30-year-old green Guatemalan parrot, a popular attraction for a decade in the San Gabriel Valley community of Baldwin Park, was taken from his front porch cage Wednesday morning.

Owner Fred Mireles said his mother heard some commotion and spotted a man running away with Gordo. The 47-year-old childless man says he's devastated, adding Gordo is like a kid to him.

Baldwin Park police Sgt. Darryl Kosaka said it could be difficult to recover the parrot, noting that animals are often stolen to become pets in other households or to be sold.

Mireles said the birdnapper is "up against a can of worms" because Gordo isn't used to strangers and will start biting.

Tourist killed by tiger after jumping from Great Wall of China... straight into big cat's enclosure

2009-03-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

A Siberian tiger, the largest of the big cats, similar to the one that killed Mr Guo

A tourist returning from hiking along the Great Wall of China decided to take a short cut by jumping down onto 'wasteland' - and was instantly killed when he landed in the jaws of a tiger.

Two friends who had been walking with the 20-year-old man, named only as Guo, stared in horror as the tiger clamped its jaws around his throat and then dragged the mauled body away.

The three men, who had been walking along the Great Wall near Beijing, decided there would a quicker way back to the starting point if they jumped from the ancient structure and cut through some bushland.

What they didn't know was that the bushy area was part of the Siberian tiger's enclosure at the Badaling Wildlife World.

As they jumped down the tiger immediately pounced and Guo was the
unlucky victim.

'He was knocked to the ground, the tiger bit into his throat and he died instantly,' said a wildlife official, giving his name as Wang.

Mr Wang said a park ranger who saw the attack jumped into a jeep and chased after the tiger, which was making its escape with Guo's body still in its jaws.

The tiger finally dropped the body, as Guo's terrified friends made their escape from the enclosure by clambering over a fence.

The two men told police they had seen signs around the enclosure warning of predatory animals, the Beijing Times newspaper reporter.

But they said they did not believe the warnings because there was no
sign of any animals.

Siberian tigers are among the world's rarest of the big cat species.

They are also among the largest, weighing up to 500lbs (35 stone).

They are on the critically endangered list, with only 400 or so living in the wild.

Snake in bra among South Fla. airport contraband

2009-03-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

WEST PALM BEACH — The Transportation Security Administration says agents have intercepted more than 40,000 prohibited items at South Florida's three major airports in the past year -- including countless weapons, two alligator heads and a python.

At Palm Beach International Airport alone, 14,091 items were seized.

The items found in checked bags at PBIA since January 2008 include two explosives and one unidentified "dangerous object." Screening officers nabbed 4,134 knives and blades, 753 prohibited tools such as axes and drills, and 497 sharp objects that people tried to carry on planes.

Officials say that one woman tried to board a flight in Fort Lauderdale with a python in her bra. The woman told a checkpoint officer that the unusual bulge was a sock. She was not allowed on the plane.

Duke the St. Bernard's long night on pond ends in rescue, reunion

2009-03-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

Billings firefighter Ben Jares, center, heads out on an ice rescue sled Friday to retrieve Duke, a St. Bernard who was frozen to the ice on a pond at Peter Yegen Jr. Golf Club.

It was a long, cold night for Duke, a 16-month-old St. Bernard who froze to the ice on a pond at the Peter Yegen Jr. Golf Club.

Duke's owner, Gene Larson, believes the dog escaped from his back gate on Winchell Lane, just south of the golf course, at about 8 p.m. Thursday.

After the family combed the area that night looking for the dog, they went to bed, hoping he would be back in the morning.

Rescuers believe that Duke fell though the ice on the pond on the northwest side of the golf course sometime during the night but was able to pull himself out. Once the wet dog sat on the ice, his furry, water-logged tail froze to the ice, leaving him unable to move.

Alerted by a maintenance worker for the course at about 9 a.m. Friday, Yellowstone County sheriff's deputies and the Billings Fire Department went to the east side of the course, near the ninth tee box.

Two firefighters in dry suits pushed an ice rescue sled over about 10 feet of hip-deep water and 10 feet of ice to reach Duke, who was shivering and occasionally whining.

After trying to free the tail with water and a crowbar-like Haligan tool, firefighter Brandon Fleury broke the ice around Duke's tail with a mallet while firefighter Ben Jares held onto the dog by his collar.

They got the shivering animal onto the sled and were hauled back to shore by seven other firefighters who had arrived.

It took four firefighters - one just to hold up the tail with the large chunk of ice attached - to lift the 118-pound dog into a waiting golf cart.

Duke, who was wearing a collar and identification tags, was driven in a sheriff's patrol car to Big Sky Pet Center for treatment after the hourlong rescue.

Staff members at the veterinary office said the dog was in good condition Friday afternoon after being de-iced and warmed up under a blow dryer.

Larson, who had spent the day looking for his dog, went to check on him as soon as he was notified that Duke had been found.

"He's my little buddy," Larson said, before correcting himself. "He's my big buddy."

By CASEY RIFFE.

Rare pink bottlenose dolphin surfaces in Louisiana lake

2009-03-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

Pinky, the rare albino dolphin who has been spotted in the lake Calcasieu In Louisiana, USA. Photograph: Captain Erik Rue /Caters News Agency Ltd.

A rare pink bottlenose dolphin has been spotted in a Louisiana lake. The albino dolphin has been making a splash with locals and visitors to the area since it was first spotted last year.

The animal has been photographed by local charter boat Captain Erik Rue, 42, who has been studying the dolphin since it first surfaced in Lake Calcasieu, an inland saltwater estuary, north of the Gulf of Mexico in south-west Louisiana. Rue originally saw the rare albino dolphin, which also has reddish eyes, swimming with a pod of four other dolphins.

"I just happened to see a little pod of dolphins, and I noticed one that was a little lighter ... I had never seen anything like it. It's the same colour throughout the whole body," said Rue.

"The dolphin appears to be healthy and normal other than its coloration, which is quite beautiful and stunningly pink," Rue said he had seen the dolphin 40 to 50 times.

"As time has passed the young mammal has grown and sometimes ventures away from its mother to feed and play but always remains in the vicinity of the pod," he said

Regina Asmutis-Silvia, a senior biologist with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, said: "I have never seen a dolphin coloured in this way in all my career."

"It is a truly beautiful dolphin but people should be careful, as with any dolphins, to respect it - observe from a distance, limit their time watching, don't chase or harass it."

"While this animal looks pink, it is an albino which you can notice in the pink eyes. Albinism is a genetic trait and it unclear as to the type of albinism this animal inherited."

A different dolphin species, the endangered Amazon river boto (Inia geoffrensis), which lives in South America , is sometimes called the pink river dolphin because of its appearance.

Alternative Pet Treatments

2009-03-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Condition: Lyme disease & Seizures
Traditional Treatment: Lyme disease antibiotics and seizures anti seizure medication
Alternative Treatment: Lyme disease: traditional antibiotics and seizures: acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
Cost: $45 dollars a treatment and herbal medicine $150 every couple of months

CHADDS FORD, Pa. -- For centuries people have been turning to eastern medicine which has long been known for its alternative healing powers. But, what about turning to unconventional methods to treat your pets? The methods are becoming increasing popular among veterinarians in our area.

For centuries people have been turning to eastern medicine which has long been known for its alternative healing powers.

But, what about turning to unconventional methods to treat your pets?

And the methods are becoming increasing popular among veterinarians in our area.

From acupuncture to herbal treatments vets are turning to holistic medicine to treat aliments including arthritis, seizures and even cancer.

"She saw the cancer and it was either amputate or put him down," said Rick Turner.

At thirteen years old Rick Turners beloved dog Sundance was now in for the fight of his life.

The diagnosis of a rapidly growing bone cancer in Sundance's hind leg left Rick with a painful decision "He was still so full of life you could see the sparkle in his eyes," said Rick.

"To amputate we basically would have been killing him."

So Rick turned to Doctor Rose DiLeva with the Animal Wellness Center in Chadds Ford, who he knew would suggest an alternative route.

Doctor DiLeva treated Sundance with neoplasine, a natural botanical from bloodroot which she injects directly into the tumor.

"His osteosarcoma his bone cancer is completely gone," said Dr. DiLeva.

Sundance's treatment is just one of many alternative therapy's doctor DiLeva has found to work.

Gina Dianna's cat Sabrina, was diagnosed three and a half years ago with liver cancer.

Since then, Doctor DiLeva has been treating Sabrina with an intravenous vitamin c therapy about every four to six weeks.

"She's not just hanging on, she's thriving," said Gina.

In fact, Dr. DiLeva uses unconventional methods, including the use of herbs and even acupuncture to treat many types of aliments.

"You can deal with anything from behavioral problems to arthritic problems to epilepsy to ligament issues," she said.

Lauren Chicklo's dog Jake was suffering from a spondolosis, a severe arthritic condition of the back.

After trips to the orthopedic surgeon, and rounds of pain management Jake wasn't getting any better.

"I just felt like all that was doing was putting a band-aid over what was really going on," said Lauren.

So she sought out acupuncture as another approach.

"After the first treatment I just noticed that he was happier," Lauren added.

"We're going to hit some acupuncture points," said Dr. DiLeva.

Nacine Supinsky also found acupuncture and herbal treatments are helping her German Shepard Vargas, who suffers from seizures.

Traditional treatments can usually cost pet owners hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If a pet requires surgery the cost would be even more.

A round of acupuncture is $45 a treatment.

The neoplasine cancer treatment runs $150 to $275 an injection depending on the size of the mass. And the Vitamin C drip around $350.

"I was thinking about the hip transplant but it was such an invasive thing to do and it was so costly," said Linda Elliott.

Since a puppy, Linda's dog Oliver Maxwell Smart has suffered from severe hip dysplasia.

Surgery Linda was told would cost twenty thousand dollars.

Dr. DiLeva suggested a gold bead implantation.

"Which is a permanent form of acupuncture," added Dr. DiLeva.

Dr. DiLeva says the procedure a less invasive option, but at $1800 a less costly option as well.

But not all vets are convinced that alternative medicine is the best way to go.

Dr. Carol Caracand says pet owners should be cautious when considering alternative therapy.

"I have a little bit of a problem with some chiropractic techniques....unless there's a veterinarian on board," said Dr. Caracand.

Dr. Caracand is firm in her belief that alternative medicine should never be used alone or for treating animals with cancer.

Still doctor DiLeva and her army of success stories believes in the holistic approach as another option. "I try to beat the odds, I'm here to beat the odds," said Dr. DiLeva.

Dr. DiLeva said that every case is individualized.

She does both a traditional western medicine exam and a Chinese exam on her patients to give their owners all the options.

Dr. DiLeva said that certain aliments including heart and thyroid issues cannot be treated holistically.

If you're planning on looking into an alternative approach for your pet you should seek out a doctor that is licensed to practice this method of medicine.

A box full of octopus

2009-03-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

(New England Aquarium)

The seven-foot octopus Truman pulled a Houdini today, stuffing himself in an acrylic cube in search of food. The spectacle drew a crowd.

His name is Truman. But you can just call him Houdini.

Truman, a 7-foot-long, 30-pound octopus at the New England Aquarium squeezed his body into a 14-inch square acrylic box today in pursuit of food, aquarium officials said. The 30-minute performance drew a crowd of staff and guests.

The caretakers for the octopi at the aquarium place food inside locked boxes as an enrichment activity. The idea is that the animals, who are very intelligent, must figure out how to unlatch the boxes and get the food, aquarium officials said in a news release.

Today, biologist Bill Murphy placed a couple of crabs inside a 6-inch-square acrylic cube and latched it, then placed that cube inside a 14-inch cube with a different latch. The cubes were then placed inside Truman's tank.

The idea was for Truman to release the latch on the larger box then release the latch of the smaller one to get his food. And staff expected Truman not to get to work until after the aquarium closed and it was dark, because octopi typically prey on other animals at night.

But Truman was impatient. He got to work right away. And rather than undoing the latch on the larger box, he squeezed his legs and large head through a two-inch hole in the larger box.

"The speculation is that the crabs were active and he got excited ... and decided, Whoa!, there's lunch," said aquarium spokesman Tony LaCasse.

Once inside, he worked for 30 minutes to try to unlatch the smaller box.

Unlike a human magician undoing padlocks underwater while his air runs out, Truman apparently took his time. And when he couldn't get the smaller box open, he simply slithered out again, the aquarium said.

LaCasse said the octopi are known among the staff as "absolutely remarkably intelligent animals" who like to interact with people.

"Believe it or not," he said, "that octopus likes to be petted."

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

She's not a kid anymore, and South Milwaukee wants dwarf goat out

2009-03-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

Gail Krug and her son Kevin Krug play with Gigi, their pet Nigerian dwarf goat, in the living room of their South Milwaukee home.

Meet Gigi, the Nigerian dwarf goat living in the house of a South Milwaukee family.

"She's not really a goat. She's part of our family," Gail Krug said.

She also really is a goat, and the South Milwaukee Health Department wants her gone.

"I think of a goat as a farm animal, whether it's a pygmy goat or a farm goat," city public health administrator Jackie Ove said.

The city and the Krugs have been butting heads since December, when police discovered the miniature goat enjoying urban living. Officers also alerted the Health Department about the menagerie of two dogs, two cats, snakes, lizards, turtles and other critters at the Madison Ave. house.

The Krug family will plead their case before the Board of Health at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

I'm no bleating heart, but I kinda hope they win. Gigi doesn't seem to be bothering anyone. The neighbors haven't complained.

You can guess the problem, though. Say yes to the hobby goat and someone else wants a pig or a mini horse in the rec room.

"Today, I got a request for chickens," Ove said last week. "I know they've bonded with the animal, but I have to look at the broader picture of the entire city."

Gail Krug's 23-year-old son, Kevin, bought the black goat at St. Martin's Fair for $100 a year and a half ago. Gigi was just a week old and less than 3 pounds. Today she's full grown at 18 inches tall and 50 pounds.

Kevin at first bottle-fed Gigi; now she's on a diet of mostly grain pellets and hay. "Basically, she eats everything except metal. And she doesn't like pickles," Kevin said.

Gigi tried to munch my notebook and jacket when I met her last week. She chewed on the remnants of a Mylar balloon, happily swallowing the shreds. It sounded strange to hear hooves clicking across the living room hardwood floor. She has horns, and at one point she head-butted a reclining chair, which was both scary and entertaining.

"She likes to watch Jerry Springer," Gail said. "She hops up on the recliner."

Gigi hasn't been "fixed," but so far no billy goats have come calling. Alas, that also means no goat milk for now. Kevin swears Gigi is housebroken, doing her business outside in the family's fenced two-thirds of an acre corner lot. She sometimes retires to a wire crate in the basement because you don't want to leave a mischievous goat unattended in your house.

Kevin walks the goat on a leash around the neighborhood, adding a dog sweater on cold days. She's been popular at festivals, kids' birthday parties, nursing homes, at the bank drive-through where they give her a sucker, and at meetings of the Old Goats club at the tavern across the street.

"It's going to sound weird, but she is my kid. I'm going to fight to keep her," Kevin said. "She's second-generation. Her mom was a house goat."

Gail handed me something from the Internet, a column written by a doctor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The headline is, "Pygmy goats can make good pets!"

I called over to U of I and found out that the doctor has since died (no, nothing related to goats or house-pet chimpanzees gone wild). But a colleague in the school's farm section, Cliff Shipley, said, "They do make very good pets - if you live in the country where you can avoid zoning laws."

"I've never heard of a housebroken goat," Shipley said. Usually it's the owner who is trained to know when the animal is about to let it fly.

South Milwaukee's ordinances say the Board of Health may approve an offbeat animal that poses no danger. Shipley did say dwarf goats are not really a danger, though it's best to have the horns removed, preferably at an early age. These goats have about the same life expectancy as a dog.

The Krugs have been circulating petitions to support their cause.

They would be more than happy to pay the $250 for an exotic animal permit. If they lose, they fear Gigi will not do well in a farm setting with far less human contact.

Gail never dreamed she would be fighting to keep a goat.

She and her son know of no one else around here who is sharing their home with one.

"She's just so important to us. I hate telling people I have a goat in my house because they look at me like Elly May Clampett. But it's not like that."

by Jim Stingl .

'Ugly' Bald Cat Wins Fans At NH Vet Clinic

2009-03-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

EXETER, N.H. -- A cat aptly named Ugly is attracting a lot of attention at an Exeter vet clinic, where clients say they can't take their eyes off his striking appearance.

The cat's full name is Ugly Bat Boy. He's bald in most places except for flowing fur on his chest, and he spends his days on a warm computer at Exeter Veterinary Hospital, reported WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H. Bat Boy has become something of a local star.

People come in and take pictures of him on their cell phones," said veterinary employee Christie Hartnett. "He's just great. He's Dr. (Stephen) Bassett's little wonder cat."

The cat's striking appearance is normal, for him. He was part of a litter of four with a sister that looked just like him. That kitten died at only a few weeks old, but that was long enough for Bassett to become enamored with Bat Boy.

"The owner knew that I liked the way the sister looked, and I came in from lunch one day and this cat was sitting in a cage, and the owner said Dr. Bassett liked this cat, so that's it," Bassett said.

Workers said many people who come into the building can't really believe what they're seeing. But they said despite appearances, Bat Boy has a nice disposition and real inner beauty.

"The impression from clients that come in is he's not real because he just sits so still, and when he does move, he scares them, but they think he's mesmerizing," Hartnett said.

The office staff was getting so many questions about the cat that they put up a couple of fliers saying he's about 8 years old and perfectly normal in every way -- just ugly.

He has the run of the place and all the attention he can handle.

"He likes it here," Bassett said. "He's comfortable. He likes the people petting him. So, he enjoys it."

Lost Cat Found Living in Mattress

2009-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Wayne and Ann Crews, pictured above, pose with their cat, Autumn, and Wilbert Davis, a Haynes Furniture employee who rescued the cat from inside a box-spring. (Photo Courtesy of Ann Crews)

Lost Cat Found Living in Mattress: Autumn, a domestic short-hair, is back home but this is no ordinary lost and found story. In her six days away, she survived living in a mattress and narrowly escaped being tossed into a dump thanks to a man's sixth sense.

RICHMOND, Va. -- It was a routine delivery call for Haynes Furniture, but for one skittish cat, the visit left her in a sticky situation she simply couldn't scratch her own way out of.

Two Haynes deliverymen dropped off a new mattress and box-spring for Wayne and Ann Crews, of Richmond, Va., on Feb. 14, and also removed the family's discarded bedroom set, loading it into the truck.

One week later, Haynes was knocking at the Crews' door again, this time with a special delivery: The family's pet cat, Autumn, who had been found previously lodged in the box-spring.

Sneaking into the contraption was apparently easier than it was to get out.

"When the delivery men were gone, we started looking for Autumn, and we just couldn't find her," Ann Crews said. "We turned the house upside down. Our other cats (Zoe and Miss Patty) were distraught, and we knew something was wrong."

The box-spring had served as Zoe's hiding spot just minutes before, when it was resting in the living room floor -- the Crews assumed that Autumn, a domestic short-hair, had sought the same refuge from the commotion, and called Haynes.

But no one at the Haynes' warehouse had seen the cat -- inside a box-spring or out.

Crews refused to take "no" for an answer, relying on a hunch that Autumn was, indeed, stuck in the mattress or its supporting frame.

"There was something in me, in my heart, that I just knew where she was," she said.

Crews posted "missing" fliers around town, and placed an advertisement for Autumn in the local newspaper; but she also continued to call Haynes daily, inquiring about the cat she had rescued from the ASPCA nearly two years ago.

Autumn's owners weren't the only ones left with a sense of unease: Six days later, a Haynes employee felt a similar premonition while he was unloading thrown-away mattresses into a dump.

Something simply was not right, Wilbert Davis, a Haynes warehouse employee, recalled.

"When I moved a particular item, there was something about it that I felt was just off. It was strange," he said.

Then Davis heard a weak, but distinct, "meow."

Davis peered inside the space between the mattress and the box-spring, which had been taped together, and saw Autumn, splayed flat against the surface.

Davis and his co-worker tore the thin lining of the box-spring and hoisted Autumn out of her soon-to-be coffin, and into his arms. He noted that the cat's purple rhinestone collar, and realized that she must be a client's pet.

Autumn appeared just as amazed as Davis was at her predicament, he says.

"She was just looking all in shock. We were both in shock, and just looked at each other, not knowing what was what."

Davis rushed Autumn back to the warehouse, where the cat was fed some milk and scraps from other employees' lunches. Davis had to leave for his other job as a part-time chef, but stuck around the warehouse, monitoring the cat's state.

"I'm an animal lover myself, and when I heard that this customer had been calling every day about her cat, crying and whatever else, I could understand why," he said. "It's like your child. Every day, I pray for my dog along with the rest of my family before I go to work."

Though, for nearly a week, Autumn had been stuck in the box-spring, sprawled like " 'George of the Jungle' after he hits a tree," Davis says, the cat seemed fine. She spent the night at the warehouse, and the next day, journeyed again in the Haynes' delivery truck -- this time, she resided in a carrier case.

"She was the last delivery of the day, and we got her at 5:30 on Saturday evening," Crews recalled. "We were just ecstatic. We hugged her and hugged her and gave her lots of treats."

The Crews family also gave Davis a $50 reward, to thank him for his attentiveness and concern.

Davis says he now intends to split the check in half, and give the other portion to the co-worker who was with him when he first spotted Autumn.

"My heart was telling me to give it to the guy who was with me at the time," Davis said. "I don't want to look like I'm a superhero. I'm just always around for emergencies, it looks like, for some reason."

Autumn's veterinarian found her to be slightly dehydrated, but otherwise issued her a "clean bill of health," Crews said. It's taken a few days for the traumatized cat to find her footing again, but the Crews' expect that she will soon bounce back to her own self.

The family, meanwhile, has been enjoying peaceful nights of sleep, something they desperately lacked while Autumn was missing.

"We just cried ourselves to sleep for a week," Crews said. "We're just so happy, because we thought we would never see Autumn again. God must have been watching over her."

By Amy Lieberman.

Burglar bears will stay in Estates

2009-03-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. - Wildlife officials check out a house that a family of bears has made a mess of inside and out.

Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists say those bears likely followed their noses to food inside of the abandoned home, and that it was likely people inside before the bears that left a door open allowing them to get in.

On Wednesday afternoon, WINK News cameras caught a mama bear and her two cubs hanging around this home. Neighbors tell us just before we arrived, the bears were inside of the house.

Its not the first time we've shown you bears close to homes in the Estates. Last fall, the Collier Sheriff's Office snapped a picture of a bear outside a home, and another homeowner caught a bear checking out his backyard on home video. Bears have even been found in urban areas, like the pool of an Orlando theme park resort.

FWC officials say there are thousands of black bears in Florida. Hundreds call Golden Gate Estates home.

"This is some of the best bear habitat in Collier County," FWC Wildlife Biologist Joe Bozzo says.

But, the bears usually stay outdoors. In fact, these biologists believe a person broke into this house at some point, leaving the door open, allowing the bears to get in.

"There's trash inside the house so it obviously smelled. Bears have a great sense of smell, and they just followed the sent trail into the door and made a mess in there," Bozzo says

Last year, FWC had more than 5,000 reports of bear encounters in the state. No people were harmed. They say the best way to live with these wild animals is to keep your food and trash locked up. If a bear is in your yard, experts say you can try to scare it off with noise.

