N.D. Flood crisis & animals.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP news)- Chased from their homes by the menacing Red River, Davis and Delbert took a break from their cramped quarters inside a makeshift shelter to enjoy a walk in the brisk air. They had reason to feel a little frisky: They're Labrador Retrievers.

Almost 200 dogs, cats, horses, potbelly pigs — even a goat and a mule — are hunkered down in a fairgrounds pavilion, cared for by volunteers after their owners had to make the agonizing decision to leave them behind.

Emergency shelters and many hotels don't accept pets, and neighbors and friends taking in evacuees often don't have room for their pets, too. That has led to a lot of tears at Red River Valley Fairgrounds Animal Shelter.

These are their four-legged babies. It's like leaving their children behind," said Nukhet Hendricks, executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society. "It's been very emotional."

The Humane Society, along with Adopt-A-Pet and emergency managers in Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., turned a pavilion normally used for horse and cattle shows into a flood shelter and started accepting pets late last week.

By Sunday, the shelter housed 71 dogs, 79 cats, 37 horses and a variety of other furry evacuees. Another 200 "pocket pets" such as guinea pigs, birds and rabbits were being housed at the Red River Zoo in Fargo. North Dakota State University's Horse Park had between 200 and 300 horses.

Drop-offs at the fairgrounds slowed significantly as the river — which earlier in the week threatened to top levees built up by sandbags to 43 feet — continued its retreat and dropped below 40 feet.

Even so, volunteers streamed in and out of the shelter Sunday at a steady pace, bringing blankets, food and dog toys. Some stayed to pet shaken Chihuahuas, while others walked dogs in shifts or cleaned up messes.

More than 100 volunteers have been helping out at the shelter, including about 30 from other states, said Diann Wellman, a regional director with the Sacramento, Calif.-based United Animal Nations, which is helping in the effort.

"We're to the point that we're asking people not to come," she said.

Dog kennels line the walls in one room and cat cages are stacked two-high in another, although a few quiet canines were staying with the cats, who were spooked by the constant barking and yipping. Horses get their own corrals.

Bruce Reiten and his wife drove from their home in Litchville, in central North Dakota, Sunday morning to help out. He helped mop up animal messes, while his wife cleaned restrooms.

"We both love animals so we're doing whatever it takes to help out in these troubled times," Reiten said.

Thomas Colville, director of North Dakota State University's veterinary technology program, said local veterinarians and area humane society officials began crafting an emergency plan for animals following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

"We wanted to be proactive," he said. "We wanted to let people know that they don't have to leave their animals behind in a disaster."

Colville and a handful of other veterinarians have inspected every animal that has been brought it.

"I think this is going very well," Colville said. "Some of the animals are stressed out, which is normal, but very few are ill."

2009 & 2010 Poop Calendars

The Daily Woof came across this site and found it to be a balst, granted, you need to have a certain twisted sense of humor.

Visit MonthlyDoos.com to get your 2009 or even pre-order your 2010 poop inspired calendar. Each calendar has a full color 12" x 12" themed photo (based on the month) and opens up to a complete 12" x 24".

The price for the 2009 calendar has dropped to a incredible $2.50 for closeout to get ready for the 2010 version.

Vick leaves jail.

RICHMOND, Va. — Suspended NFL star Michael Vick has left a federal lockup in Kansas.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons Web site shows that Vick is no longer at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan.

Two weeks ago, a bankruptcy judge in Newport News, Va. ordered the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback to testify at an April 2nd hearing on his Chapter 11 reorganization plan.

Judge Frank Santoro also ordered Vick to pay the costs of traveling to Virginia for the hearing.
Vick is serving 23 months for a dogfighting conspiracy.

He's eligible to move into home confinement on May 21st and is scheduled to be released July 20th.

Miniature Pinschers Rescued from Puppy Mill

(Los Angeles, CA) - Sixty two Miniature Pinschers were rescued from a substandard breeding facility in Riverside, California on March 3rd 2009. The puppy mill was operated by Linda Smith, who claims to have been “breeding champion Min Pins for twenty eight years.” The dogs were rescued by Good Dog Animal Rescue with the assistance of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) after an undercover investigation revealed evidence of animal cruelty and severe neglect at the Riverside home of Linda Smith.

The dogs had been living in filthy and inhumane conditions and the Riverside Animal Control has admitted to “an open case on Linda Smith for years.” Field Commander Rita Gutierrez told CAPS West Coast Director Carole Raphaelle Davis that the kennels of Linda Smith had been inspected as recently as February 25th and that Linda smith had passed the inspection. Gutierrez also admitted that as a general rule, she gives her cases a “heads up” before she sends officers in for an inspection, “in order to keep people on their toes.” She stated she had given “heads up” notice to Linda Smith routinely. Many of the dogs had been crudely debarked at home, a painful and dangerous procedure that keeps the dogs from making sounds when barking.

