Chicago area cops bust dog fighting operation

Even amidst all the Michael Vick allegations, dog fighting is continuing in other parts of the United States. A bust in South Holland, Illinois yesterday found on the property a well insulated barn, to keep noise down from neighbours, and 37 dogs, from puppies to adults in various conditions. Most of them appeared to be Pit Bulls.

This is just one of the worst cases of animal cruelty...what will become of these dogs bred to fight? It really breaks my heart that in 2007 people still take pleasure in seeing dogs fight to the death...for sport and money. Grrrrr.



An except taken from the Chicago Tribune:

A horrific process

"The process by which a happy puppy is transformed into a brutal fighter is simple: First, break the animal's will by keeping it in the dark, in a cramped cage without adequate food or water, and, on occasion, batter it with loud music. Then, once the animal is reduced to a shell, rebuild it physically and mentally through better feeding, strength training and beatings and torture to make it angry. Then, take it out and bet money on what essentially are death matches."




A 29 year old man has been arrested. Apparently not his first time in trouble over dog fighting. I urge you to lobby local government to make stiffer penalties for animal cruelty.

I'll try to keep you posted on what happens with this story.

Tips for staying cool this summer

Got this from the Yahoo! Pets site:

Doggie Boots: Dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Boots protect your dog from the powerful heat that rises from surfaces like cement and asphalt.

A Kiddie Pool: Got a nice spot in the shade where you can set one up? It's a fun way to let your dog cool off. (Just like my pal Baylee, shown in photo!)

A Wet Towel: An inexpensive way to give your dog some relief from the heat. Remember, dogs cool from the bottom up. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than on top of her coat.

A Water Spritzer: Spraying your dog with cool water is a great way to cool your dog down on a long walk. Spray the paws and stomach too -- not just the top of the dog!

A Portable Water Bowl: Always have water available for your dog on long walks. Some paths may have a special water fountain for your pup, and that's great. But your pup may need water before you reach it. A portable water bowl and a bottle of water is a great way to ensure that your pup won't go thirsty.

A Bottle of Water: Be responsible: keep one handy on a long walk. If your dog wears a backpack or vest, you can even let him carry it. The water inside the bottles will keep the dog cooler, and carrying it will give him a sense of purpose.
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Remember, we can't speak up, so always pay close attention to our body language to make sure we are not over heating!

Lucky needs a new home!!

After being rescued by a NYC police officer, Lucky, the aptly named Pit Bull Terrier has been given up to a shelter. Unfortunately for Lucky, the police officer was extremely allergic, and as he grew, so did the allergic reactions. The officer, Andrew Dorsett is heart broken. He only hopes Lucky can find a good loving home now.

Lucky is now in the care of a no-kill animal charity called For Our Friends at the Great Neck Animal Hospital. He has also been renamed Drew in honour of Officer Dorsett.

"We all love him. He's a really sweet, affectionate dog," said Bryan Lewis, who runs For Our Friends. "But we changed his name to Drew in honor of the cop who saved his life."

To adopt Lucky/Drew, call (718) 595-2161, or e-mail fofadopt@nyc.rr.com
[source]

Celebrity Roundup!

Some cute shots of Sophia Bush, Jessica Biel, Geri Haliwell and Kristin Cavelleri out and about with their pooches.

I just have to say with so many provinces and states adopting BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) I LOVE to see responsible celebs owning and rescuing Pit Bulls (like Jessica and Sophia). Word is Sophia got her pup Patch from Frankie Muniz and he is a rescue from New Orleans!

[photo credit]

Swimming is for the dogs! (like labs, sheppards and retrievers)

So I get to go to Greenwood Conservation Area each week for some off leash fun with my friends Denali and Starr! As soon as we pull up, our butts are wiggling, and we’re so excited to get out of the truck! Off like a shot, we hit the ground running, down the path, through some bushes, past the marsh, until we hit “the Pit”. We spend a bit of time running around, have some water, then off we go again through the trails to the doggie creek.

Well, I like water as much as the next Manchester...to drink, but when it gets really hot, I don’t mind taking a quick dip to cool off my feet. Well, we meet Labs, Golden Retrievers and other larger breeds who are adept swimmers, having their owners toss Frisbees and tennis balls into the creek and they go belly flopping in after them!