"Clap your hands. Holler at the bear. If its not used to people, it will go away," Bozzo explains.

If you have a face to face encounter with a bear, wildlife experts say to stand up straight, don't make eye contact, make sure the bear has an escape route and back away slowly. Do not run from it.

By Tami Osborne.

Parrots teach man to speak again

2009-03-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

Brian Wilson holds one of his rescued parrots

A US fireman who lost his power of speech in a traffic accident has been taught to speak again by parrots.

Brian Wilson, from Damascus, Maryland, suffered life-threatening injuries in the accidnet 14 years ago. He also lost his ability to speak.

But he now claims that the chatter of pet parrots confounded the bleak outlook of doctors, who were convinced that he would spend the rest of his life in bed at a nursing home.

"Two birds taught me to talk again," he said. "I had such a bad head injury I was never supposed to talk any more than a two-year-old."

But two of the birds that he had had as pets since he was a child "just kept talking to me and talking to me".

"Then all of a sudden, a word popped out, then two, then more."

To show his gratitude to the birds who helped him on the path to rehabilitation, Mr Wilson has devoted his life to feathered pets whose owners are no longer able or want to keep them.

He now shares his home with about 80 brightly plumed exotic birds, from snow-white cockatoos to scarlet or blue and green macaws to African grey parrots.

He has set up a foundation called the Wilson Parrot Foundation, which also offers the services of the birds to entertain at birthday parties and corporate events.

"You wonder why I rescue birds? They helped me to talk again, so now I take care of them," he said.

Monster pig terrifies Hessian motorists

2009-02-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

A “monster pig” broke out of its pen in the middle of the night and blocked traffic near Alsfeld because drivers were too frightened to get out of their cars and move the sow, police in the state of Hesse said on Wednesday.

“Several witnesses called around 10 pm and a patrol car was there fairly quickly,” police spokesperson Elvira Edt told The Local.

Giving new meaning to the phrase “road hog,” callers said they’d seen a “monster pig” that was so big it was blocking the motorway and jamming traffic.

Police officers were able to persuade the 200-kilogramme (440-pound) swine away from the road, but then had to find its owner. After what they called a “painstaking search,” police stood waiting with the sassy sow until the owner came to pick her up.

“She was about 3 kilometres from home and they obviously weren’t going to go tramping through the countryside looking for the pen,” Edt told The Local.

Foxes 'nest' in tree

2009-02-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

A family of foxes has made its home 30ft up in the air at the top of a tree in Suffolk.

Donna Martell, from Ipswich, discovered the unlikely den after noticing a young fox club scaling the branches.

It's thought the foxes, which usually live in burrows underground, were escaping the cold weather, reports The Sun.

Miss Martell, 26, and partner Carl Clark, 33, say the family has been living in the tree in their garden since January.

"When I first saw them I called Carl and said there was a cat stuck in the tree," said Miss Martell,

"But when we looked closer we realised it was a fox up there, not just one but two. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them up so high.

"I think they must like it up there because there are vines and branches which they can lay on in the sunshine during the day."

Julian Roughton, Director of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said it was very unusual for foxes to climb as high as trees and especially make a home in them.

He said: "They are good climbers when they need to be but this is certainly not normal behaviour.

"It might be that they are out and about feeding at night, but during the day they are happy to lay back and bask in a sunny spot."

Dog rides bike

2009-02-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

A video showing a Dalmatian riding a bicycle has become an internet hit.

The clip shows the dog cycling through the streets on a small red bike as passers-by watch in amazement.

The film on video sharing website YouTube is understood to have been shot for a Japanese television show.

Close-up footage shows Dotty the Dalmatian mounting the small bike, which has stabilisers, before carefully placing his paws on the pedals.

Dotty then slides his rump onto the saddle, dangles his front legs over the handle bars and begins pedalling.

He then joins other cyclists as he weaves his way through the streets. At one point he is overtaken by a bemused child who is also on a bicycle.

The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube.

Get lost! State hopes to thwart crocodiles' homing instinct with magnets

2009-02-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Magnets taped to the heads of captured crocodiles could keep them from returning to South Florida neighborhoods where they're not wanted, state wildlife officials said Monday.

State biologists are studying the temporary use of magnets to disrupt the internal navigation of federally and state-protected American crocodiles, which have been spotted most often in neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

"Scientists in Mexico have reported success in using magnets to break the homing cycle," said Lindsey Hord, crocodile response coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

When crocodiles show up where they don't belong, they're typically captured and transported to a suitable habitat as far away as possible, according to commission officials.

"Unfortunately, they usually return," said spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro.

State biologists say crocodiles that have been relocated will travel an average of 10 miles a week to return to where they were captured.

As part of the study, trappers have been told to attach magnets to sides of the reptile's head where it's captured.

The magnets are supposed to disorient the crocodiles and disrupt their navigation so they can't find their way back.

The magnets are removed from the crocodile's head when it's released, and a colored tag is attached to its tail for later identification in case it returns.

The procedure has been used a few times during the past few weeks, Ferraro said.

Besides protecting crocodiles from vehicles and other hazards that could injure them if they try to return, the magnets could also help keep more of them in the wild.

Generally, if a crocodile returns three times, and under certain other circumstances, it gets placed into captivity.

An estimated 2,000 crocodiles are thought to be in the wild in South Florida.

BY DOUG PHILLIPS Sun-Sentinel.

Strange fish has a see-through head

2009-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

The barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) has extremely light-sensitive eyes that can rotate within a transparent, fluid-filled shield on its head. The fish's tubular eyes are capped by bright green lenses. The eyes point upward (as shown here) when the fish is looking for food overhead
Ultra-sensitive tubular eyes search for the silhouettes of prey overhead.

A bizarre deep-water fish called the barreleye has a transparent head and tubular eyes. Since the fish's discovery in 1939, biologists have known the eyes were very good at collecting light. But their shape seemed to leave the fish with tunnel vision.

Now scientists say the eyes rotate, allowing the barreleye to see directly forward or look upward through its transparent head .

The barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) is adapted for life in a pitch-black environment of the deep sea , where sunlight does not reach. They use their ultra-sensitive tubular eyes to search for the faint silhouettes of prey overhead.

Scientists had thought the eyes were fixed in an upward gaze, however. This would make it impossible for the fish to see what was directly in front of them, and very difficult for them to capture prey with their small, pointed mouths.

Bruce Robison and Kim Reisenbichler of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute use videos from the institute's remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to study barreleyes off Central California. At depths of 2,000 to 2,600 feet (600 to 800 meters), the ROV cameras typically showed these fish hanging motionless in the water, their eyes glowing a vivid green in the ROV's bright lights. The video also revealed a previously undescribed feature of these fish — its eyes are surrounded by a transparent, fluid-filled shield that covers the top of the fish's head.

Most existing descriptions and illustrations of this fish do not show its fluid-filled shield, probably because this fragile structure was destroyed when the fish were brought up from the deep in nets.

Robison and Reisenbichler were fortunate to bring a net-caught barreleye to the surface alive. Over several hours in an aquarium on the ship, they were able to confirm that the fish rotated its tubular eyes as it turned its body from a horizontal to a vertical position.

Barreleyes are thought to eat small fishes and jellyfish. The green pigments in their eyes may filter out sunlight coming directly from the sea surface, helping the barreleye spot the bioluminescent glow of jellies or other animals directly overhead. When it spots prey (such as a drifting jelly), a barreleye rotates its eyes forward and swims upward, in feeding mode.

The findings were detailed recently in the journal Copeia.

Bunny and Clyde: Tiny the escaped giant rabbit gives police the slip and brings chaos to town centre

2009-02-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hop to it: A relieved PC Matt Jackson after finally snaring the runaway 20lb rabbit, nicknamed Tiny, which took 10 people to capture

A giant rabbit led police on a wild bunny-chase as it caused traffic chaos and evaded capture in a busy town centre.

Police at first thought their eyes were deceiving them when they spotted the massive white creature bounding between cars in the early hours of the morning.

But when PC Matt Jackson and PC Yasmin Mossadegh stepped out of their patrol car they saw the rabbit - which weighed 20lbs and is the size of a small dog - close up as it charged them.

After spending 10 minutes fruitlessly trying to grab the animal - even resorting to using their jackets as matador capes in a bid to snare the creature - they had to call on eight members of the public to finally capture the rabbit.

PC Jackson, of Canterbury Police in Kent, said: 'After several failed attempts trying to grab the rabbit, we removed our coats to try and cover it with a bull-fighting technique.

'Kind-hearted pet-loving members of the public who were passing by, saw us struggling and rushed to our assistance.

'Now, with ten pairs of hands at the ready, the rabbit's time on the run was coming to an end.'

The 10-strong team chased the rabbit for 200 yards through the streets of Northgate, Canterbury, before finally managing to surround and 'detain' it.

The rabbit, nicknamed Tiny, was taken to an animal hospital on Sunday morning and will be cared for by the RSPCA as its owner has not yet been found.

PC Jackson added: 'Inquiries are ongoing into unconfirmed reports that Bunny had an accomplice called Clyde who assisted in the hare-brained escape plan.'

A police spokesman said: 'Due to the location near a busy road, the officers attempted to catch the bunny for its safety and before it caused an accident.'

Robert Atkinson, of Canterbury, said: 'This rabbit led the cops a merry dance.

'If it hadn't been caught it certainly would have caused an accident.'

Downtown goes to the dogs at Mardi Growl

2009-02-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

An estimated 500 canine Mardi Gras enthusiasts wearing their flashiest costumes marched on all fours through the Old City and down Gay Street Saturday.

Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds and their owners participated in the second annual Mardi Growl Dog Parade, sponsored by PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand to raise funds for shelter dogs at the Young-Williams Animal Center.

"Last year we were expecting about 150 dogs, and we got close to 400," said Madeleine Weil, deputy director of policy and communication for the city of Knoxville.

Weil helped bring the parade idea to Knoxville last year. Mardi Growl was inspired by the Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade, which is a similar dog parade that takes place each year in St. Louis.

"I think it's a great way for all of us dog lovers to come together as a community," said Joanne Cummings, a parade participant and owner of a cocker spaniel named Daisy.

From the 500 dogs that walked by a panel of judges on Gay Street, a few select pooches were awarded costume prizes. King Louie, a 6-year-old Shih Tzu breed, won Best in Show for his festive Mardi Gras costume and decorated wagon.

"We worked on (the wagon) for two weeks, every day, and paraded him around the neighborhood," said Valerie Leone, one of King Louie's owners.

Other awards included Best Costume, the Naked Dog award and Miss Congeniality.

"There were all shapes and sizes today. It was an unbelievable picture if you were at the end of Gay Street or by the Tennessee Theatre," said emcee Aaron Snukals.

A 2-year-old mixed breed named Jessie and other Young-Williams dogs wore "Adopt Me" vests to encourage adoption efforts. Only six Young-Williams dogs were brought to the parade, but the animal center has more than 60 dogs up for adoption right now.

Rudy, one of the 22 Labradors featured in the movie "Marley and Me," was a special guest.

"He is the snowman destroyer and cake eater," said Randy Kenner, city of Knoxville communication coordinator, describing Rudy's scenes in the movie.

The parade ended with a "doggy" street fair in Market Square.

Holly Ludwig, owner of one of the parade's pugs, Edmund, said with a laugh, "The dogs love it! Well, at least we think they do."

By Katie Freeman .

Jumpers for chickens appeal kits out 1,500

2009-02-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

A Norfolk woman who rescued 1,500 balding battery chickens has had a woolly jumper knitted for each of them to protect them from the cold.

Jo Eglen, 29, who runs the Little Hen Rescue Centre in Norwich, has rescued and re-homed a total of 5,750 battery hens.

But many stressed out battery farm birds lose their plumage so Mrs Eglen turned to her local community in December asking for people willing to knit jumpers for the bedraggled birds.

The response was incredible and she has now kitted out 1,500 birds with woolly jumpers to keep the warm in the winter months.

The teaching assistant, who is a mother-of-two, began rescuing battery hens after a visit to a local farm.

She said: "I went into a battery farm and saw how they lived and died. I just thought it was such a waste of life.

"Some battery farms have up to 10,000 hens of the same age. But when the birds stop or start to slow laying they are sent to the slaughterhouse - not to be used as meat, but just to be culled.

"We know that once they're out of the farms they start laying good eggs again.

"They get quite thin and bald because of the stress and heat. About 60 per cent of the hens that come through are bald.

"We have patterns on our website that are straight-forward and simple. We've had 1,500 jumpers come through in just the past two months.

We've had so many different kinds - Christmas-themed jumpers, multi-coloured ones, some with bows and stripes."

Mrs Eglen set up the Little Hen Rescue Centre with another volunteer David Doy, after being given free use of land by a local farmer.

A goose is a man's best friend

2009-02-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

Visitors to Hollenbeck Park stop and stare when they see the huge white bird swim across the park's lake, climb into Jesus Hernandez's arms and give him a love peck.

They watch in amazement as Hernandez tosses the goose back into the water and it ducks its head gleefully beneath the surface. Then it shakes off the drops and paddles back to the shore for another toss.

When the two of them walk together away from the lake to a grassy park knoll, it's clear to all that this is no ordinary bird.

"This is Chacho, and he is my best friend," Hernandez explains.

The 60-year-old West Los Angeles electrician has driven to Hollenbeck Park twice a week for the last two years to visit with the creature that he raised from a gosling.

Hernandez had thought he was buying a duckling when he purchased the bird four years ago for $5 from a pet store. But "it grew very fast," he says.

By the time Chacho was 2, he had outgrown Hernandez's small backyard. Hernandez reluctantly started looking for a new home for his friend when neighbors complained about his loud honking.

He discovered the park at 4th and St. Louis streets on a trip to Boyle Heights for a guitar lesson. The park's meandering lake and tree-shaded lawn would be perfect for Chacho, he decided. As a plus, there were other geese and ducks for him to socialize with.

Leaving Chacho that first time was difficult.

The goose followed him back to his car, honking plaintively and running to keep up. Hernandez finally scooped up his friend and placed him gently in the lake where a wall forms the shoreline. The barrier gave him time to retreat to his car.

"It was very hard to leave him. When I left I was crying," he says.

He returned to the park with a loaf of bread and Chacho's favorite cereal when he began his visits. The goose made a beeline for him as he stepped into the park.

That became the routine for future visits, although Hernandez now also brings tortillas to feed to other geese and ducks that are jealous of the attention Chacho gets.

During his visits, Hernandez stretches out on the grass and relaxes. Chacho rests nearby. He honks a warning and pecks at strangers' shoes and legs if they approach.

"I don't worry about somebody getting too close to me because he protects me," Hernandez says.

After a while Chacho begins honking at Hernandez and gently poking him with his beak.

"That means he wants me to follow him to the water," Hernandez explains.

Nearby, park visitor Alvaro Contrares, a 35-year-old construction worker, watches with a large grin on his face.

"It's amazing. I've never seen anything like this. I'd never try to pick up a goose," Contrares says.

City officials do not condone the dumping of pets in parks, according to Christine Conyers, facility director for Hollenbeck Park. Nor do they condone people trying to steal ducks or geese from the lake.

"Are they city property? It's a fine line," acknowledges park police officer Phil Graciano. "We don't feed them. We just house them."

Back at the lake, Chacho is waddling alongside Hernandez as he retrieves his jacket and the empty bread and tortilla bags.

He will put the goose back in the water beneath the shoreline wall so he can make a graceful escape.

"He's my best friend," Hernandez says again. "I love him and he loves me."

By Bob Pool

French military horse goes on Paris run

2009-02-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

PARIS, Feb. 19 -- Garibaldi is normally a mild-mannered steed but threw his French Republican Guard rider and took off through the streets of Paris.

The 15-year-old horse galloped through several intersections late Wednesday morning with police cars trailing him, the BBC reported. He suffered slight injuries in several falls during the 15-minute escapade along the River Seine, police said.

"There was no way of stopping him -- he wanted to get to his stables," Lt.-Col. Pierre Rousseau said.

The Sun reported Garibaldi's run has become an Internet sensation with Le Parisien garnering 6,000 hits within an hour of the video being posted on its Web site.

The incident began during a routine patrol at the Elysee Palace, the official home of President Nicholas Sarkozy.

Police said Garibaldi galloped to the Place de la Concorde from the Elysee before heading to the river. As he approached the Louvre, he skidded and fell to avoid hitting a parked truck.

As he approached city hall, a policewoman leaned out of a squad car window and managed to stop him, The Sun said.

Rousseau said Garibaldi is normally well-disciplined and with 10 years of loyal service, no disciplinary action is expected to be taken, The Sun reported.

Tiny meerkat pups that fit into their keeper's hand

2009-02-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

Supercute: Zanzibar and Nairobi are now four weeks old and are the first meerkat pups to be born at the Taronga Zoo, in Sydney, in nine years

This pair of quivering meerkat pups are so small that they easily fit into the palm of their keeper's hand.

And though they are only 28-days old, brother and sister Zanzibar and Nairobi are already a huge hit with visitors to Taronga Zoo, in Sydney.

They are the latest additions to the site's meerkat manor - and are the first pups to be born there for nine years.

Meerkat keeper Bobby-Jo Vial said: 'I'm extremely thrilled, I'm over the moon, I've been waiting for this for quite a long time now.

'They make me very clucky - Mamma Meerkat, that's me.

'They're already eating solid foods and displaying behaviours similar to adults. They're very precocious.'

Nairobi and her brother Zanzibar are part of nine-strong family at the zoo and weighed around 40 grams at birth. They will weigh about one kilogram (2.2lb) when fully grown.

The pups still spend most of their day living underground in extensive burrows so visitors have to patiently wait to spot them.

'Over the next two weeks they should start emerging from their indoor area so we really want to encourage visitors to just be patient as they're learning how to come out out,' Miss Vial said.

'We leave them with access to that safe area because being in Sydney, we have large aerial predators about and exhibit's quite open.

'Meerkats have to be doing exactly what they do in the wild - they have to be on guard, so we give them that option that they can run into their safe place.'

Boys find snake inside sofa cushion

2009-02-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 -- A New York boy said he and a friend were shocked when a 4-foot boa constrictor slithered from the couch
while they were coloring.

Jay Jhomar, 7, said he and friend Danny Yunstella, also 7, were coloring on his family's sofa when the snake began emerging from a half-zipped couch cushion, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

"I felt something on my back," Jay said. "I was excited. I thought I found a toy in the couch. It felt like a ball."

However, the boys then found themselves face to face with the snake.

"It was staring and waiting for someone to eat," Jay said. "I was a little scared, and we were screaming. I called my mom, who was in the kitchen. I like snakes, but not crazy snakes."

Animal Care and Control officers who took the snake into custody said it was likely an escaped pet that entered the home to escape the cold.

Richard Gentles, an Animal Care and Control spokesman, told the New York Daily News that the boa was healthy and would receive "specialized care" before moving to its new home at a reptile sanctuary.

Mud spa for Fido?

2009-02-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

More owners sending pets for exotic treats and treatments

A DOG'S LIFE? Shihu gets a dead sea mud spa treatment, which is supposed to help dogs with skin problems.

Instead of the usual doggy snack, how about putting him in a doggy jacuzzi where he can get an essential oils perfume treatment at $40, which will leave him smelling like roses for a week?

Sounds outlandish?

Not for some pet owners here, who are indulging their loyal companions with dead sea mud baths and such aromatherapy sessions that range from $30 to $80.

One place offering pets such lavish treatment is the Noo Age Dog Company (NADC), where owners get to choose from a range of 27 types of essential oils, including green tea and orange blossom scents.

'Some people want to give a special scent to their dogs for their birthday, while others come for health issues such as loss of hair and body odour,' said Mr Kew Nyan Soon, a staff member.

The essential oils can also be used in spas and massage therapy sessions.

Mr Marcus Khoo, who set up NADC, said the popularity of such treatments grew noticeably after 2005 following magazine and TV features on dog spas and therapeutic healing methods for pets.

Young professionals

Young adult professionals make up the bulk of his clientele.

'With more well-travelled Singaporeans, there are more willing parties to seek out holistic options for their animal companions,' said Mr Khoo, who is certified by the American Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. He is also a member of the International Association of Animal Massage Therapists and International Centre for Reiki (Michigan).

The centre is also the only one here offering Reiki for pets, a Japanese treatment which harnesses 'universal life force energy' to help animals.

It involves practitioners using their hands to lightly massage the pets, which often enter a state of deep relaxation or sleep.

'Reiki treatments are also known to improve internal energy flow. They also heal emotional and behavioural 'injuries',' said Mr Khoo.

When the New Paper visited NADC, Mr Kew was busy holding a dog in a tub of bubbling scented water in preparation for his dead sea mud spa treatment.

Minutes later, a layer of the mud was spread over its back.

Shihu is among more dogs going for mud spa treatments to help their skin problems.

'More dogs now are getting skin problems than before, like flaky, dry skin,' said Ms Catherine Khoo, who runs the shop.

A pet owner who wanted to be known only as Madam Wong said she had spent four years seeking treatment for her 13-year-old shih tzu's skin problem.

After it underwent herbal and spa treatments and a change of diet, she said there was an improvement in its energy level and skin problem.

Not conventional

However, a veterinarian cautioned that while spa treatments can be therapeutic and improve skin conditions, they may not be as effective for animals with fur as there would be less contact with the skin.

'It is definitely not a conventional therapy for skin diseases,' said Dr Simon Quek of Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre.

Ms Niki Lim, a pet nurse at Mount Pleasant, agreed that aromatherapy treatment was unlikely to work on dogs.

'There is insufficient evidence to prove that it can benefit pets the same way it benefits humans. Humans are psychologically aware of aromatherapy but pets are not,' she said.

She, however, feels that massages do work for dogs.

'I have seen dogs feeling shiok when they are massaged as specific points are reached,' she said.

R2 Fish School Wins "Best in Show Award" at Global Pet Expo

2009-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

The R2 Fish School receives the 1st place award at the Global Pet Expo 2009 New Product Showcase in the Aquatics category.

Orlando, FL, February 17, 2009 -- R2 Solutions the manufacturers of the R2 Fish School earned first place in the Global Pet Expo 2009 Best New Products Showcase under the Aquatics category. Global Pet Expo is the pet industry's largest annual trade show. The show featured over 850 exhibitors in Orlando, Florida this year.

The thousands of buyers that attended Global Pet Expo were asked to vote on over 800 products entered in the New Product Showcase. Among these products, the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association and the Pet Industry Distributors Association named the top three best new products selected for each of the 11 categories.

The R2 Fish School was selected as the first place winner in the Aquatics category.

"We are very excited to have achieved this great award", says R2 Solutions President Russ Ronat, "The R2 Fish School kit is an amazing product that captures the imagination of all our customers."

The R2 Fish School is a complete kit to teach your fish tricks. The kit uses marine mammal training techniques to effectively train your fish. Using the kit, fish have been trained to play soccer, football, basketball, swim the slalom and more.

Each kit includes an extensive collection of fish training tools, as well as an illustrated manual and DVD that provide step-by-step instructions.