“Having assisted the rescue, I can only describe it this way: Silence of the Lambs. The stench was eye-stinging. The dogs were crammed into overcrowded runs and cages and were living on a carpet of feces, eating and drinking out of buckets filled with feces and urine. Their nails were grown into their foot pads, their mouths are in advanced stages of gum disease, many having lost all their teeth. The dogs were infested with fleas and were being eaten alive by ticks. They have never seen a vet. This is clearly an actionable case of animal abuse and we are outraged by the laissez-faire attitude of Riverside Animal Care and Control. The remaining twenty animals must be removed from Smith immediately and she must be charged.” - Carole Raphaelle Davis, CAPS West Coast Director and author of “The diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife.”

“It’s a nightmare for these poor dogs. After we rescue them, and spend one-on-one time with them, they really just want to be a pet; they don’t want to be a machine. They don’t want to be stuck in a crate for the rest of their lives; they want to play with a tennis ball. Before you buy a dog, whether it be from a breeder, the Internet or a puppy store, don’t judge a book by its cover because you don’t get to see - all you see is ‘cute puppy.’ But if you saw the parents like I see the parents when I do rescues, it doesn’t make the puppies so cute anymore.” - Chance White, Founder of Good Dog Animal Rescue

How you can help: Currently the dogs are being cared for by Dr. Werber at the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. If you are interested in donating, please call 310.559.2500 and tell them it's for the Riverside California puppy mill rescue done by Good Dog Animal Rescue.

Petland Accused of Selling Sick Puppies

An animal protection group has accused the Petland Inc. pet store chain of scheming to sell sick puppies bred in filthy conditions to thousands of unsuspecting people.

Petland intentionally misled thousands of customers into believing the puppies came from the finest breeders and were healthy, the Humane Society of the United States said in a lawsuit against the company, which is based in Chillicothe, Ohio.

The group said it conducted an investigation showing that many of the puppies sold by Petland in its 131 U.S. stores were bred in mills in horrific conditions or through brokers such as The Hunte Corp., based in Goodman, Mo. Investigators for the Humane Society saw "puppies living in filthy, barren cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization," the complaint said.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix by attorneys representing members of the Humane Society, which calls itself the nation's largest animal protection organization, and other pet owners who say they were sold sick puppies.

Petland, which also has 61 stores overseas, said Tuesday it was outraged and disappointed by what it called false accusations.

"At Petland, we offer healthy, happy and well-socialized pets to our customers," Petland vice president Joe Watson said in a statement. "As our business requires that our customers be highly satisfied, it only makes sense that we would do everything possible to ensure that we provide healthy puppies."

The plaintiffs are seeking changes in how the puppies are bred and financial damages to help recover veterinary costs they say were associated with keeping their puppies alive. They also are seeking to stop what the lawsuit alleges are unfair and deceptive sales practices.

Cesar Millan - U.S. Citizen

He's famous for turning ferocious pit bulls into family pets, rehabilitating neurotic pooches and training their owners to become pack leaders. Now Cesar Millan (aka television's Dog Whisperer) can add another accomplishment to his roster: becoming a U.S. citizen.

Millan, 39, attended a swearing-in ceremony Thursday in Montebello, Calif., east of Los Angeles. Millan, who passed his citizenship test earlier this year, was cheered on by his wife Ilusion and sons Andre, 14, and Calvin, 10, all of whom are citizens.

"This is the ultimate culmination of living the American dream," Millan said in a statement. "Becoming an U.S. citizen has been a goal of mine since I first came to this great country. I have much to thank this country for, and all of the success it has afforded me and my family, and now I am proud to be a citizen."

Millan was born in Mexico and crossed the border illegally as a young man. He rose to fame working with celebrity clients including Jada Pinkett and Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey, and became a legal resident in 2000.

Millan now presides over an empire that includes the Emmy-nominated Dog Whisperer series, three best-selling books and a non-profit foundation for abused and abandoned dogs.

Humor

Martha Stewart's Chow pup passes in kennel blast.

LEHIGHTON, Pa. (AP) -- Martha Stewart's puppy has died in a propane explosion at a northeastern Pennsylvania kennel.

Stewart says on her blog she's "deeply saddened" by the death of her chow, Ghengis Khan, in Friday's blast at Pazzazz Pet Boarding kennel in the Pocono Mountains.

Fifteen dogs were killed in the explosion. Two more died over the weekend.

The kennel was getting a propane delivery when the tank ignited, setting the pens on fire.

The driver was critically burned. A hospital spokeswoman says Timothy Kleinhagen of Summit Hill has been upgraded to stable condition.

