Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dog Raincoat Required: Wordless Wednesdays at For Love of a Dog

No, Rudy, the hood is not required.

Each morning Mother Nature has a surprise in store for us.  One morning ice and sleet, another snow, and sometimes rain.  We're trying to think positive about all the spring flowers soon to come.  In the meantime, its still coat and raincoat weather at For Love of a Dog.  Even for our Yellow Lab puppy, Rudy.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Stray Rescue: Reduced Adoption Fee for Dogs Until June 20

In an effort to put more dogs in loving home, Stray Rescue of St Louis, Missouri, has announced Spring to Adopt!

From now through the last day of Spring, June 20, 2011, all adoption fees for dogs will be reduced by half.  Only dogs at the Companion Animal Center are eligible for this reduced adoption fee of $75.  However, puppies are not eligible.

Adopt during this time and receive a signed book by Stray Rescue founder, Randy Grim.

The Companion Animal Center is located at 2320 Pine Street, St Louis, MO.

Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes. Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected. They've been dumped on highways, or remote country roads. Abandoned in public parks, empty houses and dark alleys. They've even saved dogs left chained behind buildings after their owners had moved away.

Rescued animals often make the best pets. As a no-kill organization, pets from Stray Rescue seem to understand that they have a second lease on life. In return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

Adopt Diva: Beagle German Shepherd Mix Homeless Dog

Diva is looking for a forever home.  A brown and black Beagle and German Shepherd Dog mix, Diva is about one year old.  She's already spayed, housebroken, and loves squeaky dog toys.  If you're in need of some tail wagging doggie love, please consider Diva.

Diva is available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri - St Louis City.  You can contact them at 314-951-1562.   Diva's animal ID # is A506014

Monday, March 28, 2011

Homeless Senior Dogs: St Louis Senior Dog Project

Abby, Beagle Shepherd Senior Dog
We count ourselves among the very lucky because we've had the companionship of several old dogs.  Currently, both Tucker and Lucy qualify as senior dogs.  In fact, according to the canine age charts, these two senior dogs should not even be among the living.  

We find it hard to believe that people move and surrender their pets;  that a pet that needs extra care or develops signs of old age, so their human family deposits them at a shelter.  Worse is when old dogs are simply turned loose to fend for themselves, frightened and confused.  If they're lucky enough to find themselves in a shelter, they are new challenges.  Not only do older dogs have a difficult time adjusting to shelter life, they are much less likely to be adopted than all those cute puppies and younger dogs.

There are few rescue groups that focus on helping senior dogs.  However, there is a terrific one in St Louis, Missouri.

The St Louis Senior Dog Project is an all volunteer organization that rescues dogs of all ages, but especially dogs 5 years of age and older.  They spay/neuter their dogs, bring them up to date with vaccinations and ensure they are worm-free and microchipped.  If needed, the dogs are treated for heartworm disease, kennel cough, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks and other veterinary procedures.

They participate in adoption events throughout the year.  You can check the St Louis Senior Dog Project page at Petfinder to see which dogs will be attending the next adoption event.

We also recommend you browse Ellen's Blog.  The president and founder of the St Louis Senior Dog Project, Ellen blogs about senior dogs needing forever homes, but her blog is also full of good news stories about senior dogs who have been adopted.  Great photos of smiling dogs who now have a place to call home.

Winners of the 2011 HSUS Spay Day Pet Photo Contest

Pet lovers raised almost $340,000 to help fund spay and neuter efforts around the world in the recent Spay Day Photo Contest sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

Grand prize winner in the Fundraising Category: Matilda whose charity is Lost and Found Dog Rescue Adoption Center in New Castle, Delaware.
Matilda - photo courtesy HSUS
Winner in the Judged Category:  Jinjy a dog from Edwards, Colorado, whose favorite charity is any and all participating Spay Day organization.
Jinjy - photo courtesy HSUS

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Funny Dog Video: Two Dogs Dining

I think this is one of the funniest dog videos I've ever seen.  It may even be the funniest.  I laughed and I was charmed.