The R2 Fish School is available at retailers nationwide. You can see "Comet", a trained fish, shooting hoops, kicking field goals, playing fetch and more at www.r2fishschool.com.

Lamb 'head-butted golden eagle'

2009-02-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

A lamb was seen head-butting a golden eagle, one of Scotland's largest birds of prey, according to a new report on island birdlife.

The incident is included in the 10th Outer Hebrides Bird Report, which was funded by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The incident involving the lamb and the bird of prey was recorded at Baile Ailean on the Western Isles.

Other unusual behaviour included an immature golden eagle running along the ground chasing after rabbits.

SNH said the head-butting was added to an observation of a young eagle. A spokesman said older sheep, including pregnant ewes, have been seen taking the defensive action in the past.

The 240-page report contains information about the area's resident and visiting bird species, gathered over two years by bird experts, enthusiasts and local people.

SNH area manager David Maclennan said: "This publication does a great service for the islands by recording the behaviour and movements of different species of birds, including those exceptionally rare and unusual visitors which draw bird enthusiasts here from all over the UK."

The study covers the populations and movements of all the islands' resident birds and exotic visitors across the four seasons.

It has detailed individual records of sightings and photographs contributed by ornithologists, amateur birdwatchers, crofters, fishermen and tourists.

SNH said the book revealed "fascinating insights" into the struggle for survival between birds and animals throughout the islands.

The lamb head-butt incident was recorded in 2006.

Migratory and rare visitors to the isles included an arctic tern from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a woodcock from Russia, sandpipers and whooper swans from Iceland and storm petrels from County Mayo.

One dunlin left the balmy shores of Setuba in Portugal to head for Stinky Bay, Benbecula.

The report also noted the earliest ever sightings of snowy owls and the arrival of two colourful hoopoes from sub-tropical climes.

New arrivals to the islands included a pair of Arctic skuas hunting ringed plovers, a sighting of an isabelline shrike at Brue, a pine bunting at Carinis, an olive backed pipit at Port of Ness, a Pallas's warbler at Loch Eynort and a Wilson's phalarope.

Seven-year-old is youngest person to have hearing dog

2009-02-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

7yr old Evie Crook with her guide dog Gem the youngest person to have a guide dog to help with her deafness

A seven-year-old girl has become the youngest person in Britain to use a hearing dog.

Evie Crook's life has been transformed by the arrival of Gem the golden Labrador at her home.

She was diagnosed with high frequency deafness when she was two and half which left her with a 80 per cent hearing loss. She uses hearing aid which give her 50 per cent hearing and can lip read.

Gem, from the Hearing Dogs charity, has been trained to find Evie, who has a sister Maddy, 11, and tell her when one of the family wants her attention.

She also takes messages to and from Evie in a purse which she carries in her mouth and alerts her to a cooker timer which is used to measure all kinds of activities including her homework.

Becky Crook, 40, a teaching assistant, of Sheffield, said: " Gem came into our home in October, she is Evie's ears and Evie has changed so much. It's like we have a child who is beginning to blossom and to appreciate things round her.

"Gem trots around everywhere after Evie, it's almost as if she's checking where she is going and I know Evie finds it reassuring."

Evie's father, Dave Crook, a 38-year-old police officer, said: " We contacted Hearing Dogs when Evie was first diagnosed but at that time she was too young because at that time the dogs were only used by adults They started placing dogs with children 12 months ago and we made contact again.

"We already have a Jack Russell called Molly who is 16, so we are used to dogs. We fell in love with Gem straight away and there was an immediate bond between her and Evie."

Evie and Gem are finalists in the Friends for Life category for the Crufts Dog Show next month.

Perceptive cat diagnoses cancer in Calgary man's lungs

2009-02-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

CALGARY — This was no ordinary CAT scan.

But it potentially saved Lionel Adams’ life.

Now recovering from surgery to remove cancer from his lung, Adams, 59, is crediting his eight-year-old feline friend Tiger for alerting him and his family doctor to a mass in his lung.

“He would climb into bed and take his paw and drag it down my left side — he was adamant there was something there,” he said. “And it was right where the cancer was.”

Adams, who has suffered from bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, had showed no symptoms of lung cancer before his kitty’s bizarre examination.

But about seven months ago, after mentioning the cat’s strange behaviour to his family doctor, he was referred to a specialist who caught the disease at stage one in his left lung.

“They did an X-ray, they spotted something on the left side,” he said.

To get rid of the cancer, doctors removed a piece of his lung about the size of a Coke can that had been shredded in half. And now Adams is heralding Tiger as a hero for potentially saving his life.

“I think if he hadn’t done the pawing part it could have gone on for another five, six months undetected,” he said. “I feel like it could have been a lot worse if the cat hadn’t had tuned us in to something there, to something he felt was wrong.

“I would say he’s my hero.”

Barbara Walmer, department head of behaviour at the Calgary Humane Society, said though studies reveal dogs are capable of sniffing out cancer and predicting types of seizures in their owners, other pets like cats have been reported to act in similar ways.

She said cats have a good sense of smell and can be tuned in to illnesses in humans because they are sensitive to subtle changes in their body language.

“If they spend a lot of time with you they learn a whole lot about you, your body language,” she said. “When things change because of illness they pick up on it, so whether it’s they know if it is cancer or something is changed, we don’t know.”

Either way, Tiger should be credited for potentially saving his owner’s life, Walmer said.

“Especially with the way it started and how it ended up unfolding … they really would have not found out if the can’t didn’t act,” she said.

And that’s saying a lot for a cat that has never been one for showing affection. “He’s never had that much to do with me except to come over for a pet,” Adams said, with a laugh.

By KATIE SCHNEIDER, Sun Media .

Soulard pet parade: View from the non-dogs

2009-02-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

February 15, 2009 - Aethan O'Brien (center), 2, from St. Louis and Sage Brich, 6, from St. Louis walk forward to pet a nine-month-old bison named Ribeye during the 16th annual Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade Sunday afternoon in Soulard. The bison, estimated at four hundred pounds, is owned by Ben Hayes of the J-H Bison Ranch in Trenton, Illinois, and was participating in his first pet parade. According to Hayes, his strategy for controlling Ribeye during the parade was to "hold on tight."

There were plenty of dogs. Thousands of dogs. Maybe as many as 5,000 dogs. An impressive accumulation of the area's canine population. Dogs of all breeds, sizes and colors, from Chihuahuas and toy terriers in baby strollers to mastiffs and Great Danes pulling their owners. Dogs everywhere, amazingly well-behaved. Lots of sniffing dogs, but almost no barking ones.

"It's 99 percent dogs," said a parade organizer, Tracie Quackenbush.

At least 99 percent dogs. It was difficult to spot any nondogs on this day.

No one was keeping the other animals out. The parade aims to be inclusive, open to all pets, any species that meets the approval of organizers and the city's Department of Animal Control. Over the event's 16 years, there has been a camel, a llama, a few birds and several cats.

But dogs are the ones that people bring out in impressive droves. And so the parade has come to favor dogs. Its official name is the Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade. The mascot is a dog. The yellow goody bags handed to thousands of dog owners included two bags of dog treats and a device for picking up doggie doo. No bird seed. No catnip.

"Dogs are just the easiest to bring," said Quackenbush, executive director of Open Door animal sanctuary in House Springs, which receives the event's proceeds. (And the shelter accepts both dogs and cats.)

But still a few hardy nondogs showed up Sunday.

A 400-pound bison named Ribeye was there with his owner, Ben Hayes of Trenton, Illinois' Clinton County.

And Ginger Miller brought her goat Sarah. She left her dogs at home. The Belleville resident, who just wanted to do something different, led the young goat by a pink leash.

"That's a strange-looking dog!" one dog owner joked.

"What kind of dog is that?" another person asked with a smile.

It was a fainting goat, a domestic breed with the peculiar genetic trait of freezing or falling over when startled. The goat calmly maneuvered among the many dogs. No fainting. Miller attributed the goat's cool demeanor to having been bottle-raised.

Miller, in fact, was the nervous one.

"I'm worried about getting her bit," she said.

And then there was the couple who drove two hours from Columbia, Mo., with their cat.

The cat huddled in the arms of Koko Kallio-Fortman while her husband paid the $10 registration fee. The cat was named Hobgoblin. It was 13 years old. The black cat wore a black tuxedo costume. He seemed unaware that he stood in the middle of a sea of dogs. The dogs seemed unaware that Hobgoblin was a cat. Peace ensued.

As to why they decided to bring a cat, Kallio-Fortman gave a simple answer.

"We don't have dogs."

By Todd C. Frankel

Over 100 feral animals found at mobile home

2009-02-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

Dogs and cats were living among remains of hundreds of dead animals

TEMECULA, Calif. - More than 100 feral cats and dogs were euthanized after authorities found them living among the remains of hundreds of other dead animals that had been dumped in trash bags at a man's rented property.

Temecula police on Friday arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of animal cruelty after officers responded to a call that two vicious dogs were running loose at his address, Riverside County sheriff's spokesman Javier Rodriguez said.

The man had let animals breed and roam freely on his property, Rodriguez said, and the creatures had completely taken over his mobile home. Officers even found animals hiding in cupboards.

"The smell, I can't tell you how bad the smell was," said Willa Bagwell, executive director of Animal Friends of the Valleys, which provides animal control services for Temecula.

When animal control officers arrived, packs of dogs were attacking each other and killing one of their own, Bagwell said. About 70 dogs circled officers and threatened to attack, forcing authorities to euthanize them.

"They were just wild animals. They had never been touched," she told The Press-Enterprise of Riverside. "I've never seen this many animals and animals this feral."

Nine puppies and one dog were saved but authorities had to remove the bodies of 318 cats and dogs, Bagwell said. Outside the mobile home, more than 100 plastic trash bags were filled with animal feces and animal corpses.

Margaret Sturgeon, 82, said she sometimes talked briefly to the man and he seemed normal.

"He said he had three dogs," she said. "He never acted as if anything was wrong."

Kittengarten: Take your cat to class!

2009-02-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

A four-week class covers basic health and behavior facts, including nutrition

WASHINGTON, DC - For the kittens dashing and tumbling around the room, the Washington Humane Society's first Kittengarten class is all about the playtime.

But for the humans and the shelter there's a bigger goal: making sure that cats are healthy and happy in their adoptive homes — and that they stay there.

Kittengarten is just like what it sounds, a class for kittens and their owners. Along with kitten socialization and grooming, the four-week class covers basic health and behavior facts, including nutrition. While dog owners have long taken their charges for training, cat owners don't always know that they and their pets could use some guidance too, organizers say.

Even those knowledgeable about cats can really benefit from some hands-on practice, as when trainer Hanna Lentz demonstrates the most important grooming basic for a pet with needle-sharp claws: the nail trim.

Lentz crouches on the ground, holding a kitten with its back to her, and touches its shoulders. "A cat's natural instinct when you touch them up here is to back up," she explains, "so they have nowhere else to go." Next, she clips a nail. "Do that: one nail, treat, relax in between," she says. "Taking it slow can really make a huge difference."

The students, sitting at the table with piles of treats in front of them, attempt to follow her example on the squirming, reluctant little felines.

"They're not born liking to get their nails trimmed," Lentz observes. "It's so important to start when they're kittens."

While kitten kindergarten is new in Washington, the idea has been around for a while. Elise Gouge of the Houston SPCA, where they've been offering a course since early 2007, says she wishes she could get everyone to take it.

"Cats don't raise themselves," she says. "They don't instantly love people, they don't know not to scratch the furniture."

The first kitten kindergarten is generally acknowledged to have been the idea of Kersti Seksel, a veterinary behaviorist in Australia. Cat behavior consultant and veterinarian Ilona Rodan brought the idea to this country in 2004 and held classes at her cat practice in Madison, Wisc., for a while; she's now working on a CD that presents the information for cat owners who don't have the opportunity to take a class.

Beyond the basics of cat care and behavior, people also need to know how to play with their pets and provide a mentally enriching environment.

"As a feline specialist I see people who are crazy about their cats. This cat means everything to them, but do they do the right thing for them?" says Rodan. "They don't, because they don't understand them."

Rodan is enthusiastic about the idea of holding these classes in shelters. Often, those adopting cats don't think that cats need regular preventative health care, she says. The class is a place to make that connection.

For the shelters, these classes are a way to keep cats in homes, by helping people to understand they can often deal with behavioral issues rather than returning a cat to the shelter.

"People underestimate how willing a cat will be to work with you," says Gouge. "They're not motivated by just our love. You'll have to do a little better than that — maybe a little cheese or a little piece of shrimp."

Gouge says that training and education can help people keep their cats by solving specific problems, but there's more to it than that: working with their pets creates a bond that results in more of a commitment.

"We'll teach them how to sit and how to give paw," she says. "I've had cases with people who were thinking of surrendering their cat. We taught them some of that stuff and it's saved the relationship."

Dog trained to sniff for Cambodian tigers

2009-02-15T05:03:00.000-08:00

A German haired pointer named Maggie is seen at the Wildlife Conservation Society office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Tuesday Feb. 10, 2009. Conservationists say a dog trained to sniff out tiger droppings has been flown to Cambodia in a last ditch effort to confirm the big cats still roam one of the country's largest nature reserves

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — A dog trained to sniff for tiger droppings will help conservationists determine if the big cats still roam one of Cambodia's largest nature reserves.

Starting next week, Maggie, a German wirehaired pointer, will begin scouring the undergrowth and sniffing for tiger scent on trees at the 1,158 square mile (3,000 square kilometer) Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area in northeastern Cambodia.

The unorthodox move to employ a dog trained in Russia to search for signs of tigers comes after camera traps and field surveys failed to find the big cats last year. The last sign of a tiger was in 2007, when a paw print was spotted in the park.

"We think this is the best method when we have a large area and not that many tigers," said Hannah O'Kelly, a wildlife monitoring adviser for the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society, which along with the wild cat conservation group Panthera is spending about $30,000 to bring Maggie and a second dog from Russia to Seima later this year.

Hiring the two dogs is part of a $10 million, 10-year initiative by WCS and Panthera, also based in New York, called "Tigers Forever." It aims to increase the numbers of tigers by 50 percent in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Russian Far East and Thailand through a range of measures that include better monitoring, assessments of threats and efforts to minimize the dangers facing the big cats.

The campaign was launched in 2006 to combat a dwindling tiger population in Asia. Across the continent, the number of tigers has plummeted to as few as 5,000 tigers from a high of 100,000 a century ago due to poaching, habitat loss and other threats. It is unclear how many tigers remain in Cambodia.

Men Soriyun, a project manager for Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area, said he felt that dogs offered the best hope of finding the tigers and that the method could be used by other national reserves.

"The best way to find tigers in the jungle is to use dogs because they can find tigers by their smell," Men Soriyun said.

Cambodia is the first country in Asia to employ the dogs to search for tigers, a method pioneered in Russia's Far East region which has hundreds of tigers spread across several thousand miles (kilometers).

Since then, dogs have been used to search for jaguars in South America and leopards in Africa.

All six dogs taught to search for tigers were trained by wildlife biologist and WCS consultant Linda Kerley in Russia's Lazovsky Nature Reserve. The best dogs for the task, she said, are hunting or sheep herding dogs that can easily detect the musky smell of the tiger's scat, excrement left by a wild animal.

"We don't want a dog that will hunt tigers," said Kerley, who accompanied Maggie to Cambodia. "We want a dog that wants to hunt for the scent of the scat."

The effort is part of a larger campaign by conservationists worldwide to mine animal droppings for genetic information that can save endangered species.

Elephant dung, for example, was used two years ago to calculate the population of pachyderms in Malaysia's Taman Negara National Park.

Cooper the cat shows his stuff in photo exhibit

2009-02-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

Michael Cross cuddles with Cooper the cat so that Doree Armstrong and her son Alex, 3, can get a closer look at the artist during a pre-opening show for the press at Urban Light Studios in the Greenwood Collective.

Upon their first exhibitions, some artists can't wait to elaborate on the intent of their work. Others are aloof, projecting an enigmatic presence.

Cooper meows. Purrs, too.

For this Seattle cat, photography is his medium, a gift from his "parents" -- filmmakers Michael and Deirdre Cross, who gave him a very small and light digital camera that hung from his collar one day a week for a year. It was programmed to take a picture every two minutes.

They wanted the answer to a question many pet lovers have asked themselves: What does he do all day?

He came back with thousands of answers -- 16 of which are framed and on display at the Urban Light Studios in the Greenwood Collective. The exhibit opens with a reception tonight as part of the Greenwood Art Walk. The show runs through March 10.

"We never thought we'd have an artist that is an American Shorthair cat," said Kevin Law, owner of the gallery and a professional photographer. "But after reading the PhinneyWood blog and seeing his photos, I was immediately blown away. He has classical compositions right out of a photo textbook. There may be no intent behind them, but they're beautiful artwork."

While some shots are candid family moments -- such as Michael Cross' legs in a towel (not Deirdre's!) in the kitchen in "Risque" -- others show how much time Cooper spent in backyards, finding shortcuts and crossing streets. It's an expedition through his neighborhood, which also happens to be Greenwood.

TV reporter Mark Wright of KCPQ/13, left, and photojournalist Walker Anderson try to get an exclusive interview with Cooper the cat during a pre-opening show for the media at Urban Light Studios in Greenwood.

"This is art without pretense to it," said Michael Cross. "This is an art form that's not intimidating."

Cooper's many fans already have found him on the Cross' Flickr page and blog , which followed more than a million online hits from an earlier Seattle P-I article.

The Crosses and Law whittled down Cooper's photos to capture what they thought was the best representation of his "vision."

"We tried to get as big of a range of photos as possible," Michael Cross said. "He takes beautiful nature and wildlife scenes and amazing abstracts. He also takes a couple portraits -- one of a friend of ours and one of another cat, finally. We're now calling it Cooper's girlfriend."

Being filmmakers -- they own and operate Cross Films -- this isn't their medium of choice, but he said, "We consider Cooper the newest and least expected member of our crew."

"You spend a lot of time talking about your pet, and your friends and family put up with it. But Seattle has really embraced Cooper. It's surprising," said Deirdre Cross. "People have found the story very compelling. We see him as being part of the neighborhood watch, but he's also just a cat walking the neighborhood."

Even overseas, people love him, she said. He was included in an exhibition in London that the Crosses didn't know about until after it was done -- a sampling of work from other cat photographers. But Cooper's pictures opened her up to a new point of view on Seattle.

"It really is a different view. I think of our neighborhood as very urban but through his eyes, it's green, lush, going through backyards and shortcuts," Deirdre Cross said. "I feel like I have a different relationship with it through his perspective."

Each framed shot is $275, one of a limited edition of 100 prints. Part of the proceeds from exhibition sales will benefit PAWS, a progressive animal welfare society with doors just down the street from the gallery.

Law said that if you look at Cooper's photos, they follow the "rule of thirds."

"You want to get the subject out of the corners, off center. If you look at 'Rendezvous,' (which captures that other cat), the fence line leads directly to the subject," Law said. "Maybe we're not giving Cooper enough credit. Maybe he knows exactly what he's doing."

Take the puppy skiing in the Methow Valley

2009-02-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

WINTHROP, Wash. -- Cross country skiing in the Methow Valley has gone to the dogs.

The Mazama-Winthrop-Twisp area is already one of the Pacific Northwest's skiing meccas for humans, but the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association has encouraged skiers to bring their canine friends out to the trails, too.

"It's hard to find people up here that don't ski with their dogs," says Kristen Smith, the MVSTA's co-director of events. "So many people up here have dogs that they have to find something to do with their pets. It's a natural fit, and the dogs love it."

The MVSTA maintains 64 kilometers (39.7 miles) of dog-friendly trails at Lunachick as well as in the Big Valley and Rendezvous systems. The Big Valley trails are free to anyone, while the Rendezvous trails require the purchase of a daily pass.

The Rendezvous system, which is home to nearly 50 of the 64 dog-friendly kilometers, is accessible to skiers and their furry friends from the Cub Creek trailhead.

The MVSTA found that running next to their owners is a great way for dogs to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise when snow and ice limits what they can do during the winter months.

"Most dogs we've found do really well with it," Smith says. "My dog, Ginger, is like the MVSTA's official mascot. She's out there with me all the time."

"I've been skiing with the dogs for five years now, and it's worked out great," said 38-year-old Winthrop resident Brian Drye, who is Smith's husband. "It's a good way to get exercise and you can go with other people and socialize. I think it's getting more popular. I think the dogs enjoy it as least as much as I do."

As with any other physical activity, some precautions have to be taken when taking your dog out onto the trail.

Smith says dogs sometimes dart in front of the skier and get caught up in the ski poles or even the skis.

"The poles can be hard for dogs to get used to," she says. "The No. 1 injury that we see is where dogs get too close to the edge of the ski and the ski actually cuts the dogs Achilles' tendon."

Smith says the risk of injury is greater when the dog is on a leash. Not all dogs are obedient enough to run free alongside their owners.

On particularly busy weekends, the trails get pretty crowded with skiers, snowshoers and walkers, and obviously, dogs are easily startled. Accidents can happen if a pooch sees a rabbit in the woods and takes a sharp turn across a few lanes of skiing traffic.

"It can be a little crowded some weekends, so you have to think about when you want to go," Drye said. "About 40 percent of the time I'm out there I see 10-20 other people on the trail with dogs."

Skiing with dogs has gotten so popular in the Methow Valley that relaxed, pet-friendly competitions are springing up.

The Methow Valley Nordic Club is sponsoring the Doggie Dash, a fun, mildly competitive six-legged race for dogs and their owners on Feb. 15 at the Winthrop Town Trailhead.

Participants are encouraged to dress both themselves and their dogs up in matching costumes, and prizes will be awarded for the most creative designs.

The cost is $12 per pair, with all of the proceeds going to benefit animals in need.

By BRIAN ADAMOWSKY
THE WENATCHEE WORLD.

Sneaky kitten joins North Andover family on ski trip

2009-02-13T05:14:00.000-08:00

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -- A seven-month-old kitten hid underneath the hood of a car and racked up some serious mileage.

The pet kitten traveled almost 100 miles with a family driving from North Andover to New Hampshire.

The family made the discovery in Mt. Sunapee, N.H. when they heard cries from under the hood of their SUV.

Stephanie Cooke was in that car and thought, "Oh my God, one of the cats got into the car."

The noise in the engine started when the Cooke's arrived at Mt. Sunapee to go skiing, an hour and a half from their North Andover home.

Fearing the worst, Stephanie's husband undid the latch to look under the hood.

"I couldn't believe it, the cat just popped right up and I went right over to it and it was totally fine."

Maddie, the family's seven-month-old kitten had managed to hitch a ride in the engine compartment of their Hummer.

Stephanie said somehow in the hustle and bustle of getting out the door to go skiing, so had Maddie.

"She just found this little nooky spot and that's where her head popped up and managed to survive an hour and a half in the car."

The family made sure Maddie rode home in the backseat of the car.

"You know how they say cats have nine lives, well I think she maybe has one left after that."

Clever dog uses snow bank to climb up on roof

2009-02-13T05:07:00.000-08:00

A dog is seen on the roof of a house in Minot, N.D. Tuesday Feb. 10, 2009. Minot animal control officer Dick Schnell says the snow in the back yard of the dog's owner's home apparently was high enough for the dog to walk up onto the roof. The dog's owner was called, and eventually returned home to persuade the dog to come down.