So of course my human thinks it’s “cute”, and thinks I want to have a swim. Uhhh, I don’t think so. But scoop alley-oop into the water I go! Before I know it, I’m dog paddling for dear life to get back to solid ground! And when I do, I get a cookie for a good swim!! WHAT??!! Risk my life and you give me a cookie??!!

Needless to say, I spent the rest of our time there on dry land and running through the weeds. Those Labs set a bad example for us land loving pups!

For pups like me who aren't natural water lovers, the introduction of a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) might make all the difference in the world! I've heard you can go from floating like a rock to freestyle champ with one! You should always look for the amount of floatation in each device, the fit and quality of material before purchasing. This doesn't mean your dog shouldn't still be monitored in the water...just like kids, supervision in the pool, lake or creek is invaluable.



Both RuffWear and Dog Paddling Adventures offer PFD's for your pooch.

Dog Eared Book Review: Dreaming in Libro: How a good dog tamed a bad woman by Louise Bernikow

Excerpt from Dreaming in Libro:
“Libro freed me from whatever shadows of history stalked my own footsteps. With him by my side, I explored the neighborhood and the city, day or night, as I had never dared do before.”

From the time she looked into the large amber eyes of Libro, there was an unexplainable connection. This touching memoir covers life, love and adventure with an orphaned brindled Boxer. Bernikow, who had never owned a pet in her life, rescues this abandoned puppy on a whim and embarks on a new journey. Dreaming in Libro is a poignant story not often written about: the love and bond that develops between woman and dog.

With the beautiful backdrop of New York City to their summer in the Hamptons and book tours in between, Dreaming in Libro is a must read. So beautifully written, it draws the reader in as if they are the one embarking on the adventure of being owned by a dog. She has written the story we all want to write. One of love, friendship, laughter and tears. “How a good dog tames a bad woman.”

You can find this book online at Amazon.com

Heros star Hayden Panettiere out with her dogs

Here is Hayden Panettiere, cast member one of my human's favourite shows, Heros, takes her two dogs — Penny Lane and Madison — for a walk around the Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. Isn't she cute!!
[source + photo credit]

Dog Running: Fitness for Fido while you're at work

According to a story published at the Star Tribune Dog Running seems to be the next big thing in pet care. Instead of hiring a Dog Walker, busy "pawrents" can now employ the services of a Dog Runner.

Companies like NYC Dog Running Company and Running Paws Dog Fitness, offer 30 and/or 45 minute dog runs.

Having your dog enjoy a run during the day while you are at work is a great workout mentally as well as physically. High energy breeds would definitely benefit from a Dog Running service. If you pooch is prone to separation anxiety or destructive behaviour, this might be a service to look into to refocus that energy.

Always, ALWAYS check with your vet to ensure your pooch is up to the challenge of running. And keep in mind the weather, in both hot and cold temperatures. Extreme hot or colde pavement is hard on doggie paws, and we always want to stay hydrated!
[photo credit]

Eaten Alive!

LOVE OFF LEASH PARKS! HATE MOSQUITOES!! So what’s a dog to do? Grin and bear it, and hope my human gets me some dog friendly bug spray! Hitting the local off leash parks with my partners in crime, Denali, Faith and Starr we often go in the evening when the little critters are most deadly!

When enjoying the outdoors this summer, whether hiking, camping or just out for your evening walk the don’t use DEET on pets, as it can be dangerous if they ingest it. Check out these links or talk to your vet about the bug repellents they recommend.

http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/63031"target="_blank">
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-Herbal-Defense-Spray/999034.aspx"target="_blank">

Health officials recommend to protect your pets the same as you would protect yourself: remain indoors during the periods around dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active, keep windows screened and eliminate mosquito-supporting habitat around your home.

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, State of Michigan, American Academy of Pediatrics
[source]

Michael Vick is a bad man!

Grrrrrrr....investigators have no doubt now that dog fighting was very prevalent on Michael Vick's property. They were back on his property yesterday gathering more evidence. In the initial raid in April, 55 pit bulls were seized. They have also found the graves of at least 7 dead pit bulls. An informant has earlier claimed that there could be up to 30 dogs buried on the property.

No charges have been filed yet, but I hope all people involved get the proper punishment for this deplorable situation!

Vick still claims he was hardly on the property and didn't know what was going on... the Feds allege this has been going on since 2002!! Something definitely stinks in this situation.

So what's to happen to the dogs seized? I hope they can get the rehabilitation needed and be re-homed.

[source]