Two dogs are waiting patiently to get served in a "restaurant," and in spite of waiting, never get anything to drink.

According to the folks who made it (who responded to concerns that the dogs were forced and might have hurt themselves on the forks):  The dogs loved it.  They are best friends and really liked getting all the attention.  We practiced with the cutlery in advance and both dogs very quickly figured it out.  Besides, the "waitress" kept on talking to them and encouraging them.  They are very well behaved and know when to sit still, take it slow and wait.  

This video was shot in one take;  no cuts or editing.  the hand coordination was not preplanned - since everything was up to the dogs - but we both intuitively acted on the feeling of the dogs movement, plus we could hear from the "waitress's" comments, what the dog were doing,. 

Adopt Stripe: Border Collie Mix Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Border Collie Mix, Stripe - photo Mo Dept of Corrections
Stripe is a female Border Collie mixed breed dog.  She's in the MO Puppies for Parole program at the Farmington Correctional Center.  Right now her trainer is working with Stripe on focus exercises and self confidence because she's timid and afraid of pretty much everything.  Her parole office is Massas Creek (and that's who will supervise her adoption into a forever home.)

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Dog Song Saturday: Singing Animals Jeep Commercial

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song from For Love of a Dog.  However, today we bring you singing animals instead of a song about dogs.  Sorry, but we couldn't resist this classic Jeep Liberty commercial and we're hoping you'll count the canine as a dog.

No, we get no reimbursement or financial incentive from Jeep.  Nope, we don't even own a Jeep.

Sit.  Stay.  Grab a dog.  Relax.  Smile.  And sing along.  Then scroll down and visit some really cool dog blogs because this is a blog hop!



Friday, March 25, 2011

Missouri Puppy Mills: Prop B Does Not Need Fixing

It's all very simple, really, it is.  Last November nearly one million Missouri voters approved Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  And they knew exactly why they voted for this legislation:  dogs are suffering in Missouri's substandard puppy mills.

Missouri legislators have ignored this shameful problem for years.  Now that Prop B has passed, they say they want to "fix" it.  Before it's even gone into effect and in spite of the fact that Missouri voters have spoken.

Not only do these legislators believe they know better than a majority of Missouri voters, their "fix" is a deceitful game that guts Prop B.  The Missouri Senate's "fix" is SB 113 which would strip Prop B of every one of its core provisions.

Next week the Missouri House of Representatives will debate their "fix," HB 131 which also guts Prop B.  

Missouri voters made it clear that they were tired of thousands of breeding dogs suffering their entire lives cruelly housed in stacked, overcrowded, filthy, wire-bottom cages;  denied veterinary care;  exposed to extreme weather;  and given no exercise or human affection.

If you live in Missouri, contact your House representative and ask them to vote NO on HB131 and NO on the emergency clause attached to that bill (which would prevent referendum activity.)

Japan Earthquake Tsunami: Homeless Dogs and Animal Rescue

The earthquake and tsunami that visited Japan on March 11 has not only created a disaster for hundreds of thousands of people, but also for their pets, forcing them to suddenly fend for themselves.  Fur caked with mud, dogs trot forlornly in rubble-filled streets along Japan's devastated coastline, foraging for scraps of food and searching for owners.

Luna, a 6 year old Beagle mix, is tied to a tree, barking for attention or sleeping in a cardboard box on a dirty cushion, two bowls of frozen water before her.
Luna, the Beagle sits in her makeshift home at an evacuee center.  AP Photo
Still, she is one of the lucky ones.  She has food.  Passers-by pet and comfort her.  She gets walked twice a day.  And her 55 year old owner is alive.  He just can't take her into the shelter he's staying at because of a no pets rule.

Many other dogs and cats have been forced to fend for themselves since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which obliterated homes and killed more than 10,000 people.