MINOT, N.D. -- Minot police say they get lots of calls about animals but this one was different. A caller reported a dog on the roof of a house. Animal control officer Dick Schnell said the snow in the back yard of the dog's owner's home apparently was high enough for the dog to walk up onto the roof Tuesday.

The dog, which appeared to be a border collie mix, seemed perfectly content to be there.

"A neighbor from across the street called us and said, '"You're not going to believe this,"' Schnell said.

The dog was in a fenced yard with a kennel and apparently just wanted a better view from the roof's peak, about 25 feet in the air, Schnell said.

"He would sit on top and look like, 'It's pretty cool up here,'" Schnell said.

Schnell tossed some treats and tempted the dog to the roof's lower level, but the dog would not come down until the owners got home.

Schnell said they were "very cooperative, very nice people," who were "very surprised" their dog was on the roof.

"Just when you think you've seen it all," he said with a chuckle.

Koala love story wins hearts after Aussie fires

2009-02-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

SYDNEY - A love story between two badly burned koalas rescued from Australia's deadliest bushfires has provided some heart-warming relief after days of devastation and the loss of over 180 lives.

The story of Sam and her new boyfriend Bob emerged after volunteer firefighter Dave Tree used a mobile phone to film the rescue of the bewildered female found cowering in a burned out forest at Mirboo North, 150 km (90 miles) southeast of Melbourne.

Photos and a video of Tree, 44, approaching Sam while talking gently to her, and feeding her water from a plastic bottle as she put her burned claw in his cold, wet hand quickly hit video sharing Web site YouTube, making her an Internet sensation.

But it was after reaching a wildlife shelter that Sam met and befriended Bob, who was saved by wildlife workers on Friday, two days before Sam, in Boolarra, about 180 km from Melbourne.

Tree, who has been a volunteer firefighter for 26 years, said it was extremely rare to get so close to a koala so he asked his colleague Brayden Groen, 20, to film him.

"You can how she stops and moves forward and looks at me. It was like a look saying "I can't run, I'm weak and sore, put me out of my misery,"" Tree told Reuters.

"I yelled out for some water and I sat down with her and tipped the water up. It was in my hand and she reached for the bottle then put her right claw into my left hand which was cold so it must have given her some pain relief and she just left it there. It was just amazing."

Love story
Sam was taken to the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter in Rawson. Her story was reminiscent of a koala named Lucky who survived the 2003 bushfires that destroyed about 500 homes and killed four people in the capital of Canberra. Lucky became a symbol of hope.

Colleen Wood from the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter that is caring for Sam and Bob said both koalas were doing well while other animals like possums, kangaroos, and wallabies were also starting to emerge from the debris.

Koalas are especially vulnerable to wildfires because they move slowly on the ground.

The wildfires cut through parks and forests and sent countless wombats and other native species fleeing. One resident reported seeing kangaroos bouncing down the road with flames at their backs.

The fires also razed farmland, killing or panicking sheep and cattle. Television footage showed cows running down the main street of a smoke-filled town.

A count of the animals killed has not been made.

'Giving each other hugs'
She said Sam had suffered second degree burns to her paws and would take seven to eight months to recover while Bob had three burned paws with third degree burns and should be well enough to return to the bush in about four months.

"They keep putting their arms around each other and giving each other hugs. They really have made friends and it is quite beautiful to see after all this. It's been horrific," said Wood.

"Sam is probably aged between two to four going by her teeth and Bob is about four so they have a muchness with each other."

Wood said about 20 koalas had been brought into her shelter in recent days, several of whom had bonded as koalas are known to clump together, but none had garnered the same attention as the new Internet star Sam.

Tree, a volunteer with the Country Fire Authority Victoria, has visited Sam since her rescue and was delighted to see she had found a boyfriend in Bob.

"They've really taken a shine to each other as they are both burned and share the same burned smell," he said.

"My heart goes out to the people in these fires and this was so innocent so people have used this to distract them from all the sad stuff that has gone on. It gives people a bit of hope."

Wild otter checks itself into the Jacksonville zoo

2009-02-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

When the keepers shut down the otter exhibit at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Sunday, they left one otter out in the exhibit overnight.

When they came back to open up Monday morning, there were two.

Nope, there wasn’t a birth.

A wild North American river otter had found its way in to make itself part of the exhibit. Craig Miller, curator of mammals, said that’s the first time he’s heard of that happening at the zoo.

“We get birds or squirrels coming in, of course,” he said. “And we may find possum remains in the lion yard. But never this.”

He’s not exactly sure how the otter got in, but the exhibit is primarily designed to make sure the animals inside don’t get out.

There’s a gently sloped hill behind the exhibit, and he figures maybe the otter climbed that and squeezed between the gate and the fence.

Once it got to the top of the wall, there was a six- or eight-foot jump down to the water.

Then there’s the question of why. Otters aren’t particularly social, Miller said, and both the wild and captive animals are male. But there were two females back in the holding area.

“My guess is that this guy was looking for a mate,” Miller said. “It’s easy enough to assume that. Maybe he smelled the females, saw an otter down there and jumped in.”

He said there were no injuries or any indication the two males had fought.

Still, they released it Monday afternoon on the banks of the Trout River.

State regulations prohibit zoos from keeping wild animals unless they’re unreleasable due to injury or being a nuisance animal.

“He’s a first-time offender,” Miller said. “So we let him go.”

He said they’ll tighten the fence and gate up, but no major changes are planned to the exhibit.

By Roger Bull

Injured deer makes Rossford vet visit, gets stitches in time

2009-02-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

Veterinarian Agustin Cuesta and staff members attend to the injured deer that ran into the PetSmart store in Rossford on Saturday. After its cuts were stitched up, the deer bounded off across an intersection and back into the wild.

Dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, parakeets - if it's a pet with a price tag then veterinarian Agustin Cuesta has probably cared for it.

But Saturday brought two firsts for Dr. Cuesta and his staff at the clinic inside the Rossford PetSmart: their first deer patient and unaccompanied walk-in.

The episode began at about
1:20 p.m., when a PetSmart manager discovered a deer with a wounded hind leg between two trash bins outside the pet store at 27161 Crossroads Pkwy.

The animal, found in a pool of bloody snow, proceeded to jump and run into the just-opened door leading into the building's stockroom. Once inside, the female deer lay down on the floor as blood dripped from her left hind leg, recalled store Manager Trudi Urie.

Staff moved quickly to seal the entrance to the shopping area. "The last thing we wanted was a bloody deer running through," she said.

Ms. Urie figured that the appropriate thing would be to call an animal control officer. But with none nearby, employees called Rossford police.

They also beckoned Dr. Cuesta, who works in the veterinary clinic inside PetSmart. Yesterday Dr. Cuesta recounted how after examining the doe and finding it in good health aside from the leg, he told officers he could treat it right there on the stockroom floor so it could return to the wild.

The leg needed serious work. Dr. Cuesta said it had two or three deep cuts and that bone was showing through the fur. He said he could not determine what caused the injury.

Observers said that despite the injury and unfamiliar surroundings, the deer maintained a surprising degree of calm.

Clinic assistants held down the animal and placed a white towel over its head so it wouldn't get spooked.

Dr. Cuesta placed a numbing agent on the wounds and began administering an electrolyte fluid under the deer's skin.

The veterinarian closed the wounds with dissolvable stitches.

Before finishing their work the team gave pain medicine and an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Finally everyone stepped away and began to motion the deer out the door.

"We took off the towel from her eyes and slowly she got to her feet," Dr. Cuesta said. "She stood frozen for a few seconds, but after that she ran out of the store."

There's no answer yet for what may have first attracted the deer to the PetSmart building. While it's said that animals can smell fear, what is less known is whether they can sniff out good will and free medical care.

"Of all the places to run into, a pet store that has vets in it," marveled Ms. Urie, adding with a laugh: "If it would have went into a Bass Pro, it would have been a different story."

Though stitched up and medicated, the deer wasn't back in the woods quite yet. Dr. Cuesta recalled how there was no small amount of distress among his staff when the doe ignored an open field and instead darted across an intersection.

The deer stopped for a moment in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant. It wandered for a few seconds, then dashed into a field and out of view.

By JC REINDL.

How To Care for Iguanas

2009-02-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

Iguanas can make phenomenal pets. While you won't be required to give them long walks outside and potty training will not be an issue that gets you out of bed at 3 a.m., nevertheless there is a host of other concerns pertaining specifically to caring for iguanas responsibly.

The three major care areas are going to be food, shelter, and taking care of their physical needs. With proper, attentive care, your iguana may even live up to 20 years.

Once you purchase your pet iguana from the pet store, you will need some supplies, which will be listed below in the care directions.

1. The housing situation. Most iguanas live out their happy lives in a terrarium. When purchasing a terrarium for your pet you should make sure that it will be big enough to give your iguana room to move and comfortably fit any supplies that need to be placed in the cage with him. You would not want to sit in a small confined space for the remainder of your life, so do not assume that your iguana wants this kind of treatment either. Bear in mind that your iguana will grow. You need to place things on the floor of the terrarium to cover the bottom of the glass. Whatever you place down there will have to be washed or replaced on a regular basis. Iguana feces should be removed daily. Make sure that, whatever you choose to place on the floor of the terrarium, it cannot be eaten by your iguana.

2. Let the sun shine in.Iguanas love the sunlight, so you are going to want to make sure that you do not deprive your new family friend. One of an iguana's favorite activities is to climb on logs and enjoy the shining sun. If your tank is not in an area with lots of sunlight, you may want to move it. If moving it is not an option, you can purchase an artificial light source from the pet store. Talk to your vet about purchasing an artificial UV light anyway, since iguanas benefit from exposure to ultraviolet B. You can also purchase logs and wood for your iguana to climb on.

3. Dinner-time needs. Iguanas love greens of almost any kind. Some of the most popular options you should give them include bok choy, cilantro, collard greens, alfalfa, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Fruits and vegetables can also be a good option for these pets. Many iguanas like carrots and apples. Some even like sweet peppers. Plenty of fresh water is going to be necessary and you may want to add in a weekly calcium dose to make sure that your iguana remains in optimum health.

4. Nail issues. The nails on an iguana have a tendency to get very long. The longer they get, the more chance you will have of getting scratched. The best remedy is to supply rough bark for your iguana so that, as they play with the bark, it will continually wear their nails down to a manageable angle.

5. Know how to hold them. You want to be careful holding your iguana. Not only do they have sharp nails but also as they grow they learn to use their tails as weapons. When you are hit you will learn quickly you do not want to be hit again. A good way to hold them is by holding them firmly on the back and keeping them close to your body. Some people recommend the use of wrapping your forearm in a towel and sitting the iguana on the towel. You want to make sure that the head of the iguana faces you. This way, if the tail is used as a weapon, it will be more likely to swing away from you rather than into you. It is important that you provide your iguana with a socially-stimulating environment at a young age, as opposed to one in which she has no human contact. That is not to suggest a noisy, stressful living situation. Give your iguana a healthy place where she has regular human contact, and she will reward you by being more sociable in maturity.

6. Know their medical needs before purchasing an iguana.Iguanas are more exotic than other pets like dogs and cats. The iguana is not an easy pet to care for. In fact, many iguanas fall ill from inappropriate care by clueless owners. The typical lifespan of an iguana is 10 years. However, without the proper care, an iguana's life can be significantly shorted. You should keep the following facts in mind before deciding to own an iguana.

* Your iguana's environment should mimic his natural environment as closely as possible. This means they need wide tanks that are free of sharp edges. The temperature within their tank should mimic the tropical environment of the rainforest, which means somewhere around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should have numerous tree branches and the iguana should always have access to fresh water and food.
* Iguanas need to be bathed in warm water on a frequent basis. Excess moisture is excellent for their skin. It also helps them maintain regularity when it comes to elimination of wastes.
* Iguanas need exercise, which could come in the form of bathing or getting out of their tank and stretching their legs.
* Iguanas are prone to metabolic bone disease, paralysis of the rear legs, nose abrasions, thermal injuries, skin infections, dry gangrene infections, abcessation, mouth rot, internal and external parasites, egg binding, and bladder stones. Regular veterinary visits should be scheduled with a vet that has experience with iguanas. The vet should not only do a thorough physical of your iguana, but blood work and stool samples should be taken to ensure your iguana is healthy.
* Iguanas have been known to carry and spread salmonella. For some, the risk of getting seriously ill from salmonella poisoning is too great. If you wish to own an iguana, you need to make sure you always wash your hands with soap after handling your pet. You should also avoid letting children touch or play with your iguana unattended.

By Ashtyn Evans

Augsburg Police Spend Hours Chasing Escaped Zebras

2009-02-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Four zebras escaped from a circus in Augsburg on Monday. The ensuing chase made the police look like clowns.

Pedestrians in the southern German city of Augsburg on Monday witnessed a bizarre cat-and-mouse game played out in its streets. But the cat in this case was the local police. And the mice? Four zebras who had escaped from a circus currently visiting the town.

Passersby were able to corner one of the zebras until its keepers could capture it, according to a police statement. The other three zebras led police and their handlers on a zig-zag chase through the city 65 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Munich.

Finally, after 45 minutes, police and animal handlers were able to corral the three remaining runaways into a paddock on the edge of town. While loading the animals for transport, however, one of the three managed to escape once again. This time it took two hours and a veterinarian with a tranquilizer rifle to bring the animal down so it could calmly be transported back to the circus.

During their equine spree, the zebras hurt no one but managed to damage two police cars.

It remains unclear how the animals escaped. A spokesman for the local police told SPIEGEL ONLINE that the circus was in the process of dismantling and that the animals' handlers might have been "insufficiently attentive."

Piano-Playing Cat a Media Sensation

2009-02-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

Nora, a 5-year-old cat, has made it big across the Internet with her not-so-hidden talent: she enjoys playing the piano, and does so every chance she gets. (Photo Courtesy of Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow)

While most cats will settle for a toy mouse or scratching post, one Philadelphia-based cat, named Nora, has taken her play habits to an oddly professional level. Taking cues from her owners, who are both musicians, Nora plays the piano, both by herself and while accompanying others. Nora's musical ambitions have helped her develop an international fan base and regular media appearances.

PHILADELPHIA -- Nora, a 5-year-old cat, is one of six cats living in her Philadelphia home.

The rescue cat has found her own way to stand out, though, to her pet parents, Betsy Alexander and Burnell Yow, who are both visual artists and musicians.

Nora likes to play the piano. She will sometimes spend hours by Alexander's side while she gives piano lessons to young students.

"From the very beginning, during the day, most of the cats would be in the bedroom upstairs sleeping with each other," Alexander said. "Nora would remain downstairs with the students. She could be the boss in that environment, and that became her domain. She would just sit on the top of the piano."

With time, Nora became accustomed to the push of the pedal and strike of the keys -- eventually, she decided to experiment with her own musical abilities.

"We hear this sound while we are upstairs, and instead of the walking across the keys, it's repeated notes, and it's going kind of like, 'duh, duh, duh, duh,' " Alexander explained.

"We go downstairs and Nora is sitting on the piano chair ... and playing, just playing like a little person. And we are like, 'Wow, Nora, that's so cool!' "

Nora was not as fazed by her talent, though.

"And it looked like she was sort of going like, 'So, well, yeah, like what, so, yeah?' And she looked back at the piano and started doing it more. She has not stopped since," Alexander recalled.

That was nearly four years ago -- Nora is not a novice anymore, and likes to spend as much time as she can practicing new tunes. Her performances don't actually sound like songs, in a traditional sense, but her playing has, Alexander says, become more complex over the years.

The cat, who favors Bach, has also mastered playing single notes -- a difficult task for a "big fat bowling ball of a cat," with paws to match -- and tries to hit the black keys, as well as the white, to shake things up a bit.

Nora appears aware of the attention her playing creates.

"As you could imagine, when Nora started to play, my students were delighted," Alexander said. "People started bringing their friends and neighbors and she was like a little celebrity. She has always loved the camera."

Nora will sometimes play alongside Alexander's students on an adjacent piano. The pupils are warned beforehand, Alexander says, that Nora does not like to be disturbed while she is playing -- it is the the only time she will try to bite someone.

She also performs solo shows, from time to time, and actually tends to conduct her best performances when she is alone.

"The best playing, the most elaborate playing she will do is when we are not in the room. It's really exciting. We will be down in the art studio and you'll hear, it sounds like there is a jazz musician upstairs," Alexander explained.

Alexander and Yow decided to publicly showcase Nora's talent online and posted one video of her playing on YouTube nearly two years ago. The clip continues to bring in viewers, who can also watch several other videos that were later posted.

The Philadelphia couple were surprised at how quickly Nora's productions took off -- on the first day the video was posted, it yielded 71 hits. Once that number began to push 100,000, "the media got interested," Alexander said.

Television stations from as far as Japan have traveled to witness Nora in action. She has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show, CBS' Early Show, VH1'S Best Week Ever and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, among other shows.

Alexander continues to receive e-mails and calls from across the world -- this week alone, she said, she heard from admirers in Paris, Southern England and Texas.

"They just tell me how they love it and how she put a smile on their faces," Alexander said.

By Amy Lieberman

Rabbit doctor in first for Europe

2009-02-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Brigitte Reusch will run a clinic as well as lecture
A special rabbit doctor has been appointed in Edinburgh following a surge in popularity of the furry pet.

Brigitte Reusch has taken up the role as lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Ms Reusch, who has several years of experience in treating rabbits, will also run a dedicated rabbit clinic.

Edinburgh University said it was the first post in Europe for a lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery.

It is estimated that there are more than 1.4 million pet rabbits in the UK, which are either kept indoors as house pets or outside.

Ms Reusch said: "An increasing number of people are buying rabbits as pets, with what is very much becoming a lifestyle decision. Many people, for instance, are deciding to have rabbits as house pets as this fits in better with their busy working lives than having other pets.

"There is a lot of misinformation around about the best way to keep rabbits in optimum health.

"Common things that we see include dental, urinary tract and digestive diseases, all of which could potentially be fatal."

One of the most common problems relating to rabbit welfare is poor diet, as owners may not realise that simply feeding them breakfast and dinner is not good for wearing the rabbits' teeth down as they need to eat hay or grass throughout the day. This also prevents them from becoming bored.

It is also important to ensure that pet rabbits, which have evolved from the European wild rabbit, are not kept too warm to avoid them becoming over heated.

Caroline Adam, 42, of Aberdeenshire, bought her rabbit Humphrey three years ago.

Ms Adam said: "I got Humphrey as looking after a rabbit is easier than say, for instance, looking after a dog or a cat.

"He has his own run outside attached to inside and also likes having the run of the house.

"He does have problems with his teeth but has had scans and all sorts to help with this.

"The good treatment that he receives means that, although his dental disease is something that will persist, he is a happy chap."

Travel with Your Pet by Air

2009-02-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

It's easy to fly with your cat, small dog, bird, or other pet in the cabin of an airplane. Most airlines will allow you to bring an animal on board as a carry-on and place it underneath the seat in front of you. Restrictions can vary, however, depending on the airline that you're hoping to fly. Make sure that you look into the requirements that each airline sets forth.

There are also many standard rules and regulations that you'll need to follow, regardless of the airline you and your pet are going to fly. If you are going to travel with your pet, you should adhere to the following steps. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of airlines and their specific requirements and restrictions.

Before You Travel:

1.Make sure your pet is healthy. Pets must be in good health in order to travel by air. Although not all airlines require you to produce a health certificate, many states and countries may require that you carry one. Take your animal to the vet for a check-up within 30 days of traveling to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation. Remember that all airlines reserve the right to refuse travel to an animal if it appears to be ill, aggressive or violent, or in obvious distress, so make sure that your pet is fit for the journey before you arrive at the airport.

Note: Pets less than 8 weeks old are not permitted to travel; pets over 8 weeks must be weaned.

2.Find an airline(s) that will accommodate your pet. Not all airlines will allow animals on board the plane and/or in the cabin. Check to make sure that your specific animal is allowed on board before booking a ticket.
Tip: If you are connecting to multiple airlines make sure to check about their pet policies and make a reservation for your pet.

3.Determine your itinerary. Look into which flights will work with your schedule, but don't book them yet. You'll need to ensure that there is space on board for your pet before you book the trip. Otherwise Fluffy will be staying behind.

Note: You can't bring pets to HI.

4. Call the airline to make a reservation for your animal. Once you decide on the flight you're going to take, call the airline to make a reservation for your pet. All airlines limit the number of animals they allow in each cabin and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically it's restricted one to two animals in the first class cabin and three to six in the economy cabin. You shouldn't run into a problem, but it's important to check before you commit to a flight, especially at peak travel times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

5.Book your flight. Now that your pet has a reservation confirmed (or you at least know there's space), it's time to book your flight. If you've already booked your flight and haven't confirmed your pet, now is the time to call the airline and make that reservation for Fido.

6.Purchase a pet carrier. If you do not already have a pet carrier that conforms to your airline's size requirements, you've got to purchase one. Many airlines sell pet carriers at the airport, but you shouldn't rely on these being in stock. Check the size regulations your airline enforces and head to the pet store. Your pet must be able to fit "comfortably" in his carrier, which means that he can stand up, lay down and turn around. The carrier should also be leak-proof.

You'll find an aisle of pet carriers at your local pet store, many of which will state that they are approved for specific airlines. Carrier requirements range from 23" to 17" long x 16" to 12.5" wide x 10" to 8" high; check with your airline for exact requirements. However, it's unlikely that anyone will get out a ruler to actually measure your pet carrier, so as long as your carrier is within these general guidelines you should be safe.

Day of Travel:

1.Exercise your animal, if possible. Take your dog out for a run, or get a string and play with your kitty. If your animal is tired he is less likely to be stressed out by his day of travel.

2 Decide whether you're going to sedate your pet. Sedating your pet for travel is a somewhat controversial issue. The American Veterinary Medical Association believes that, in most cases, giving sedatives or tranquilizers to your pet prior to flying is not necessary. It can actually hinder your pet's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium, which can be dangerous for your animal. On the other hand, if your animal becomes highly agitated or stressed while flying, it might benefit you, your pet and the passengers around you to sedate him. Consult your vet before giving your animal any medications.

3. Place your pet in his carrier with food and water. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may want to supply your pet with food and water. You won't be able to bring water through the security check point, so you'll need to purchase some (or fill up an empty water bottle) once you get into the terminal. Or, you can ask your flight attendant for water once you board the plane.

4. Go to the customer service desk to check-in and pay for your pet. Since you'll need to pay a fee for transporting your pet on the airplane, you'll need to check in at a customer service desk. You'll be able to purchase Snowball's ticket, check yourself in for your flight and drop off any checked luggage you have. Then you can proceed to the security checkpoint.

5. Remove your pet from his carrier while going through security. Your pet's carrier will have to go through the x-ray machine, along with all of your other belongings. So you'll need to remove your animal from his carrier (cats, especially, love this) and walk through the metal detector holding your pet. Then you'll be able to place him back inside his carrier on the other side.

6. Place your pet back in his carrier and keep him fully contained for the remainder or your journey. Your animal is not permitted outside of his carrier at anytime while you're at the airport or on the airplane. He'll need to remain fully contained (meaning all body parts), until you've completed your trip.

