News, Advice and Resources for Thoughtful Pet People
Oh lordy, this cracks me up! (no pun intended) Is your dog or cat embarrassed by his backend? Rear Gear has got it covered. They have adjustable butt covers—disco ball, air freshener, heart, flower, biohazard, smiley face, #1 ribbon, cupcake, sheriff’s badge, dice. Make a statement, issue a warning, make someone laugh. Ha! (thanks, Ange!)
Rudolph was born deaf and blind in a puppy mill in Ohio. He was adopted by a few different families, but they didn’t know what to do with him given his disabilities, so he just lived in a cage. Then Marcia Fishman rescued him and changed his life. She’s also wrote a childrens’ story about Rudolph, Rudolph’s Nose Knows.
Now Rudolph is helping teach children about what it’s like to live with a disability. He’s quite similar to most dogs in some ways—he knows how to sit, lie down, & walk on a leash—but instead of using sight to get around, he uses his sense of smell. Rudolph’s story is also encouraging students to read. I hope it also opens people’s eyes to the possibility of adopting a special needs animal.
Two dogs in China have reportedly tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu). It’s believed the dogs caught it from humans. Even though officials advised people to not panic, I’m afraid this isn’t good news for dogs in China.
The C.D.C. and the A.V.M.A. don’t yet have anything on their sites about H1N1 in dogs. I would imagine, to be on the safe side, you should take your dog to the vet if you see signs of a respiratory. Look for:
Don’t panic. You can protect your pets. If you’re feeling sick:
Keep up to date on information about companion animals and H1N1 from:
The English Springer Spaniel and the Mastiff were the first dogs breeds brought to America on the Mayflower in 1620 according to research.
John Goodman apparently brought them with him. Mastiffs were used as a guard dogs and for hunting, while English Springer Spaniels were used to flush game birds into the air and to retrieve.
Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the U.S. This time of year, as the weather gets colder & more harsh, I think of how thankful I am that the animals with whom we share our lives (Raven, Sage, Saffron, & Crow—I know, they sound like hippy-dippy names…sigh) are inside where it’s warm & dry, and that they’re very loved. I’m especially thankful for all those amazing people who do animal rescue work and try to improve the welfare of animals. It’s a hard job and I really don’t know how they do it day after day. Thank you!
We hope you have a wonderful day and that you have much to be thankful for!