Officials say a spark or static electricity may have started the blaze.

Stewart says she hopes for a speedy recovery for the surviving dogs and the driver. She also says her "heart goes out" to the kennel owner.

Review: Busy Buddies - Twist'N Treats

I recently was able to purchase the 4" verson of the Busy Buddies - Twist 'N Treats interactive treat dispenser and I'm pretty impressed.

It's two piece, hard rubber design allows for quick access to both owners and dogs alike, as well as simple cleanup and durability. Basically the two parts of the 'dome' screw into each other by a central core and can be adjusted to allow for various size treats to be dispensed through two side access points once aligned.

The toy itself is made of a very durable and tough rubber, somewhat similar to that of 'Kong' toys, and it's slightly oblong shape allows for both a good grip in your dogs mouth as well as promising not to roll away like a ball when your dog plays with it.

Very small slits on both parts of the 'dome' allow for your pooch to sniff at the treats inside, and encourages them to 'figure out' the puzzle that promises delicious goodness. The packaging material says it is dishwasher safe and in addition to kibble and other hard treats says you can place peanut-butter or other spreads inside. I'll stick with the hard kibble and treats to dispense as it actually may be hard for your dog to get the 'spread', and more of it may end up on your floor and carpet as the toy is shuffled around. As far as cleanup goes, it is very easy to do with just warm water and mild soap.

The hard rubber is very durable and after some exhaustive play with it already, I have seen no signs of wear or tear that I've witnessed in so many other so-called durable toys with 22lb. power Schnauzer, Frankie.

The toys comes in 3 sizes: 3", 4", & 5". We found that the 4" is perfect for Frankie and he is able to carry it about just fine.

There is only one color option: purple. That seems to be the standard color for all Busy Buddies toys, and it may be nice to get a little variety in, even though I'm sure your dog won't care.

Pricing is pretty reasonable, usually starting at about $5.99 and going up in $1 dollar increments depending on size. Our 4" inch toy was $6.99 and has already lasted much longer than many other mroe expensive 'durable' toys.

TDW recommends this toy to help break boredom, encourage alone time exercise, and as the owner, you are in complete control of what and how much of a treat is dispensed.

Bottom line: 4.5 paws out of 5.

Need Help with Pet Loss?

It's never an easy topic to approach....the time when one has to say goodbye to their beloved companion and friend.

For some, the bond between animal and human can be just as strong and indiscernable as it is between other humans. For many, our pets fill a special need in our hearts and fill can help fill an emotional void who have never experienced parenthood in the traditional sense.

Our pets can become extensions of ourselves, and in kind they teach us so much about ourselves including resposnibility, compassion, patience and so much more....all in return for a belly rub, a pat upon the head, or curling up next to you on the couch. Usually the best listeners in the world who never roll their eyes at you or get bored with what is on your mind.

But who do you turn to when the grieving becomes your own an dyour own pet is no longer there to comfort you?

Perhaps family, friends, and spiritual advisors just aren't enough, or can't relate? Maybe you find comfort in support groups who specialize in this arena? If so, please find the following links helpful:

Human/Animal Bond Trust: www.humananimalbondtrust.org

Argus Institute: www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: www.aplb.org

The Delta Society: www.deltasociety.org

Pet Loss: www.petloss.com

Overzealous concern by South Texas Mayor?

BROWNSVILLE, TX (AP)— A South Texas mayor became so concerned about reports of a Great Dane being stuck on a second-story balcony that he alerted emergency workers, went to the location himself, scaled a fire department ladder and entered the apartment to help the dog. The problem was, the dog wasn't in distress. The bigger problem came when the surprised dog owner found Mayor Pat Ahumada standing in his kitchen Tuesday.

"He broke into my house," the owner, who asked not to be identified, told the Brownsville Herald. "My dog is very well taken care of. He shouldn't have done that."

Ahumada, a dog lover whose zeal for the animals has caused problems before, said a local TV station called him to say a dog was stuck. Ahumada called animal services, the fire department and the police.

"He looked to be stuck on the balcony," Ahumada said. "I didn't know the condition of the dog or if the building was abandoned. ... The animal's paws were hanging out from the railing and he was struggling to get up."

The dog's owner explained that the 14-year-old dog has little mobility, and one of its greatest pleasures is passing the day on the balcony where it can watch the passing traffic.

In 2007, the city informed Ahumada that his six dogs doubled the city's legal limit for one home. That same year, Ahumada picked up a dog thinking it was stray and gave it to a family. When the original owner asked for the dog back and the family refused, the issue ended up in court.

Two years earlier, before he was elected mayor, Ahumada was charged with theft after taking a dog from the Brownsville Animal Shelter. He claimed the dog was not being properly cared for and the charge was dismissed.