7. Place your pet under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Most airlines require that your pet stay under the seat in front of your from take-off to landing. Others may allow you to take the carrier out, but none will allow you to remove your pet from his carrier. Check with your airline, but you should plan on leaving Rover alone while he's on the plane.

How To Train your Puppy to Urinate Outside.

2009-02-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

Many people become frustrated when it comes to training their puppy to urinate outside. What people do not know is that it is fairly easy to train your pup; you just have to be dedicated and committed to guide your pup to his proper destination to urinate, and that it outside. When you first bring your pup home, he will be somewhat timid of his new surroundings just because he is not used to being away from his mother.

Step 1:

What not to do. You hear a lot of people say they train their pups by rubbing their nose into their pee stain and swat them on the butt and firmly saying, "NO!" Well folks, I know from personal experience that this course of action does not work! All the puppy knows is that he is getting hit for some unknown reason. Puppies at that age are too young to comprehend a mistake followed by a punishment. The puppy cannot register this concept yet. I believe there is a way better method to training your pup without physical abuse.

Step 2:

Praise. Telling your dog how well he did after he did his business is probably the most important step to training your puppy to urinate outside. Puppies get so excited when you show them how wonderful they did and as time goes on, he will come to realize he will get praised or get a treat every time he goes to the bathroom. So always praise your pup after his good deed.

Step 3:

When to take him outside. Puppies have very tiny bladders and it seems they have to go every five minutes, but that is not the case. You should take your puppy out every time he wakes up, after a meal, before he goes to bed, and most importantly, after he is done playing. After playing is an important one since when they are that young, they get real excited and tend to urinate more. If you take them out before it is time for them to go to bed, and he seems like he does not want to go, play with him and get him excited; this seems to make them want to go to the restroom more quickly.

Over time, that pup will start to realize that the outdoors is where he needs to go to the bathroom. If you follow these methods, it will usually put your dog on a schedule. It will think OK, I just woke up--it is time to go pee. Or I just got done eating, it is time to pee. Training a pup is very easy. There are many different ways to train your puppy to urinate outside, but this particular way always works for me.

By Jeff Knapp

The cow that was zapped by lightning - and survived

2009-02-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

It has certainly been flame grilled but this extraordinary cow is still standing.

The poor creature was struck by lightning and left with blistering burns. You would expect it to have been cooked alive.

But the cow miraculously survived, apparently unperturbed by the ordeal, and is already back roaming the meadows.

Professor of Physical Geography, Jon Nott of James Cook University, said the event was rare but entirely feasible.

He said: 'Cows are susceptible to lightning strikes because both sets of legs are on the ground.

'But, more often than not, they die from it.'

He added: 'The electricity from a lightning strike would enter the front set of legs and exit out the back legs so, based on the picture, it is possible it happened.

'While I can't explain the knee wounds, the ankle wounds would be consistent with those of lightning.'

The cow is believed to have been struck by the bolt in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, last month.

But if it wasn't for its horrific wounds, you could hardly tell the animal had suffered.

Perhaps it has drawn comfort from the old wive's tale. After all, we are all told that lightning never strikes in the same place twice.

Search engine reunites Afghan dogs with U.S. soldiers

2009-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Fayetteville, N.C. — A Fayetteville soldier got a boisterous homecoming from a dog he rescued from the war-torn streets of Afghanistan, thanks to a charity animal-rescue program run by Internet search engine Dogpile.com.

While on patrol, Staff Sgt. Daniel Barker and his fellow soldier, Adam Krause, found two puppies, malnourished and scared.

The soldiers took the dogs back to their base and named them Jack and Emma. The men played with, cared for and bonded with the puppies during the rough months of their deployment, relatives said.

"Jack has been Dan's rock over there. When he is out on missions and sees awful things, he comes back to his dog, Jack, and is able to have comfort," Dan Barker's mother-in-law, Janice Rosengren, said.

"The things these men have to see and deal with truly force them to build a wall around their emotions. Jack has been so therapeutic to my husband and helped him through some of the toughest times," Dan Barker's wife, Lisa, said.

The soldiers decided they didn't want to leave their new furry friends behind when their deployment ended in mid January. However, bringing a dog from Afghanistan to the United States would be an expensive and cumbersome process.

In November, Barker contacted Dogpile.com after hearing about the search engine's Search & Rescue program, which donates money to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Dogpile.com agreed to pay for Jack and Emma's trip to America and their stay in customs.

"We feel so fortunate to have played a hand in such an emotional and memorable time for the soldiers, their families and the two puppies," said Stacy Ybarra, director of corporate giving for Dogpile.com.

After a two-week journey, the puppies arrived in New York City. There to greet them and take them home was Lisa Barker. She got the dogs accustomed to their new country, while Barker and Krause watched their pets by Web cam every day from Afghanistan.

Then, in late January, the men came home to their dogs – in Dan Barker's case, Jack and two Chihuahuas he already owned.

"(Jack's) doing good. He's getting more used to my dogs, and they're starting to play a little bit," Dan Barker said.

Dogpile.com wants to keep on making such special stories come true, Ybarra said. Every time a user does a search on the site, the company donates a portion of its revenues to the SPCA. By the end of 2009, the company hopes to have donated $1 million.

"Helping provide Jack and Emma safe and loving homes is what the Search & Rescue program is all about," Ybarra said. "We look forward to continuing to help many more animals in need by donating money through Dogpile searches."

For Jack and his adopted dad, the future is bright, Lisa Barker said.

"Jack and Daniel have formed a true companionship that I know will continue to grow over the years," she said. "I promise you Jack will have the most loving home and family a dog could ever ask for."

Hotel For Dogs, Australian-Style

2009-02-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

If you have a bone to pick, or need to “paws” for thought, this is the one place you ain’t going to be hounded out of. If you are a pooch, that is.

PawPaws Urban Retreat is a newly opened hotel in the bustling city of Sydney, especially for dogs.

The multimillion-dollar business is Australia’s first pooch retreat, occupying three floors, including a rooftop playground and spa. Its staff include a concierge, chauffeur and nannies, as well as reception, spa and salon personnel.

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership levels in the world, with about 40% of households owning at least one dog.

As they say, every dog has his day.

Psychics called in to find missing dog

2009-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb, 2009.-- A Englishman says one of the psychics he hired wasn't able to find his missing dog but told him the pooch is trying to find his way back home.

Jon Haggerwood, a gardener
from Essex county, said while the psychics failed to locate his missing bracco Italian hound, Jacob, one paranormal investigator offered a hint at the dog's intentions, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"One told us that she had spoken with Jacob, who said he was 'OK and trying to make his way home,'" Haggerwood said. "He said he had just wanted to go on an adventure. He is still alive and wants to get back."

Jacob disappeared in January and despite the use of psychics, night-vision goggles and a radio appeal for help, Haggerwood and his wife Shelley have yet to find their pet
.

"My worst fear is that he is lying injured somewhere and we cannot get to him," Haggerwood told the Telegraph. "We have tried so many things, it's heartbreaking."

Woman Finds Mountain Lion In A Sentimental Reunion

2009-02-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Mountain lion found in Colorado sanctuary

Norwood cat-lover Ruthie McCain with the mountain lion she helped raise in 2005. McCain was reunited with the lion this month.

Three and a half years ago, Norwood resident Ruthie McCain fell in love. She was working at the Rocky Mountain Ark, a wildlife refuge and rehabilitation facility on Wilson Mesa, where she took care of a baby mountain lion named Mojo.

McCain formed a special bond with the cat, feeding him chicken necks and letting him crawl on her lap and suckle on her fingers like an infant. She took care of him and the other animals at the refuge for 11 months, but then the facility closed and the animals were sent to various homes or sanctuaries. McCain searched in vain for the cougar she had come to think of as her baby, but could not track him down.

But this January, something special happened: McCain got her Mojo back.

McCain’s friend Becky Bailey was searching online and found a wild cat sanctuary in which she could donate in McCain’s name as a holiday gift. She stumbled on the web site for Serenity Springs, in Calhan, Colo. It was a place where McCain had looked for Mojo years ago, but back then there was no way to distinguish between the 120 feline residents at the facility. Now, however, the web site was revamped with a small dossier for each animal, and Bailey noticed that one of the mountain lions there was named “Mojo.” McCain was thrilled at the discovery.

“I freaked,” says McCain. She went online to look, and as the cougar’s photo made its slow, dial-up-internet appearance on her computer screen, she knew it was Mojo. “As soon as I saw the tips of his ears I knew it was him.”

McCain verified with the Serenity Springs staff that it was indeed the cat she had helped raise, and she immediately went to visit him.

When she approached his cage, he seemed to recognize her, she says. He came up to the fence and sniffed her hair and breath, and then rubbed up against the fence and purred affectionately, and she could feel the ground rumbling beneath her feet.

“I cried a little,” says McCain. “Which is good, because I expected to bawl.”

McCain may not be able to be on the same side of the fence anymore as her feline friend — Mojo weighs 230 pounds now, and if he was even to hurt her accidentally while playing, his caretakers would have to euthanize him — but she was able to “adopt” him. The Serenity Springs Wildlife Center has an adopt-a-pet program where people can contribute to the care of the animals.

McCain now sends $50 each month to foster Mojo, and will visit him every two months.

“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened,” says McCain. “I still can’t believe it.”

After Shooting 2 Dogs, Mayor Turns Himself In

2009-02-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

After gunning down two pet dogs on Sunday, a mayor of a Kansas city surrendered to the police yesterday.

MCCUNE, Kan. -– The mayor of this small southeast Kansas town turned himself in on Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest in the shooting of two dogs on Sunday.

Mayor Don Call is charged with two felony counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of criminal discharge of a firearm. He was released after posing $3,000 bond.

Call says he was just protecting his community when he shot the dogs, which apparently had been chasing some children. But the Crawford County Sheriff's Office saw it a little differently.

Call admits that he killed the animals on Sunday after warning a local dog owner a month ago that he was going to do it.

"I told him that if he did not want to take care of the dogs, that I was going to shoot them the next time," Call said. "I said that I was through playing this game and he was going to take care of them and that was back in January."

He said the city had called the Sheriff's Department several times about dogs owned by Duane Wahl, but the complaints continued. The shootings on Sunday came after the mayor received a call from a couple who said their children were being chased by the dogs.

Sheriff Sandy Horton said his department wasn't told of the chasing report.

According to the sheriff's report, Call shot the dogs with a rifle while sitting in his vehicle. The mayor then left and picked up a trailer, came back and loaded the dogs up to take to his home for disposal.

Call said he tried to call the city superintendent to dispose of the dead animals but he was unable to reach him.

Sheriff's records show the department received four calls since June 2008 complaining about Wahl's dogs being aggressive and running loose through town. Call said the city has sent Wahl letters about the dogs.

In January, Wahl told the Sheriff's Department that he was getting rid of the animals. Wahl said the dogs that Call shot on Sunday were not his.

McCune's dog ordinance, passed in 2006, says dogs running at large are subject to impoundment, and that no dogs can be "disposed of until after a minimum of three full business days of custody."

Baby Chimps Given Human Love Ace IQ Tests

2009-02-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Kim Bard, a professor of comparative developmental psychology at the University of Portsmouth, provides nurturing to an orphaned baby chimp. Infant chimps that received such care scored higher on IQ tests at nine months than chimps that didn't receive motherly care. The attended chimps even scored higher than human nine-month-old babies.

Orphaned infant chimpanzees that received attentive, nurturing care from human surrogate mothers were found to be more intellectually advanced than the average human baby when both groups were compared at the age of nine months, according to a new study published in the latest issue of Developmental Psychobiology.

The authors believe the study is the first to ever examine how different types of human care can affect the cognitive development and overall well being of infant chimpanzees.

"The early rearing environment is incredibly important for chimpanzee infants as it is for humans," co-author Kim Bard told Discovery News.

Bard, a professor of comparative developmental psychology at the University of Portsmouth, conducted the research with colleagues Marinus van Ijzendoorn, Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg and Krisztina Ivan.

The chimpanzee participants consisted of 46 male and female orphan infants that received either standard or responsive care from human surrogate mothers. Standard care met food and health needs, but provided no additional social and emotional nurturing from the caretakers, although the chimps had access to their primate peers.

Responsive care involved daily four-hour-long mom sessions, where the humans would play with the infant chimps, encouraging their motor development and communication skills while helping them to meet new challenges with curiosity instead of distress.

When the chimps were nine months old, they took an IQ test normally used to evaluate human infant development. Bard explained that typical items on the cognitive test required the chimps to "imitate scribbling on paper," look at pictures in a book as the examiner pointed to each one, and pick up a cup to find a block hidden underneath.

The infant chimps aced the test, even surpassing the scores of average human infants tested at the same age.

Follow-up studies on the chimpanzees are planned, but comparisons between humans and chimpanzees at later ages are complicated by the fact that the two primates interact with themselves and the world in different ways. Humans also define intelligence with our particular abilities as the yardstick.

"There are many domains of development, such as emotional, social, cognitive, communicative and motoric," Bard said. "Because of the differences in rearing or even cultural experiences, in interaction with development among these domains, it is difficult to pinpoint ages when 'the typical human' surpasses 'the typical chimpanzee.'"

She added, "Clearly the extensive linguistic ability of humans, and their ability to construct complex objects, such as the computer I'm using now, are beyond the capacity of chimpanzees."

Lisa Newbern of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center informed Discovery News that the chimpanzees were tested there, but only up until 1995, when the Yerkes Great Ape Nursery Closed.

"The NIH (National Institutes of Health) issued a breeding moratorium on chimpanzees that same year," Newbern said.

Bates explained that the current study "required extensive microanalysis and collaborative efforts" that resulted in the new paper.

Bates and her colleagues hope that conservation of African rainforests, along with "providing the best possible conditions" for chimpanzees at zoos and other places, will help them "to flourish in many different settings."

Van Ijzendoorn added that other studies on human babies suggest they can also excel or decline depending on the care they receive at this critical time of early life.

"At the moment, hundreds of thousands of orphans -- either social orphans abandoned by their parents or orphans who lost their parents because of AIDS (and other reasons) -- are raised in orphanages in Eastern European countries, Africa, China, India and elsewhere," he said, concluding that "enrichment of the environment in the orphanages can make a big difference in cognitive development, and we think also for emotional development."

by Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News.

Fossils Reveal Bus-Sized 2,500-Pound Snake

2009-02-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Never mind the 40-foot snake that menaced Jennifer Lopez in the 1997 movie "Anaconda." Not even Hollywood could match a new discovery from the ancient world.

Fossils from northeastern Colombia reveal the biggest snake ever discovered: a behemoth that stretched 42 to 45 feet long, reaching more than 2,500 pounds.

"This thing weighs more than a bison and is longer than a city bus," enthused snake expert Jack Conrad of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was familiar with the find.

"It could easily eat something the size of a cow. A human would just be toast immediately.

"If it tried to enter my office to eat me, it would have a hard time squeezing through the door," reckoned paleontologist Jason Head of the University of Toronto Missisauga.

Actually, the beast probably munched on ancient relatives of crocodiles in its rainforest home some 58 million to 60 million years ago, he said.

Head is senior author of a report on the find in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature.

The discoverers of the snake named it Titanoboa cerrejonensis ("ty-TAN-o-BO-ah sare-ah-HONE-en-siss"). That means "titanic boa from Cerrejon," the region where it was found.

While related to modern boa constrictors, it behaved more like an anaconda and spent almost all its time in the water, Head said. It could slither on land as well as swim.

Conrad, who wasn't involved in the discovery, called the find "just unbelievable.... It mocks your preconceptions about how big a snake can get."

Titanoboa breaks the record for snake length by about 11 feet, surpassing a creature that lived about 40 million years ago in Egypt, Head said. Among living snake species, the record holder is an individual python measured at about 30 feet long, which is some 12 to 15 feet shorter than typical Titanoboas, said study co-author Jonathan Bloch.

The beast was revealed in early 2007 at the University of Florida's Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. Bones collected at a huge open-pit coal mine in Colombia were being unpacked, said Bloch, the museum's curator of vertebrate paleontology.

Graduate students unwrapping the fossils "realized they were looking at the bones of a snake. Not only a snake, but a really big snake."

So they quickly consulted the skeleton of a 17-foot anaconda for comparison. A backbone from that creature is about the size of a silver dollar, Bloch said, while a backbone from Titanoboa is "the size of a large Florida grapefruit."

So far the scientists have found about 180 fossils of backbone and ribs that came from about two dozen individual snakes, and now they hope to go back to Colombia to find parts of the skull, Bloch said.

Titanoboa's size gives clues about its environment. A snake's size is related to how warm its environment is. The fossils suggest equatorial temperatures in its day were significantly warmer than they are now, during a time when the world as a whole was warmer. So equatorial temperatures apparently rose along with the global levels, in contrast to the competing hypothesis that they would not go up much, Head noted.

"It's a leap" to apply the conditions of the past to modern climate change, Head said. But given that, the finding still has "some potentially scary implications for what we're doing to the climate today," he said.

The finding suggest the equatorial regions will warm up along with the planet, he said.

- By Molcolm Ritter

Ancient Whale Gave Birth on Land

2009-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Philip Gingerich, University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology

Archaic Whale Fossil
This cast shows the skeleton of a male archaic whale, Maiacetus inuus, found in Pakistan. Together with a female fossil and the fetus within it, the skeleton has offered evidence that the species lived partly on land and partly at sea.

A rare fossil of an ancient whale with a fetus still inside reveals that its species -- an ancestor to modern whales -- gave birth on land 47.5 million years ago, according to a paper published in the online journal PLoS.

The discovery, along with prior fossil finds, suggests the first whale ancestors were full-time land dwellers that might have been related to the early relatives of hoofed animals, such as sheep and cattle.

Maiacetus inuus, meaning "mother whale," represents an intermediate evolutionary stage. It lived at the land-sea interface and often moved back and forth between the two environments in what is Pakistan today.

It looked like an improbable cross between a cow, whale, shark, alligator and sea lion.

"Maiacetus was a long-snouted, short-haired mammal with short limbs, webbed hands and feet retaining small hooves on some fingers and toes, and it had a thick, long tail," lead author Philip Gingerich told Discovery News.

Gingerich, a University of Michigan paleontologist, added that the whale "was a foot-powered swimmer and probably lived like a sea lion, spending part of the day or night resting on land and part of the day or night searching for food in the sea."

The fetus was positioned for a "head-first" delivery like land animals, but unlike modern whales. This provides the biggest clue that the species gave birth on land.

The fetus also had a well-developed set of teeth, suggesting it "would be able to get up and move shortly after birth, probably having to keep up with its mother, learning to feed and escape predators," Gingerich said, adding that it would've had to defend itself against very large sharks.

He and his colleagues were stunned to find such a rare fossil, the first ever of its kind.

"To be honest, I never expected to be able to find a whale about to give birth," he said. They also found an 8.5-foot male of the same species at the site.

Since the male whale was only moderately larger than the female, the researchers suspect males of this species didn't control territories or command harems.

Ewan Fordyce, head of the Department of Geology at the University of Osago in New Zealand, told Discovery News, "The convincing presence of a fetus makes this a most important find."

"Fetuses are rarely reported for fossil land mammals," he explained, "and as far as I know, this is the first such case for a whale or, for that matter, any fossil marine mammal."

Fordyce added that the findings are timely, given the forthcoming 200th anniversary of British naturalist Charles Darwin's birth, which occurred on February 12, 1809.

"Darwin would have reveled in such evidence for a major shift in the fossil record," Fordyce explained, referring to the whale's dramatic transition from land to sea.

Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News.

Acupuncture Saves Dog

2009-02-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Dr. Pema Mallu, left, a veterinarian, and veterinary technician Robin Gough perform acupuncture on Duriyah, a three-year-old bull mastiff, at Veterinary Holistic Care in Bethesda on Friday. Holistic treatments for animals, including acupuncture, are increasing in popularity.

Residents try out alternative medicine for pets

Like many older dogs, Buster the beagle suffers from a few health problems. At 15, the dog has chronic sinusitis that causes breathing trouble and can turn into pneumonia, while torn ligaments lead to pain that can affect his mobility, said his owner, Chris Shoulet.

After being told by several veterinarians that the dog should be euthanized, the Bethesda resident turned to holistic medicine to cure Buster's ills. According to Shoulet, holistic treatments including acupuncture have worked wonders for her furry friend.

"He usually goes right to sleep as soon as the needles go in," Shoulet said.

Shoulet takes the dog to Veterinary Holistic Care in Bethesda for the acupuncture treatments, during which a specialist places the tiny needles in the dog's skin at specific points connected to the central nervous system. They remain in place for about a half hour, Shoulet said.

The alternative treatment helps Buster relax, manage his pain and breathe easier, Shoulet said. "He goes from not being able to walk at all to being able to run around like a madman in the backyard," she said.

Across the county and the country, more pet owners are seeking out holistic treatments for their pets, and acupuncture is one of the most popular remedies, said Carvel G. Tiekert, executive director of the Bel Air-based American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. "A huge number of people look for these treatments for themselves, and they say ‘Well, if I'm getting this done for myself, then why shouldn't I do this for my animal?"

At the core of holistic veterinary care is shying away from the "band-aid" philosophy of traditional medicine, Tiekert said.

"Traditional doctors are more trained to suppress symptoms and make them disappear," said Dr. Monique Maniet, originally from Brussels, who founded Veterinary Holistic Care in 1995. "…We look at the underlying cause and stimulate the body to heal itself."

Since Maniet opened her practice, she has seen demand for her services grow. She has added two veterinarians to her staff and has provided services and products to about 5,000 cats and dogs, growing by about one to three clients each day.

Maniet advocates for feeding dogs and cats a raw or homemade diet or natural pet food — for example, grain-based foods aren't often the best for cats, which are natural carnivores, she said. She warns against over-vaccination and excessive medication to avoid over-stimulating the immune system. For sick animals, treatments like acupuncture, massage and energy healing – in which energy "blockages" are cleared – often provide relaxation or pain relief, she said. Maniet also uses homeopathy, or the use of natural remedies to promote healing.

Quoting a French expression, Maniet described the methods as "gentle" medicine. Traditional remedies should be used if all else fails, she said, though she finds that often they are not necessary. "You cannot imagine how many of these animals right themselves just by changing their diet," Maniet said.

Often, her clients are seeking alternative ways to care for pets with chronic problems, she said.

In combination with traditional vet care, holistic treatments like acupuncture are growing in popularity and can often be helpful for pain management, said Dr. William Amoroso, a veterinarian at the Falls Road Veterinary Hospital in Potomac.

Acupuncture can be useful because it lacks side effects and can relieve pain particularly for animals who can't tolerate medications, he said.

"I'm in favor of anything that works," Amoroso said. "I can't say traditional medicine doesn't have its place, but you sure can use [alternative treatments] to help." Amoroso said he refers several clients a month to Maniet.

Shoulet said she also uses holistic treatments for her other pets — she has seven— and would recommend the procedure to other pet owners. "Give it a try," Shoulet said. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

by Erin Donaghue / Gazette.Net Staff Writer.

Baby Koala Beats Heat In A Tub Of Water

2009-02-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Baby koala beating the heat in bucket of water an email star.

WILDLIFE officers have come to the rescue of an abandoned baby koala who found internet stardom by being the baby in a bucket.

The baby was found shaking underneath a verandah and “looking very sick” after its mother was apparently overcome by the ferocious heatwave that struck Victoria last week.

"The mum had become distressed and disorientated by the heat so she left the baby on its own without realising," Tracey Young told Ninemsn.

"They’re normally up in the tree together, in a pair, and we see them all the time."

Ms Young’s nephew first spotted the distressed animal on the family property in Maude, between Melbourne and Geelong.

"I had to scoop water up in my hand to get it to drink and at first it wasn’t very unresponsive," Mrs Young told ninemsn.

"Eventually it realised the water was in the bowl and it just climbed in itself."

A viral email showing the koala taking its refreshing dip generated media interest in the marsupial.

Though the mother koala has returned to the tree the baby is now in the care of wildlife officers.

"The kids, being very protective, circled the koala until the wildlife lady came and took it," Ms Young said.

Mrs Young's sister Rebecca, who lives next door, also found she had a furry refugee from the heat when an older koala trespassed onto her place.

"It was hiding underneath the decking in the shade," Rebecca Durran said.

"We thought the one we got was young but it was an older female that was just very thin.

"We just gave her a shallow dish of water and she just drank constantly."

That koala is now also in the care of wildlife officers, who say they will release both animals back into the wild.

Zeus Finally Captured

2009-02-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

Zeus may now actually feel like a Greek god.

Judging by the way his owner Sylvia Thibert hugged, kissed and cuddled him on her lap Monday afternoon while waiting his turn at the vet, the almost two-year-old husky-shepherd mix probably felt rather pampered. And loved.

"He's not going anywhere," said Sylvia, nestling her cheek in his fur. "He's staying with me forever."

The prodigal pet's happy homecoming was a far cry from the four days Zeus was loose. Lost on the Detroit River, he ran between Peche Island and the streets of Windsor amid largely frigid temperatures, afraid of any human who tried to approach.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Windsor police formed a binational rescue attempt of the skittish pooch on Friday, after he was spotted trailing a leash, since officials worried a person may have gone missing.

But owner Todd Thibert said that in the end, the boats only managed to scare off the AWOL animal.

The Thiberts have since spent all their free time, till 10 p.m. every night, looking for their pet -- on city streets, on river ice, and in an acquaintance's boat -- but only catching glimpses here and there. Along the way they heard lots of reports, sightings and hunches from people all over the city.

Then, Monday afternoon, came the best call: Zeus was exploring the grounds of the original Ford site on the riverfront at the foot of Drouillard Road.

Todd wasn't going to miss his chance.

"I jumped the barbed-wire fence," Todd recalled.

"At first he ran. Then he took a couple of steps toward me and it looked like a light bulb went off. He came to me and I started petting him, then grabbed the leash. I kneeled down in the mud with him a little and let him get comfortable and feel safe."

Then they waited for security to let them both out, to the open arms of Sylvia.

The humane society, which had also been trying to coax Zeus to safety, brought some food for the hungry canine.

The good news continued. Marianne Byers, the director of TLC animal aid, offered to pay veterinarian bills for shots and what turns out to be a slipped kneecap.

Zeus's ordeal began Thursday when the Thiberts, who had two dogs, decided they could no longer afford the pets. Sylvia works at A&W, where Todd works part-time while attending school to become a computer technician.

They dropped off Zeus at a new owner's place, but within hours, Zeus was on the lam -- apparently not impressed with his new digs.

MADE MISTAKE

The Thiberts say they now know they made a mistake, despite the costs, and want Zeus in the family for good.

"I told the new owner Friday that he obviously doesn't like a leash," Todd said. "He's just not a leash dog. He needs a yard. And we have a good-sized yard."

"It's fenced in, so he's not going anywhere," Sylvia added. "We're so ecstatic."

Sylvia Thibert gives her dog Zeus a kiss and a hug Monday after he was discovered in a fenced-in area of the Ford Motor Company property near Drouillard Road and Riverside Drive. The frightened animal has been on the run for the last four days.

South African Labrador Surrogate to Animal Kingdom

2009-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Motherly love: Lisha the Labrador plays surrogate to... tigers, cheetahs, porcupines, and even a pygmy hippo

A Labrador who has played surrogate mother to more than 30 animals including a hippo and porcupine has her paws full caring for her latest charges.

The nine-year-old Labrador is busy helping raise three one-month old tiger cubs after their own mother rejected them.

The dog's amazing ability to make friends with any animal species is documented in these wonderful family snaps taken by her owners.

Born to be a mother: Lisha the labrador with her adopted cheetah cubs, Josh and Jordan.

Lisha the Labrador, who has helped rear more than 30 animals, looks after her latest charges - three orphaned tiger cubs.

Apart from her current job of caring for the motherless tiger cubs, Lisha, who is a resident of the Cango Wildlife Reserve in the Oudsthoorn area of South Africa, has also helped raise a porcupine and a hippo.

'We have had Lisha since she was a puppy,' says Nadine Hall, Lisha's owner.

'It is all about her conditioning and fear. We noticed early on that she didn't care if it was a cat or a porcupine.

'She would just walk up and lick the creature she was caring for. Although in the case of the porcupine that was more amusing.'

Lisha, picture with another one of her charges, an ophaned pygmy hippo.

Mrs Hall and her husband Rob, who is also director of the Cango park, realised their dog had a unique 'gift' and started bringing orphaned animals home for her to raise.

'If Lisha sees an animal being brought back in a box, she automatically assumes that it is to be cared for,' Mrs Hall said.

'She cared for Spiky the porcupine and even a pair of kittens.'

And according to her owners, Lisha - who has never had her own litter - is a natural when it comes to looking after the tiger cubs.

'She licks them and cares for them, almost like a mother would,' Mrs Hall said.

Lisha, pictured with owners Nadine and Rob Hall, has 'a unique gift of helping raise abandoned animals'

'The cubs are called Fareeda, Sharhir and Cara and they are incredible beautiful, at the moment.

'Sharhir is the boy and their mother was unable to care for them because she rejected them.

'Lisha will spend only a small amount of time with them in case she gets too friendly. Remember these are tigers after all.'

Dogs Have Their Last Day at Lenny's Hideaway.

2009-02-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

N.C. eatery pulls plug on dining with the dogs

RALEIGH, N.C. ( Feb. 2, 2009 ) For three months of Sundays, Lenny's Hideaway has welcomed a two- and four-legged clientele that would seem more at home at a Parisian sidewalk cafe -- turning an office-park pub into a hotspot for everyone from a 125-pound Labrador to a quivering 5-pound Yorkie.

But these dogs have had their day. A Super Bowl soiree Sunday was the last time dogs will be allowed to frolic at the feet of their dining owners at Lenny's. Owner Ed Schultz, bowing to guidance from county health inspectors that he says contradicts the OK for canine patrons they gave him months ago, declared Sunday would be his last pet-friendly day.

"It's been nice while it lasted," said Sonny Dowdy, a regular whose massive, droopy-eyed black Labrador, Buddy, was among the mellower canine visitors in the hours before the Super Bowl kickoff.

Schultz, who named his sports bar for his late father, started the Sunday custom as a way to spend more time with his own basset hound, the appropriately named Miss Chief (pronounced mischief), as he puts in 15-hour days at the restaurant.

Schultz's friends from the Millbrook Dog Park were soon followed by others eager to let Fido and Fifi play while they watched football and wolfed down the restaurant's signature custom-stuffed burgers.

"Dog-on-dog play is nothing a human can provide," said Dowdy, who met Schultz at the dog park and has brought other dog owners to the restaurant.

When he opened the restaurant in October, Schultz figured most of his business would come from workers in the office park off Wake Forest Road where his restaurant is practically hidden. He closes it for private parties on weekend nights, and he hoped to draw a Sunday crowd of football fans. He tried to become the home of fans of the Oakland Raiders, his favorite NFL team. One wall is painted with the team logo.

But it was the dog crowd that came to dominate Sundays. On his last dog-friendly Sunday, only a handful of patrons came without pooches. People and dogs mingled as they awaited their stuffed burgers, which take 20 minutes to prepare. Schultz helps take orders and serve food.

"Obviously, the service is not the best that you've ever seen," said Schultz. "But the food is good, and they come for the camaraderie."

No designer duds

The menu offers pub fare tweaked with healthier offerings. The decor is classic American sports bar, a far cry from the European cities where dogs on designer leashes trail their owners in trendy shops and bistros.

Parisian canines have their own menus in the city's toniest cafes, where, in the old days, apprentice chefs would practice by cooking for patrons' dogs.

The pooches at Lenny's may not be as pampered as their European compatriots. Few get even a taste of table scraps, though Miss Chief, by far the worst offender Sunday, made several runs at a half-eaten hamburger patty left on an unattended plate.

But the hounds certainly had the run of the place -- roughhousing, lapping up water and stepping outside to the grassy outdoor dining area turned doggie bathroom. Every so often, a sudden bark would spawn a round of responses. Only once during Sunday's lunch did two dogs face off with snarls.

Back to the rulebook

But good behavior won't let them keep their privileged place in the Raleigh restaurant scene.

Sanitation rules prohibit animals in restaurants, said Andre Pierce, director of environmental health and safety for Wake County: "It's been excluded in North Carolina rules for as long as we've had rules," Pierce said.

That's not what the inspector who signed off on the restaurant's opening said, according to Schultz. He said she OK'd the idea, even checking with her supervisor and suggesting that water bowls used for dogs not be used to prepare food.

But Schultz was gently persuaded last week by a county official to close his door to dogs.

Pierce said he won't single Lenny's out for stepped-up surveillance. Dogs, he said, don't rank among the top causes of food-borne illnesses.

Victim of success

Schultz said the county called to catch him up on the rules after information in The News & Observer prompted a slew of phone calls -- not from irate patrons, but from other restaurant owners who wanted to host dogs, too.

How's this for a warning? Groundhog Staten Island Chuck bites Mayor Bloomberg on big day

2009-02-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Staten Island Chuck predicated that winter will soon end - then he bit Mayor Bloomberg.

Maybe it was revenge.

Last week, Mayor Bloomberg took a bite out of the Staten Island Zoo's budget.

Monday, the zoo's weather-predicting groundhog, Charles G. Hogg, took a bite out of Hizzoner.

"He got my finger pretty good," Bloomberg allowed, as he held the recalcitrant groundhog up in the air and declared spring on the way.

The Groundhog Day mayor-nipping came just three days after Bloomberg chomped 15% out of the zoo's budget, reducing it to $1.3 million from $1.6 million.

Sticking tongue firmly in cheek, the mayor, who was wearing black leather gloves, said his injuries weren't life-threatening and made clear he didn't buy the revenge theory.

He thought it might be more geopolitical.

"Clearly in this case, a terrorist rodent that could very well have been trained by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. I'm not at liberty to say anything more than that," he said.

Asked if Staten Island Chuck might be tossed into groundhog jail, Bloomberg quipped: "If the district attorney wants to press charges, I'll leave it to the Staten Island district attorney to do so."

Chuck clearly wasn't thrilled about the whole business of being pulled out of his warm wooden home and having his food ripped away.

He seemed happy to let his more famous competitor, Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, have the glory.

So Bloomberg tried to lure him out with a corn cob.

The 10-pound critter just snatched the cob and retreated into his home.

There then followed an undignified tussle over the corn cob between mayor and varmint.

The mayor gave Chuck the cob. The varmint scurried into his hut. The mayor grabbed it and tried to lure Chuck out. The critter came out, grabbed it away and went back in. This happened a few times.

Finally, a zoo worker reached in and gave the rebellious rodent a discreet shove from behind. Bloomberg grabbed him - and Chuck chomped.

Later, Bloomberg quipped, "whenever the people of Staten Island are at risk, the mayor is willing to put himself and his physical well-being in harm's way to protect them."

The mayor wrapped his left index finger in a napkin until a doctor looked at it and a Band-Aid was applied.

An aide said the bite carried no risk of rabies because Chuck has been kept in captivity since birth.

"Rarely do you ever run into a woodland animal and its lifelong veterinarian is there," the aide said.

John Caltabiano, executive director of Staten Island Zoo, said, "The mayor handled [Chuck] with determination and vigor."

He did not mention cuts to the zoo budget or threaten to sic the beast on the mayor again.

Mayors of New York have had rocky relations with members of the furry rodent world. Mayor Giuliani famously declared war on ferrets, but was never actually attacked by one.

While Chuck predicted an early spring, it was not clear if his violent outburst presages four more years of Bloomberg.

BY- JOE KEMP, ADAM LISBERG and HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS WRITERS .

How To Socialize a Puppy Safely

2009-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

People are sometimes warned not to take their puppies out in public until they are fully vaccinated for fear that the puppy might catch disease. But times have changed and most vets, trainers, breeders and behaviorists recommend that you get your puppy out and socialize him early. An under-socialized puppy is more likely to have long-term behavior issues than get sick from interacting with other dogs.

You do want to balance medical risk with behavioral risk, which is why uncontrolled areas such as dog parks and beaches should be avoided until the puppy is fully vaccinated. But the risk is very minimal socializing your puppy in a controlled environment (such as the University Village if you're in Seattle) where dogs do not run loose.

Age. The best age at which to socialize a puppy is between two and four months of age. After four months of age the socialization window starts to close and it's much more difficult to influence a puppy's opinion and attitude.

For example if a puppy is not exposed to traffic prior to four months of age he may be so paralyzed with fear of the sights and sounds that walking on a city street may be impossible or at best uncomfortable. If the puppy is exposed to traffic prior to four months of age and introduced in a positive way, he will look forward to walking along a city street because it was a positive encounter.

Human Contact. Research on dog behavior has found that puppies that are isolated from human contact between five and twelve weeks of age are never able to react normally to people later in life. This age is the "sensitive" period for a puppy and the weeks of the sensitive period may vary. Make sure your puppy experiences lots of positive human contact during this time.
So where and when do you begin your socialization?

1.Start at home. Well-known New York City dog trainer Toni-Kay Wolff of www.wellmannereddog.com suggests: When you first bring your pup home, visit the vet for a wellness check. If all is well, begin acclimating your pup to the sounds, sights and smells of its new environment - your home. After a few days get out into the city and begin your socializing program.

2.On the town. Carry your pup around, bring loads of treats, and ask anyone who wants to meet your pup to offer her a treat. Don't put your pup on the ground quite yet, but carrying her is perfectly safe. You want your puppy to think that loud noises, funny smells and silly people roaming the streets are perfectly normal!

3.Traffic. Fire engine goes by? TREAT and sound happy! Truck or bus backfires? TREAT and act silly! This will get your puppy used to all the noises and potentially scary things that he or she will inevitably encounter. If you expose your puppy to street sounds and traffic in a positive way (with treats and excitement), he'll be comfortable walking down the street with you.

4.Where to socialize. If you're living in Seattle, the University Village or Redmond Town Center are two very pet friendly shopping centers and most stores are open to you and your furry companion coming in for a visit. These are open-air shopping areas where your puppy can discover other people, dogs and places while on his leash.

Look for a similar shopping center in your neighborhood where many shops have dog cookies and water bowls. If unsure if you should come into a store with your puppy simply ask at the door, a little puppy etiquette never hurts.

Banks can also be great training ground for socializing a puppy. Many will let your puppy in and may even offer him a biscuit. Your bank doesn't welcome dogs? You may want to re-think where you bank and pick a dog friendly banking institution!

5.Kids. If you do not have children it's important that you seek out children so you can socialize your puppy. Children are more unpredictable and have fast moving hands. Puppies that are not exposed to children may fear them.

6.Scary situations. Be careful not to give too much attention if your puppy acts fearful in a situation that is normal. If a bicycle races by and your puppy cowers you will be tempted to pet him and reassure him that "it's ok, you're alright, its ok". What your puppy may very well hear is, "Good boy, mommy loves it when you act afraid, please continue!" It's best to just reward him with a treat and move on. When the next bicycle comes near, offer a food reward to the puppy so he redirects his thoughts from fear to treat. Puppies value food so don't be afraid to offer it as a reward.
Sarah Wilson, nationally known dog trainer and best selling author (Good Owners, Great Dogs and My Smart Puppy) recommends:

"If your puppy is frightened of someone, tell that person to ignore the puppy. Go stand near that person and act relaxed. Shy puppies are always more comfortable approaching rather than being approached. Chat for a few minutes and allow the puppy to investigate if he wants. If he is hanging way back, try tossing a treat his way. Remember to stay upbeat! When he takes the treat, drop one closer to you, then closer and closer. Ignore the dog. Let him get it if he feels like it. Instruct the person to squat down, sideways to the puppy. Direct eye contact will frighten the pup, so have them look at the floor. Be verbally supportive, "What a dog! Say hello!" and walk over to the person. Don't allow the person to reach for the pup. When the pup finally does approach, have the person reach under his chin and scratch his chest. Reaching over his head will spook him. If he is too frightened to come all the way over, don't press it. Be happy with the success you got and move on."

7.Puppy kindergarten. Dr. Allen Matson of Hollywood Hill Animal Hospital, Woodinville strongly recommends that new puppy owners take advantage of Puppy Kindergarten. Puppy kindergarten allows your puppy to meet and interact with other puppies that are also learning to socialize, as well as older dogs that act as "coaches". The playtime is supervised and teaches your puppy how to behave appropriately around other dogs.
Dr. Matson also states that "most dogs bite out of fear and a socialized dog has fewer behavioral issues, I recommend socializing your puppy to as many things possible and after the second vaccination a puppy socialization class can positively imprint the puppy for a life time."

8.Unexpected places. My puppy's first shopping experience was at a car dealership. I actually think I got a better deal because of my little chunky Labrador puppy, Moose. Moose got loads of attention, praise and cookies from all the sales people at Michael's Toyota in Bellevue. The sales person worked very hard to get Moose into a dog savvy car.
It was a great social experience for my puppy and much more fun for me. Having Moose at my side kept the stress level to a minimum. Dogs and puppies are a calming influence. We often leave our puppies at home when we should really take advantage of more opportunities, such as looking for a new car, and turn them into a great socialization session with your puppy. You may not go home with a new car but your puppy will reap the benefits for the rest of his life.

Mayor wants to DNA-tag dogs

2009-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

VOLKACH, Germany, Feb. 1 -- A German mayor hopes to test the DNA of every dog in his small town so poop in public places can be traced back to its origin.

Volkach Mayor Peter Kornell told The Daily Telegraph the program is voluntary because DNA data collection cannot be enforced. But he hopes the owners of the 420 dogs registered in Volkach will step up and allow hair or saliva samples to be taken, the British newspaper reported Saturday.

"Any person who has trodden in their muck because their owners were too lazy or indifferent to clean up after them will know how distasteful and infuriating it is," Kornell said. "So we aim to end it."

Kornell is prepared to bring the plan before the town council this month and believes it will be approved.

At least one scientist is dubious about the idea. Christoph Meissner of the Institute of Legal Medicine at the University of Wuerzburg said two related dogs of the same breed may have the same DNA profile, allowing for false positives and fines levied on innocent owners.

Some members of the council in Volkach have come up with alternate plans, including rewards for informers on those who don't scoop the poop and leaflets urging owners to do the right thing.

How To Care for Leopard Geckos

2009-02-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Leopard geckos are a good choice if you are looking to care for your first reptile. They are also suitable for more experienced reptile keepers. They are easy to care for so long as you understand their requirements. Here's how to care for leopard geckos:

1. Choose your supplies. You'll need at least a ten-gallon tank with a secure screen lid for a leopard gecko, although a 20-gallon tank is preferable. You'll also need a hide (a small "cave", for example) and a water dish. You'll also need to choose a bedding. Sand works well for this, as long as your gecko is over 6 inches, but be sure to buy sand sold specifically for reptile bedding. Don't just buy sand at your local home improvement center. You can also use paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile.
2. Buy a heat source. To keep your leopard gecko warm, choose an infrared basking lamp with around 50 to 75 watts. Make sure you also have a thermometer to make sure that the tank is kept at a constant temperature. Set up the tank so that there is a cool side, with the water dish, and a warm side, with the hide. The temperatures should range from 75 degrees on the cool side to 85 degrees on the warm side. During the summer months, you may want to turn off the heat lamp if your home is warm enough. Because they are nocturnal, they do not need a light source.
3. Feed your gecko. Geckos eat live crickets or mealworms, both of which can be bought at your local pet store. They also require calcium powder, which can be purchased wherever you buy reptile supplies. You can dust the crickets or mealworms with this powder to give them much-needed calcium. You should also leave a small amount of the calcium, such as in the lid from a 2 liter bottle, in the tank at all times. Your leopard gecko should eat once or twice per week, with young geckos eating more than older lizards. Feed only what your gecko can eat in about 15 minutes, and remove any remaining crickets when he is done eating.
4. Provide water. Remember to refill the water dish regularly. Your leopard gecko will frequently climb into the dish, and crickets may end up stuck in the dish. It is also a good idea to spray the inside of the tank using a spray bottle, which can add humidity to the tank.
5. Clean the tank. Do not neglect the tank. It should be cleaned regularly by scooping out and replacing the bedding. You should scoop out the sand every other day, and change the sand once every few weeks or once per month.
6. Treat your gecko with care. Do not handle him roughly, or you could pull his tail off or stress him out. A gecko's instinct is to detach from its tail if something grabs it by the tail. Loud noises or other disturbances can make your gecko upset.

Leopard geckos are popular for good reason, as they make beautiful and interesting pets. They usually grow to be around 6 to 9 inches long, and can live up to fifteen years in captivity

By megan McFarland

How To Feed Reptiles Live Food

2009-02-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Many people are squeamish at the idea of feeding live food to their pets. However, with many pet reptiles, live food is necessary for their health. If you follow these steps, you can easily feed your reptiles the live food that they need.

1. Determine what type of food your pet requires. Many small reptiles, such as geckos, live primarily on crickets. Additional types of insects used to feed reptiles include mealworms, giant mealworms, waxworms, locusts, and silkworms, among others. Larger reptiles, including many types of snakes, may eat "pinkie" (newborn) mice, mice, rats, rabbits or chicks. Many reptiles have one particular kind of food that is their staple food, while others can be used to supplement or as occasional "treats."
2. Find a reputable store that carries live food. Your best bet is usually a store specializing in reptiles, as its employees will probably be knowledgeable about which food is best for particular pets. In addition, there are different levels of quality for live food. It might sound funny, but what the live food is fed actually matters! Some big chain pet stores may not take good care of their live food, causing it to be a less than perfect food source for your reptile. When in doubt as to where to buy live food, ask a reptile veterinarian for a recommendation.
3. Take care of the live food before it becomes food. It may be counterintuitive, but live food needs to eat if it is not going to be eaten immediately! Crickets can be housed in a small plastic terrarium or bug box, and they will eat almost anything. Add some soft fruit or vegetable pieces to their box, or use special cricket food which makes the crickets more nutritious for your reptile. Rodents obviously also need to be housed and fed until they become live food. If you are not able to do this, see number 8 on this list.
4. Use live food of an appropriate size for your reptile. If snakes or other reptiles are fed rodents that are too big for them, they may not feed at all, or become sick or injured as a result of the live food. For reptiles being fed insects, the same rule applies. Crickets come in different sizes, as do mealworms, and a good pet store can help you select the correct size for your reptile.
5. Coat insects with vitamin powder. Many pet stores carry vitamin powder and calcium powder to coat the insects and provide additional nutrients to your reptile. The easiest way to coat crickets is to put a pinch of the powder in a plastic sandwich bag, add the crickets, and shake vigorously. This will not damage the crickets, but when your reptile catches and eats a cricket, it is now getting the vitamins and minerals that it needs.
6. Do not overfeed your reptile. Whether your reptile eats insects or rodents, putting too much live food in with them at once can turn ugly. Some types of prey can actually turn on your reptile, injuring or otherwise bothering it. Don't put in more live food than the reptile can eat in a day or two.
7. Do not leave live rodents unattended in your reptile's cage. Rodents have strong and sharp teeth and can seriously injure your reptile if the reptile is not interested in feeding right away. It is important to ensure the safety of your snake or other reptile by not leaving it alone with a live rodent.
8. Consider using frozen rodents. If your reptile needs rodents and you are still uncomfortable with feeding it live food, you can purchase frozen rodents of many sizes. These need to be thawed (NOT in the microwave; you do not want the meat to be cooked) and placed in the reptile's cage. Some reptiles will eat the rodent immediately, others will need you to use tongs in order to dangle the rodent by the tail and wiggle it around before it will strike and eat.

Some people believe that it is safer for the reptile, and more humane for the rodent to only use dead, frozen rodents for food. There is a chance that the prey can bite or otherwise injure the reptile, and many parents in particular do not want their children to go through the trauma of seeing a rodent killed. This should be discussed with a respected reptile veterinarian, who can advise you as to the best way of feeding your particular reptile.

By Bronwyn Harris

How To Look After a Goldfish

2009-02-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

1. Start with a healthy fish. You're headed for disaster if you come home with a sick fish, so look for a lively, colorful and swimming goldfish to purchase.
2. Buy an appropriately-sized tank. You'll need something to let your goldfish live in, so an aquarium or a goldfish bowl is suggested. You can purchase these at your local pet store. You may wish to decorate your tank with plants and rocks and other accessories. But we'll stick to the basics for now. Just remember that whatever you put into your fish's tank should be rinsed first to remove any residue or harmful chemicals that might harm your fish and hinder your efforts to take care of your goldfish.
3. Fill your tank with fresh water. Luke-warm tap water is okay, as well as purified water. You want to make sure that the water is at room temperature before you introduce the fish to the tank water. So this may require you to fill the tank in advance of purchasing your goldfish. Once your tank water has reached an acceptable temperature, let the fish float in its bag in the new tank water. Don't release it or undo the bag. Just let the fish acclimatize to the new temperature and environment.
4. Release your fish! Once you've let your fish hang out in its new environment within its bag, it's safe to release it into the new tank. It's recommended that you empty the pet store water into your tank as well, as it reminds your new pet of his old home and contains nutrients that will help keep your fish healthier longer.
5. Maintain your fish's health. When you are first learning to look after a goldfish, the most important thing to consider is placement of the tank. As much as goldfish like sunlight, they don't like to be boiled. Go figure. So don't place your fish tank in direct sunlight, or you'll learn an unfortunate lesson about looking after goldfish. Feed your fish in moderation at least once a day, if not twice. (Always follows the suggestions on the side of the food container). Monitor your goldfish's behavior. If it ever seems lethargic or seems to be losing its fins, it is not well and needs immediate care.
6. Maintain your tank. It is necessary to change the water in your goldfish's tank at least once a week, even if you only change half of it. Fresh water is like fresh air for your fish, and not cleaning the water would suffocate your fish. Depending on the size of your tank, you may also wish to install a filter or an aerator in the tank to increase the circulation of water. In turn, this will improve your fish's health. Clean the sides and contents of the tank often as well, to prevent algae growth.

It's not just the initial stages of looking after a goldfish that are crucial to the survival of your fish. You need to get into the habit of feeding your goldfish daily and cleaning its tank every Saturday, and then you'll likely have a goldfish companion for many months or even years to come.

By Mina Sorvese.

How To Assess Wolves as Pets

2009-02-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

Wolves are wild animals. This means that they like to live outdoors, follow the rules of the pack and mark their territory. Are you considering a wolf or wolfdog as a pet
? Here are some tips on what you should consider as you make the decision:

1. Wolves, wolfdogs and wolf hybrids. Crosses between wolves and dogs were once referred to as wolf hybrids but are now called wolfdogs. Keep in mind that when wolves and dogs are bred, you don’t really know what percentage “wolf” the resulting wolfdog will contain. In general, the number of generations your pet is away from being a wolf in the wild affects his degree of “wolfness” as does the breed that the wolf is bred with. This means that some wolfdogs are more dog than wolf whereas others are more wolf than dog. Don’t expect that because you’ve known a wolfdog that was manageable that the one that you get will have the same characteristics!

2. Wolves will constantly test you for dominance. Throughout their lives, wolves are always trying to become alpha, which means that they will regularly test you to see who is dominant. You must regularly let your wolf or wolfdog know who is the alpha……you! Should your wolf think that he is alpha, he will be very hard to control. That being said, physical punishment is never appropriate for wolves and wolfdog mixes.
3. Wolves are difficult to train. While dogs have been living with humans for anywhere from 15,000 – 100,000 years, wolves have not. This means that they do not have the desire to please that dogs do. Wolfdogs are much harder to train without the desire to please to motivate them. Although training is more of challenge, is is absolutely necessary. Without it, you will have an unapproachable wild animal on your hands. Even with training, more time and effort are required to produce results.
4. Wolves are social animals. Wolves are used to living in a pack. They do not like to be left alone. If you will be gone from your home for stretches of time, your wolf needs to have another dog or wolf to hang out with while you’re gone. It is cruel and unusual punishment to leave a pack animal without a companion.
5. Wolves need to be socialized. Wolves and wolfdogs need to become accustomed not just to adults and children but to noises, household settings and other animals from birth on. If they have not had a chance to become accustomed to the stimuli they may encounter, they can become fearful and therefore aggressive.
6. Wolves are different than dogs. Owning a wolf requires much more work than dogs—more training, more dedication, more time, more space, more patience. Wolf ownership is not for the inexperienced nor the faint of heart.
7. Wolves like to mark their territory. In the wild, wolves mark their territory and in your home, they are likely to do the same. They are not easy to housetrain nor do they enjoy spending time indoors. They also do not defecate in one area as dogs tend to do. You will need a lot of outdoor space for your wolf or wolfdog to roam.
8. Living accommodations. When you are assessing whether or not to get a wolf, remember that wolves are used to living outdoors in dens. They like to dig, howl and run. You will need lots of space that is completely fenced. Your fence will need to go beneath the ground so that the wolf will not be able to dig out. Be sure to consider your neighbors in your decision, especially when it comes to the question of howling. While howling is a natural expression for a wolf, try explaining that to the neighbors at 3 a.m. when they come knocking on your door to complain.
9. Veterinarian treatment. Wolves can be difficult to take to the vet. Many veterinarians refuse to treat wolves or wolfdogs, and in some states, it is against the law for them to do so. Additionally, the rabies vaccine is not approved for use with wolves, so even a wolf that has been vaccinated is considered at risk for rabies.
10. Wolves are carnivores. "Where's the beef?" Wolves need to have a diet supplemented with fresh meat. Consider the issues of access and cost.
11. Legality. The legality of owning a wolf varies from state to state. In many states, you must have a permit to own a wolf. You can also expect to be visited by enforcement officials to make sure that your paperwork is in order.
12. Wolves as watchdogs. Wolves are not good watchdogs. At most, they will bark once to let the alpha know that something is amiss......that would be you. Once you've been alerted, the wolf considers his job done.

Many wolf and wolfdogs end up at the pound after well-meaning owners find them difficult to manage. A wolf can be very cute as a pup, and an entirely different animal upon maturity. If you are seriously considering a wolf as a pet, please do yourself and your future pet a favor by thoroughly researching wolf ownership first.

Smoking ban could help pets get healthier

2009-01-31T22:39:00.000-08:00

When Oregon's bars went smoke-free on New Year's Day, nonsmokers breathed a sigh of relief -- and so can smokers' pets.

Smoking bans in other cities and states have encouraged people to cut down and eventually quit, said Wendy Bjornson, director of the OHSU Smoking Cessation Center. Another typical consequence is that fewer young people start smoking, she said.

The Telegraph, a British daily, reported a 10 percent drop in smoking a year after smoking became illegal in English pubs.

Sitting on a bench in Laurelhurst Park last week, Spencer Christy said he just might quit, too. Christy, a bartender in Southeast Portland, was smoking a cigarette as he watched his young golden retriever, Buddy, run circles around other dogs.

"People complain about the ban, but I like it," he said. "I was smoking a pack at work alone. Now I'm smoking less." And, he said, he doesn't make up for the restriction at work by smoking more at home.

So the air clears not only in bars but also in the homes where pets live.

The consequences can be significant. A study conducted about seven years ago showed that cats living with smokers are two to four times more at risk for intestinal lymphoma, said Kristi Ellis, a veterinarian at the Oregon Humane Society. This type of cancer usually kills the cat within one year of diagnosis. The reason cats end up with cancer in their bowels, not their lungs, is that smoke particles settle on their fur and are ingested when cats groom, Ellis said.

This, however, is a worst-case scenario, and some say secondhand smoke hasn't been proved to directly cause cancer in cats.

"It's important to note that there's no absolute direct link between smoking and cancer in pets," said Nancy Zimmermann, director of medical support at Banfield, the Pet Hospital, one of the world's largest veterinary practices.

But Zimmermann agreed that cigarette smoke increases the risk of cancer in animals predisposed to tumors by genetics or viral infections.

Cancer is not the only disease that can crop up when pets breathe smoke.

Asthma is common in cats, but some people may not know their cat has the condition -- until they start smoking around it.

"Then they start wheezing and get attacks, just like people with asthma," said Ellis, the OHS vet.

Ellis said she has persuaded owners of asthmatic cats to stop smoking inside, and the cats have promptly improved, without medication.

Dogs don't get asthma and don't groom the way cats do, but they're not immune to the effects of secondhand smoke.

Small-breed dogs are at a particular disadvantage: They spend more time indoors; they often sit in people's laps, close to the plumes of smoke; and they are more prone to respiratory diseases anyway, said Banfield's Zimmermann.

She's seen a lot of toy poodles, Chihuahuas and other small dogs come in with breathing issues, such as chronic bronchitis. Any time she persuaded the owners to go outside to smoke or to at least smoke less around the dogs, the animals' breathing problems cleared up quickly, she said.

While larger dogs aren't as susceptible to respiratory diseases, they still are more likely to get cancer if they live with a smoker. Long-nosed dogs may develop nasal cancer; short-nosed dogs are at risk for lung cancer, Zimmermann said.

Smoke can trigger other diseases, too. One family came to Zimmermann repeatedly with a dachshund that suffered from chronic ear infections.

"We tried supplements and medications without results," Zimmermann said. "These people were so upset and really wanted their family dog to get better."

Eventually, on a hunch, she asked the owners if they smoked in the house. When they said they did, she asked them to take their cigarettes outside.

"It was a big change to their routine, but they were willing to do it for their dog," she said.

The dachshund's ears cleared up almost entirely even before Zimmermann prescribed a new set of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other species don't fare well in a smoky environment, either.

Melinda Surrency, a veterinarian at Beaverton's Southwest Animal Hospital, an exotic animal clinic, said ferrets brought in by smokers are more likely to have colds or upper respiratory infections than ferrets owned by nonsmokers.

Surrency doesn't remember seeing hamsters or guinea pigs with smoke-related issues, but she said they run an even higher risk of such diseases, because they're small and have high metabolic rates.

Smoke is really hard on our feathered friends. Birds don't filter the air well, said Marli Lintner of the Avian Medical Center in Lake Oswego.

"We see a lot of reoccurring secondary infections in birds that live with smokers," she said. "They are more prone to sinus infections and pneumonia."

Worse, once birds' lungs are blackened by secondhand smoke, which Lintner has seen, they don't clear up again.

"Birds don't have diaphragms -- they can't cough," she said. "When these guys are exposed, it's in there forever."

Vets agree that whether it's a hamster, a parrot or a Great Dane keeping you company at home, not smoking will preserve its health.

Christy, the bartender, said a vet told him to quit smoking around Buddy some time ago. He's finally following that advice because smoking less has heightened his sense of smell -- if not to a dog's level, at least to that of a nonsmoker.

"It's driving me from smoking in the house to smoking in the garage instead," Christy said.

Buddy will be running circles around everyone for a long time.

Pet Fur In Clothing Keeps Loved Ones Close

2009-01-31T22:21:00.000-08:00

The nice thing about pet hair, I’ve discovered, is that it’s both versatile and abundant (not unlike wool) and, lucky for us (and them), all that’s required for harvesting is patience and fortitude. One couple in Newcastle, England turned their deceased dogs (Kara, a white Samoyed and Penny, a Swedish Lapphund) into woolly “jumpers” to keep their furry friends “close to their hearts.” As for their inspiration, they credited the dog-fur stole Princess Diana once wore to Crufts (a fantastically fashion-forward pick for a dog show). The pair describe their oft-worn doggie duds as “warm and waterproof.”

Amazon even sells a book called "Knitting With Dog Hair: Better A Sweater From A Dog You Know and Love Than From A Sheep You'll Never Meet" (and best of all, it's IN STOCK). Who knew there were so many crafty people out there with a hankering for wearing their pet's recycled hair?

But let's just assume for a moment that you're not the DIY type, but still yearn to put all that extra fluff-n-stuff to good use. Look no further than Catty Shack Creations. This South Carolina-based company (whose tagline is "shed happens") claims it can turn your unwanted pet hair into "the coveted." Yes, that's right...using a carefully researched technique, Catty Shack will spin your animal's hair into yarn to create a handbag that reflects the "natural beauty and personality of your pet."

Baby Elephant at Oregon Zoo Attempts at Soccer Practice

2009-01-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

Samudra, the 5-month-old Asian elephant, practices "soccer" at the Oregon Zoo.

Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's celebrated Asian elephant calf, turns 5 months old , and according to keepers he is more playful and inquisitive than ever.

"Sam is wandering farther away from his mom, Rose-Tu," said Bob Lee, senior elephant keeper at the zoo. "He's growing comfortable with not having her in sight, and he's exploring more of the barn on his own."

The "little guy" now weighs in at around 770 pounds, nearly 500 pounds more than his birth weight, and he has become less clumsy, keepers say.

"It appears he's developed some athletic ability," Lee said. "He loves playing with a blue ball, knocking it around with his trunk soccer-style."

Samudra, born Aug. 23, 2008, had a rough start to life when his mother, Rose-Tu, became confused after giving birth and nearly trampled him. Elephant keepers quickly intervened and were able to prevent the new mother from causing harm to her baby. Lee believes Rose-Tu became confused because she had never seen a birth before. Until Samudra's arrival, she had been the last elephant born at the zoo.

Zoo staff worked around the clock during the calf's first week of life to help ensure the critical reintroduction to Rose-Tu was working. The success rate for human-reared elephants is pretty low, Lee noted, so keepers "wanted more than anything for that mother-calf bond to become a strong one."

"It took a while," said Lee. "But now Rose-Tu is a loving and protective mother to Sam."

The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for Asian elephants. More than 25 elephants have been born at the zoo, beginning with Packy in 1962. Samudra is the first third-generation elephant to be born in the United States.

An endangered species, Asian elephants are represented by an estimated 38,000 to 51,000 individuals living in fragmented populations in the wild. Agriculture, deforestation and conflict with humans pose a constant threat to wild Asian elephants.

Breeding of Pedigree Dogs Resulting In Changes And They Aren’t Necessarily Good

2009-01-31T22:02:00.000-08:00

Stockholm University research shows dogs are getting dumber.

A Swedish research scientist has discovered that the current generation of pedigree dogs, normally social and curious creatures by nature, are disinterested, shy and less responsive to commands than their ancestors.

The study found show-quality and "handbag" pooches were the most likely to lack the instincts of previous generations, which were bred for their strength, hunting and working abilities, rather than their looks.

Stockholm University ethologist Kenth Svartberg said personality changes could be seen in dogs that are only a few generations removed.

"Modern breeding practices are affecting the behaviour and mental abilities of pedigree breeds, as well as their physical features," he said.

NSW University senior lecturer in genetics, Dr Alan Wilton, said it was a classic situation of "if you don't use it, you lose it".

"You can have lap dogs that are very intelligent. It's just that, if they're just sitting around doing nothing and you breed for many generations without selecting for intelligence, it is possible that their intelligence over time will diminish," he said. "That's what we expect is happening to some breeds."

Selective breeding was also having an affect on dogs' physical health.

The issue came to light last year in a British documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which detailed health problems among heavily interbred show dogs.

The show pressured the UK's Kennel Club to consider changing its guidelines, in favour of less pronounced breed characteristics.

Master Dog Breeders and Associates CEO Julie Nelson agreed that many breeders valued appearance over skills, but said some breeds simply didn't need them.

"The chihuahua was originally bred as a lap dog; all it needs to do is hang around the house. Same with dogs like pugs; they were never, ever intended to have any purpose, really, except to hang off people, to be companions," she said.

Fight Erupts Over 2-Legged Puppy Adoption

2009-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

Fight Erupts Over 2-Legged Puppy Adoption.
Pet Rescuer Says Woman Sent Threatening E-Mails.

SANFORD, Fla. -- A Central Florida pet rescuer said she feels threatened by a Texas woman who wants to adopt a two-legged puppy.

Pet Rescue By Judy in Sanford contacted Jude Stringfellow about adopting the puppy because Stringfellow already owns an adult two-legged dog named Faith who has been featured on national television.

An adoption date of Feb. 2 was agreed upon but now there is now concern about the puppy's safety in making trip to Texas.

Stringfellow, who wants to name the puppy Tanker, said the puppy needs to begin training as soon as possible so the dog can learn to walk on its hind legs.

Judy Sarullo said Stringfellow sent her threatening e-mails shortly after being told of Walker's concerns about the dog traveling to Texas, one of which said "to not go through with this plan could be damaging to your center to say the very least."

Stringfellow also sent an e-mail to Sarullo that said "my attorney is Michael Jackson's attorney and Larry Birkhead's attorney."

Local 6 News uncovered a Web site that said "Tanker will play the puppy version of Faith in a movie Stringfellow is working on about her dog."

Sarullo said she was initially OK with the puppy being used in the movie -- if it inspired others to help pets.

She now says the deal is a distraction.

"Do the right thing. Use all this energy and talent that Jude has and connections she has (to) help the animals," Walker said.

Sarullo said she plans to allow Stringfellow to adopt the puppy when Sarullo feels it is ready to travel. But Sarullo said every adoptive owner must go through an application process, so Stringfellow has to qualify first.

When asked if she was planning on filing a lawsuit against Sarullo, Stringfellow told Local 6 News that she will leave all of her options open.

Rome Zoo Tackles Children's Reptile Fears

2009-01-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

Educators at the Rome Zoo are helping children separate fact from fiction when it comes to snakes and other mysterious reptiles.

2009-01-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

Carrie Saites is affectionate with her eight and a half year old squirrel Squeaky at her home

Carrie Saites bottle-fed her for the first 8 months of her life and has prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner every day since she could eat solid foods.

Saites, a Gainesville resident and University of Florida employee, is with Squeaky, now 8 1/2 years old, whenever she is not working. The two share daily relaxation time on the couch every evening.

"She knows me as safety," Saites said. "Squeaky is my baby girl."

Squeaky is a female eastern gray squirrel - and she and Saites share an unusual bond, a bond similar to that of a mother and daughter.

According to Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Gainesville, squirrels like Squeaky - and most other wild animals - are not meant to be household pets. Beth Preiss, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the United States, said wild animals can "cause injury, spread disease, and often people cannot provide the proper care they need."

The best home for a rehabilitated baby squirrel, Priess said, in order to live a long and healthy life, is in the wild.

Squeaky and Saites are a one-of-a-kind case, but even then, Saites warns, "This should not be attempted at home."

The bond was initiated back in June 2000 when Kacey, Saites' Labrador retriever, found 4-week-old Squeaky and carried her over to Saites.

Saites researched online the proper care of squirrels, took Squeaky to the vet and the rest is history.

"Not keeping her never even crossed my mind," Saites said.

Squeaky maintains much of the character of a wild eastern gray squirrel.

She hides nuts throughout Saites' apartment and "chatters" when she feels threatened. She climbs and jumps from furniture and cracks open nuts with her front teeth.

But her docile personality and the natural ease that Saites has with animals has allowed Squeaky to live the good life - a life of three meals a day, a warm bed and unconditional love.

Saites is able to take Squeaky to public places without a cage or a leash, unlike most cats and dogs.

"She goes with me to Panera and the bank all the time," Saites said.

Saites says Squeaky has never tried to run away from her in public.

"It is a safety thing," she said. "Like a child holding onto their mother's hand."

What is the reaction from others in public? "They are awe-stricken," Saites says.

Squeaky rides comfortably in the car on Saites' shoulder. A man once took a picture of Squeaky and Saites at a red light, but it was just an ordinary day for the two.

When you walk into Saites and Squeaky's home, it is any critter's heaven. Playgrounds are set up for Squeaky across the apartment, and stuffed Disney animals are her playmates.

At least five types of foods are prepared in small dishes in at least two spots in the apartment. Macaroni and cheese, sunflower seeds and bread dough are soft enough for the aging squirrel to eat when Saites is at work.

Riptide Rush Gatorade is Squeaky's favorite drink, Saites says.

"UF has made a lot of money off of us over the years," she adds.

A typical day in Squeaky's life is very similar to that of a child's, Saites says. She wakes up and wants breakfast, plays for three or four hours, takes a nap and wakes up and wants lunch. At about 8 p.m., when Saites is ready to wind down her day in front of the TV or over a magazine, Squeaky runs over and lays on Saites' chest.

"She just wants to be rubbed," she said.

Squeaky even lifts her arm so Saites can reach just the right spot.

Any animal requires constant time and devotion, but Squeaky even more so.

Not only does Saites prepare several foods every morning, she also must clean and keep the apartment squirrel-proof at all times.

Squirrels are notorious for chewing through just about anything, including pencils, wires and boxes.

It takes patience and care just as it would with a child, Saites said. In fact, in Saites' heart, Squeaky is her child.

"She can do no wrong in my eyes."

Last summer, Squeaky had a close call - a weak lung condition similar to asthma - and her lungs are not as strong as they once were.

Molly Pearson at the Micanopy Animal Hospital has been Squeaky's veterinarian since the start. If it wasn't for Pearson, Squeaky wouldn't be here, Saites said.

Squeaky sees Pearson every three months for her dental work.

"I've realized that as she ages, she needs me more than ever," Saites said.

Saites says she needs Squeaky as well.

"She soothes me," she said. "It's a bond just like in the movie 'Marley and Me,' but in this case it happens to be a squirrel."

Orangutan makes break for freedom at Audubon Zoo

2009-01-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

An orangutan creatively found a way to get out out of his enclosure at Audubon Zoo .

Barani, one of three orangutans at the Zoo, escaped to freedom over a wall, despite an electrified "live wire" on the wall designed to keep him from scaling the wall.

Zoo spokeswoman Sarah Burnette says that Barani used a t-shirt, given as an "enrichment item," as a tool to spring himself.

"He managed to stretch out an old t-shirt and wrap it around the wires that are around the edge of the exhibit," she said. "And he used the t-shirt to swing himself out, and climb over the railing."

Burnette said that once outside the exhibit, Barani wandered around for about fifteen minutes.

"When the zookeepers were made aware of what was going on, there were about fifteen people standing about 50 feet away, pointing at Barani," she said. "He was standing under the oaks on the boardwalk, like a visitor would."

She said that the workers eventually persuaded the primate to return to his exhibit.

"We definitely won't be giving him any more t-shirts," according to Burnette.

Cows find milky way to happiness

2009-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

Happy cows produce more milk, according to researchers at Newcastle University.

Cattle that are named and treated with a "more personal touch" can increase milk yields by up to 500 pints a year.

The study, by the university's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, involved 516 farmers across the UK.

Published in the journal Anthrozoos, the study found farmers who named their cows gained a higher yield than the 54% that did not give their cattle names.

Dairy farmer Dennis Gibb, who co-owns Eachwick Red House Farm outside Newcastle with his brother Richard, said he believed treating every cow as an individual was "vitally important".

'Own personality'

"They aren't just our livelihood, they're part of the family," he said.

"We love our cows here at Eachwick and every one of them has a name.

"Collectively we refer to them as 'our ladies' but we know every one of them and each one has her own personality."

Dr Catherine Douglas, who led the research, said: "What our study shows is what many good, caring farmers have long since believed.

"Our data suggests that, on the whole, UK dairy farmers regard their cows as intelligent beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions.

"Placing more importance on knowing the individual animals and calling them by name can, at no extra cost to the farmer, also significantly increase milk production."

Researchers interviewed 516 farmers.

Achtung Hund: Lost Dog Responds to German

2009-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A lost German shepherd found wandering in traffic was rescued by an animal services officer who spoke to the pooch in German, an Animal Control spokesman said Friday.

Ziego, a 6-year-old German shepherd, may have escaped Tuesday after a gate was accidentally left open by a meter reader, according to his owners, Alice Hebenton and her 19-year-old daughter, Brooke.

The dog was spotted around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday along Canyon Crest Drive, near the UC Riverside campus, running in traffic, said John Welsh of the county Department of Animal Services.

UC Riverside police called for an animal control officer to help catch the dog, and Officer Tiffany Fuller responded.

"(Fuller) recognized a distinctive pinch collar on the male dog -- a telltale sign that the animal was likely a highly trained imported dog from Germany," Welsh said.

Fuller began speaking in German, ordering the dog to "platz," or freeze, and Ziego complied, Welsh said. Fuller then ordered the dog to "bleib," or stay, and Ziego obediently waited for Fuller to place a leash around his neck.

Fuller used to train search dogs and owns a 9-year-old German shepherd, Welsh said.

Ziego was returned to his owners after they provided the proper documentation Thursday afternoon at the Riverside shelter, Welsh said.

"He's like a little kid," Brooke Hebenton said. "He acts like a puppy. He's playful and loves to run around. We play hide-and-go-seek games in the backyard."

Fuller drove from San Bernardino County on her day off to witness the reunion, Welsh said.

"We always love when we can save a life," Fuller said. "It's even more exciting to see an animal get reunited with its loving family."

Sea lion learns to write Chinese.

2009-01-31T20:33:00.000-08:00

Zoo keepers have reportedly trained a sea lion to write in Chinese.

Staff at Ningbo Zoo, China, spent three months teaching the sea lion, called Peter, reports People's Daily.

And it can now write the Chinese character representing a 'bull' - and can also sign off his work with his own 'sea lion' seal.

After writing, Peter, a six-year-old male, holds the seal and stamps it on the paper as a signature.

The zoo says Peter will demonstrate his writing skills for tourists during the Spring Festival at the zoo.

Villager flung by a bull

2009-01-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

A villager is flung by a bull during Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport played as part of the harvest festival of Pongal, in Madurai town, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009.

Small ponies race

2009-01-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

A man rides in his cart, pulled by ponies, before the annual horse race organized by Orthodox believers in the Romanian village of Pietrosani, 45km (30 miles) north of Bucharest, on Epiphany Day.

Pet llama

2009-01-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

A three-year old llama 'Socke' kisses its owner Nicole Doepper in her living room in the western town of Muelheim January 14, 2009. 'Socke' lives in the house of Doepper since its birth, when it was injured by other animals and had a leg amputated. The district veterinary office of Muelheim announced on Thursday to search an adequate animal husbandry for the llama.

Dressed up Pets.

2008-12-19T04:43:00.000-08:00

German Shepherd Dog

2008-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States’ most popular breeds , the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. The GSD may be most colors except white.

A Look Back

The German Shepherd Dog originated in 1899 at Karlsruhe, Germany due to the efforts of Captain Max von Stephanitz and others. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in 1907. The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high.

Right Breed for Your Lifestyle

Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming.

General Appearance

The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility--difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.

Temperament

The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any of the above deficiencies in character which indicate shyness must be penalized as very serious faults and any dog exhibiting pronounced indications of these must be excused from the ring. It must be possible for the judge to observe the teeth and to determine that both testicles are descended. Any dog that attempts to bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.

Size, Proportion, Substance

The desired height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches.

The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from the side.

Head

The head is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine, and in proportion to the body. The head of the male is distinctly masculine, and that of the bitch distinctly feminine.

The expression keen, intelligent and composed. Eyes of medium size, almond shaped, set a little obliquely and not protruding. The color is as dark as possible. Ears are moderately pointed, in proportion to the skull, open toward the front, and carried erect when at attention, the ideal carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. A dog with cropped or hanging ears must be disqualified.

Seen from the front the forehead is only moderately arched, and the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong, and its topline is parallel to the topline of the skull. Nose black. A dog with a nose that is not predominantly black must be disqualified. The lips are firmly fitted. Jaws are strongly developed. Teeth --42 in number--20 upper and 22 lower--are strongly developed and meet in a scissors bite in which part of the inner surface of the upper incisors meet and engage part of the outer surface of the lower incisors. An overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw is a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is to be preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a serious fault.

Neck, Topline, Body

The neck is strong and muscular, clean-cut and relatively long, proportionate in size to the head and without loose folds of skin. When the dog is at attention or excited, the head is raised and the neck carried high; otherwise typical carriage of the head is forward rather than up and but little higher than the top of the shoulders, particularly in motion.

Topline-- The withers are higher than and sloping into the level back. The back is straight, very strongly developed without sag or roach, and relatively short.

The whole structure of the body gives an impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.

Chest--Commencing at the prosternum, it is well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile. Ribs well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to a sternum which reaches to the elbows. Correct ribbing allows the elbows to move back freely when the dog is at a trot. Too round causes interference and throws the elbows out; too flat or short causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is relatively short. Abdomen firmly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is only moderately tucked up in the loin.

Loin Viewed from the top, broad and strong. Undue length between the last rib and the thigh, when viewed from the side, is undesirable. Croup long and gradually sloping.

Tail bushy, with the last vertebra extended at least to the hock joint. It is set smoothly into the croup and low rather than high. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight curve like a saber. A slight hook- sometimes carried to one side-is faulty only to the extent that it mars general appearance. When the dog is excited or in motion, the curve is accentuated and the tail raised, but it should never be curled forward beyond a vertical line. Tails too short, or with clumpy ends due to ankylosis, are serious faults. A dog with a docked tail must be disqualified.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades are long and obliquely angled, laid on flat and not placed forward. The upper arm joins the shoulder blade at about a right angle. Both the upper arm and the shoulder blade are well muscled. The forelegs, viewed from all sides, are straight and the bone oval rather than round. The pasterns are strong and springy and angulated at approximately a 25-degree angle from the vertical. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on. The feet are short, compact with toes well arched, pads thick and firm, nails short and dark.

Hindquarters

The whole assembly of the thigh, viewed from the side, is broad, with both upper and lower thigh well muscled, forming as nearly as possible a right angle. The upper thigh bone parallels the shoulder blade while the lower thigh bone parallels the upper arm. The metatarsus (the unit between the hock joint and the foot) is short, strong and tightly articulated. The dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs. Feet as in front.

Coat

The ideal dog has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible, hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body. A slightly wavy outer coat, often of wiry texture, is permissible. The head, including the inner ear and foreface, and the legs and paws are covered with short hair, and the neck with longer and thicker hair. The rear of the forelegs and hind legs has somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock, respectively. Faults in coat include soft, silky, too long outer coat, woolly, curly, and open coat.

Color

The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified.

Gait

A German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and its structure has been developed to meet the requirements of its work. General Impression-- The gait is outreaching, elastic, seemingly without effort, smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps. At a walk it covers a great deal of ground, with long stride of both hind legs and forelegs. At a trot the dog covers still more ground with even longer stride, and moves powerfully but easily, with coordination and balance so that the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. In order to achieve ideal movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver, through the back, a powerful forward thrust which slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward. Reaching far under, and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hind foot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and sweep back, the stroke of the hind leg finishing with the foot still close to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The overreach of the hindquarter usually necessitates one hind foot passing outside and the other hind foot passing inside the track of the forefeet, and such action is not faulty unless the locomotion is crabwise with the dog’s body sideways out of the normal straight line.

Transmission The typical smooth, flowing gait is maintained with great strength and firmness of back. The whole effort of the hindquarter is transmitted to the forequarter through the loin, back and withers. At full trot, the back must remain firm and level without sway, roll, whip or roach. Unlevel topline with withers lower than the hip is a fault. To compensate for the forward motion imparted by the hindquarters, the shoulder should open to its full extent. The forelegs should reach out close to the ground in a long stride in harmony with that of the hindquarters. The dog does not track on widely separated parallel lines, but brings the feet inward toward the middle line of the body when trotting, in order to maintain balance. The feet track closely but do not strike or cross over. Viewed from the front, the front legs function from the shoulder joint to the pad in a straight line. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs function from the hip joint to the pad in a straight line. Faults of gait, whether from front, rear or side, are to be considered very serious faults.

Disqualifications

Cropped or hanging ears.
Dogs with noses not predominantly black.
Undershot jaw.
Docked tail.
White dogs.
Any dog that attempts to bite the judge.

Wire Fox Terrier Breed Standard

2008-12-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

General Appearance

The Terrier should be alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on the tip-toe of expectation at the slightest provocation. Character is imparted by the expression of the eyes and by the carriage of ears and tail.

Bone and strength in a small compass are essential, but this must not be taken to mean that a Terrier should be "cloddy," or in any way coarse--speed and endurance being requisite as well as power. The Terrier must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short on the leg. He should stand like a cleverly made, short-backed hunter, covering a lot of ground.

N.B. Old scars or injuries, the result of work or accident, should not be allowed to prejudice a Terrier's chance in the show ring, unless they interfere with its movement or with its utility for work or stud.

Size, Proportion, Substance

According to present-day requirements, a full-sized, well balanced dog should not exceed 15½ inches at the withers--the bitch being proportionately lower--nor should the length of back from withers to root of tail exceed 12 inches, while to maintain the relative proportions, the head-as mentioned below-should not exceed 7¼ inches or be less than 7 inches. A dog with these measurements should scale 18 pounds in show condition--a bitch weighing some two pounds less--with a margin of one pound either way.

The dog should be balanced and this may be defined as the correct proportions of a certain point or points, when considered in relation to a certain other point or points. It is the keystone of the Terrier's anatomy. The chief points for consideration are the relative proportions of skull and foreface; head and back; height at withers; and length of body from shoulder point to buttock--the ideal of proportion being reached when the last two measurements are the same. It should be added that, although the head measurements can be taken with absolute accuracy, the height at withers and length of back are approximate, and are inserted for the information of breeders and exhibitors rather than as a hard-and-fast rule.

Head

The length of the head of a full-grown well developed dog of correct size--measured with calipers--from the back of the occipital bone to the nostrils-should be from 7 to 7¼ inches, the bitch's head being proportionately shorter. Any measurement in excess of this usually indicates an oversized or long-backed specimen, although occasionally--so rarely as to partake of the nature of a freak--a Terrier of correct size may boast a head 7½ inches in length. In a well balanced head there should be little apparent difference in length between skull and foreface. If, however, the foreface is noticeably shorter, it amounts to a fault, the head looking weak and "unfinished." On the other hand, when the eyes are set too high up in the skull and too near the ears, it also amounts to a fault, the head being said to have a "foreign appearance."

Keen of expression. Eyes should be dark in color, moderately small, rather deep-set, not prominent, and full of fire, life, and intelligence; as nearly as possible circular in shape, and not too far apart. Anything approaching a yellow eye is most objectionable. Ears should be small and V-shaped and of moderate thickness, the flaps neatly folded over and dropping forward close to the cheeks. The topline of the folded ear should be well above the level of the skull. A pendulous ear, hanging dead by the side of the head like a Hound's, is uncharacteristic of the Terrier, while an ear which is semierect is still more undesirable. Disqualifications--Ears prick, tulip or rose.

The topline of the skull should be almost flat, sloping slightly and gradually decreasing in width toward the eyes, and should not exceed 3½ inches in diameter at the widest part--measuring with the calipers--in the full-grown dog of correct size, the bitch's skull being proportionately narrower. If this measurement is exceeded, the skull is termed "coarse," while a full-grown dog with a much narrower skull is termed "bitchy" in head.

Although the foreface should gradually taper from eye to muzzle and should dip slightly at its juncture with the forehead, it should not "dish" or fall away quickly below the eyes, where it should be full and well made up, but relieved from "wedginess" by a little delicate chiseling. While well developed jaw bones, armed with a set of strong, white teeth, impart that appearance of strength to the foreface which is so desirable, an excessive bony or muscular development of the jaws is both unnecessary and unsightly, as it is partly responsible for the full and rounded contour of the cheeks to which the term "cheeky" is applied.

Nose should be black. Disqualifications--Nose white, cherry or spotted to a considerable extent with either of these colors. Mouth--Both upper and lower jaws should be strong and muscular, the teeth as nearly as possible level and capable of closing together like a vise the lower canines locking in front of the upper and the points of the upper incisors slightly overlapping the lower.
Disqualifications--Much undershot, or much overshot.

Neck, Topline, Body

Neck should be clean, muscular, of fair length, free from throatiness and presenting a graceful curve when viewed from the side. The back should be short and level with no appearance of slackness--the loins muscular and very slightly arched. The term "slackness" is applied both to the portion of the back immediately behind the withers when it shows any tendency to dip, and also the flanks when there is too much space between the back ribs and hipbone. When there is little space between the ribs and hips, the dog is said to be "short in couplings," "short-coupled," or "well ribbed up." A Terrier can scarcely be too short in back, provided he has sufficient length of neck and liberty of movement. The bitch may be slightly longer in couplings than the dog. Chest deep and not broad, a too narrow chest being almost as undesirable as a very broad one. Excessive depth of chest and brisket is an impediment to a Terrier when going to ground. The brisket should be deep, the front ribs moderately arched, and the back ribs deep and well sprung. Tail should be set on rather high and carried gaily but not curled. It should be of good strength and substance and of fair length-a three-quarters dock is about right--since it affords the only safe grip when handling working Terriers. A very short tail is suitable neither for work nor show.

Forequarters

Shoulders when viewed from the front should slope steeply downwards from their juncture, with the neck towards the points, which should be fine. When viewed from the side they should be long, well laid back, and should slope obliquely backwards from points to withers, which should always be clean-cut. A shoulder well laid back gives the long forehand which, in combination with a short back, is so desirable in Terrier or Hunter. The elbows should hang perpendicular to the body, working free of the sides, carried straight through in traveling. Viewed from any direction the legs should be straight, the bone of the forelegs strong right down to the feet. Feet should be round, compact, and not large--the pads tough and well cushioned, and the toes moderately arched and turned neither in nor out. A Terrier with good-shaped forelegs and feet will wear his nails down short by contact with the road surface, the weight of the body being evenly distributed between the toe pads and the heels.

Hindquarters

Should be strong and muscular, quite free from droop or crouch; the thighs long and powerful; the stifles well curved and turned neither in nor out; the hock joints well bent and near the ground; the hocks perfectly upright and parallel with each other when viewed from behind. The worst possible form of hindquarters consists of a short second thigh and a straight stifle, a combination which causes the hind legs to act as props rather than instruments of propulsion. The hind legs should be carried straight through in traveling. Feet as in front.

Coat

The best coats appear to be broken, the hairs having a tendency to twist, and are of dense, wiry texture--like coconut matting--the hairs growing so closely and strongly together that, when parted with the fingers, the skin cannot be seen. At the base of these stiff hairs is a shorter growth of finer and softer hair--termed the undercoat. The coat on the sides is never quite so hard as that on the back and quarters. Some of the hardest coats are "crinkly" or slightly waved, but a curly coat is very objectionable. The hair on the upper and lower jaws should be crisp and only sufficiently long to impart an appearance of strength to the foreface. The hair on the forelegs should also be dense and crisp. The coat should average in length from ¾ to one inch on shoulders and neck, lengthening to 1½ inches on withers, back, ribs, and quarters. These measurements are given rather as a guide to exhibitors than as an infallible rule, since the length of coat depends on the climate, seasons, and individual animal. The judge must form his own opinion as to what constitutes a "sufficient" coat on the day.

Color

White should predominate; brindle, red, liver or slaty blue are objectionable. Otherwise, color is of little or no importance.

Gait

The movement or action is the crucial test of conformation. The Terrier's legs should be carried straight forward while traveling, the forelegs hanging perpendicular and swinging parallel to the sides, like the pendulum of a clock. The principal propulsive power is furnished by the hind legs, perfection of action being found in the Terrier possessing long thighs and muscular second thighs well bent at the stifles, which admit of a strong forward thrust or "snatch" of the hocks. When approaching, the forelegs should form a continuation of the straight of the front, the feet being the same distance apart as the elbows. When stationary it is often difficult to determine whether a dog is slightly out at shoulder but, directly he moves, the defect--if it exists--becomes more apparent, the forefeet having a tendency to cross, "weave," or "dish." When, on the contrary, the dog is tied at the shoulder, the tendency of the feet is to move wider apart, with a sort of paddling action. When the hocks are turned in-cow-hocks-the stifles and feet are turned outwards, resulting in a serious loss of propulsive power. When the hocks are turned outwards the tendency of the hind feet is to cross, resulting in an ungainly waddle.

Temperament

The Terrier should be alert, quick of movement, keen of expression, on the tip-toe of expectation at the slightest provocation.

Disqualifications

Ears prick, tulip or rose.
Nose white, cherry or spotted to a considerable extent with either of these colors.
Mouth much undershot, or much overshot.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Standard

2008-12-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

General Appearance

Medium sized, with a noble, square-shaped head, strong of limb, bred to cover all terrain encountered by the walking hunter. Movement showing an easy catlike gracefulness. Excels equally as a pointer in the field, or a retriever in the water. Coat is hard and coarse, never curly or woolly, with a thick undercoat of fine hair, giving an unkempt appearance. His easy trainability, devotion to family, and friendly temperament endear him to all. The nickname of "supreme gundog" is well earned.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size--22 to 24 inches for males, 20 to 22 inches for females. Correct size is important. Oversize to be severely penalized. Proportion--Slightly longer than tall, in a ratio of 10 to 9. Height from withers to ground; length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. The Griffon must not evolve towards a square conformation. Substance medium, reflecting his work as an all-terrain hunting dog.

Head

The head is to be in proportion to the overall dog. The skull is of medium width with equal length from nose to stop and from stop to occiput. The skull is slightly rounded on top, but from the side the muzzle and head are square. The stop and occiput are only slightly pronounced. The required abundant mustache and eyebrows contribute to the friendly expression. The eyes are large and well open, more rounded than elliptical. They have an alert, friendly, and intelligent expression. Eye color ranges in all shades of yellow and brown. Haws should not show nor should there be protruding eyes. The ears should be of medium size, lying flat and close to the head, set high, at the height of the eye line. Nose--Well open nostrils are essential. Nose color is always brown. Any other color is a disqualification. Bite scissors. Overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault.

Neck, Topline, Body

Neck-- rather long, slightly arched, no dewlap. Topline-- The back is strong and firm, descending in a gentle slope from the slightly higher withers to the base of the tail. Body-Chest-- The chest must descend to the level of the elbow, with a moderate spring of rib. The chest must neither be too wide nor too narrow, but of medium width to allow freedom of movement. The loin is strong and well developed, being of medium length. The croup and rump are stoutly made with adequate length to favor speed. The tail extends from the back in a continuation of the topline. It may be carried straight or raised slightly. It is docked by one-third to one-half length.

Forequarters

Shoulders are long, with good angulation, and well laid back. The forelegs are straight and vertical from the front and set well under the shoulder from the side. Pasterns are slightly sloping. Dewclaws should be removed. Feet are round, firm, with tightly closed webbed toes. Pads are thick.

Hindquarters

The thighs are long and well muscled. Angulation in balance with the front. The legs are vertical with the hocks turning neither in nor out. The stifle and hock joints are strong and well angulated. Feet as in front.

Coat

The coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. It is a double coat. The outer coat is medium length, straight and wiry, never curly or woolly. The harsh texture provides protection in rough cover. The obligatory undercoat consists of a fine, thick down, which provides insulation as well as water resistance. The undercoat is more or less abundant, depending upon the season, climate, and hormone cycle of the dog. It is usually lighter in color. The head is furnished with a prominent mustache and eyebrows. These required features are extensions of the undercoat, which gives the Griffon a somewhat untidy appearance. The hair covering the ears is fairly short and soft, mixed with longer harsh hair from the coat. The overall feel is much less wiry than the body. The legs, both front and rear, are covered with denser, shorter, and less coarse hair. The coat on the tail is the same as the body; any type of plume is prohibited. The breed should be exhibited in full body coat, not stripped short in pattern. Trimming and stripping are only allowed around the ears, top of head, cheeks and feet.

Color

Preferably steel gray with brown markings, frequently chestnut brown, or roan, white and brown; white and orange also acceptable. A uniformly brown coat, all white coat, or white and orange are less desirable. A black coat disqualifies.

Gait

Although close working, the Griffon should cover ground in an efficient, tireless manner. He is a medium-speed dog with perfect coordination between front and rear legs. At a trot, both front and rear legs tend to converge toward the center line of gravity. He shows good extension both front and rear. Viewed from the side, the topline is firm and parallel to the line of motion. A smooth, powerful ground-covering ability can be seen.

Temperament

The Griffon has a quick and intelligent mind and is easily trained. He is outgoing, shows a tremendous willingness to please and is trustworthy. He makes an excellent family dog as well as a meticulous hunting companion.

Disqualifications

Nose any color other than brown.
Black coat.

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard

2008-12-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

General Appearance

That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head

Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body

Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.

Legs and Feet

Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Tail

Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.

Coat

Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Colors

Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.

Color on Body

The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.

Headfall

A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.

Chest and Legs

A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.

Weight

Must not exceed seven pounds.

Disqualifications:

Any solid color or combination of colors other than blue and tan as described above. Any white markings other than a small white spot on the forechest that does not exceed 1 inch at its longest dimension.