"This is a big calamity for pets, along with people," said Sugano Hoso of the Japan branch of the US based United Kennel Club.  "Many are on their own and many more are trapped in evacuated areas where people have left."  The biggest concerns are reuniting them with their owners and getting them food, medical treatment and shelter, she said.  Her group is distributing food and supplies where it can.

Thousands of pets have been left behind in evacuation zones affected by radiation from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility, which was swamped by the tsunami and remains unstable.  Those animals also face radiation related issues.  Faced with life or death predicaments, many pet owners didn't have the presence of mind or weren't able to see to the safety of their pets.  "We have requested the government allow us into those zones to rescue dogs, but the government isn't listening to us," Hoso said.

Ryo Taira's pet shop and animal shelter in Arahama, near the city of Sendai, is caring for 80 dogs and cats whose owners are unable to bring their pets with them to tsunami shelters.  The pets, mostly smaller dogs, spend the nights in crates stacked on top of each other.  Volunteers and staff take them for walks to a nearby park.  "Evacuees are under a stressful situation, working on reconstruction and searching for missing family members," Taira said.  "I think they cannot really have much energy to pay attention to their pets.  So we want to do what we can to help reduce their stress."

Donated pet food outside an evacuee center.  AP Photo
Luna, the Beagle, came from the evacuated area, but her family had time to pack their things and hers before they escaped.  "When we were told to evacuate, one of the first things we did was make sure we had Luna and enough food to keep her going for a few days," said Masami Endo, a 55 year old grocer.  He lives in Minami Soma town, in the shadow of the Fukushima nuclear facility.  residents have been ordered wither to evacuate or remain indoors because of the radiation risk.  Endo decided to come to Fukushima city's main shelter, a gymnasium where about 1,400 people have taken refuge, about a week ago.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Howard Stern Rants About People Who Abandon Their Pets

I'd read references to this here and there around the web, but I didn't believe it until I heard it.  I'm no fan of Howard Stern's shows - in the past, in the here and now, and probably in the future, too.  I've just never found him funny or even amusing.  More often than not, I've found him offensive.

Then I heard the audio of his rant about people who abandon their pets.  Take a listen. 

Soaring Border Collie: Freestyle Flying Disc Purina Incredible Dog Challenge

We all have spring fever at For Love of a Dog.  The past few days have found us outside playing jolly ball and frisbe.  Well, Lucy and Tucker are mostly appreciate spectators.  However, Jeffie is trying hard to teach puppy Rudy how its all done.  If any of us needed some inspiration this video from the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge would do the trick.

This gorgeous Border Collie dog, Sienna, competes in the Freestyle Flying Disc competitions with her partner, Preston Dean.  This young Floridian trained his dog in the sport and they are now nationally ranked champions.  This is a terrific interview with Preston, interlaced with absolutely awesome video footage of he and his dog competing.

None of us will ever be this good...  but its good to have a goal, right?!

Pit Bull Puppy Charlene Needs a Forever Home

Okay, I usually don't do two dogs that need adoption in the same day.  What can I tell you...  I'm a sucker for puppies.   Here's a puppy that needs a forever home.

Charlene is a brown and white Pit Bull Terrier.  She's already spayed and about 5 months old.  Affectionate, smart, and cute as she can be.  Charlene's been at the Humane Society of Missouri's St Louis City animal shelter since February 13, 2011 and needs a forever home.

If you have room in your life for a bundle of puppy energy and room in your heart for a bundle of Pit Bull love, then contact the HSMO at 314-951-1562 and ask about Charlene - animal ID # A504635

Pit Bull Labrador Retriever Dakota Is a Homeless Dog

Just look at that sweet face.  Dakota is a white and black Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She's a female and already spayed.  Humane Society of Missouri shelter staff believe she's about 2 years and 4 months old.  Dakota has been at the St Louis City shelter since January 6, 2011.

Dakota is looking for a forever home.  For more information, contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562    and ask about Dakota - ID# A454329

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

New Dog Mom Dog Bone Bracelet at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

I don't know about you, but I'm a dog mom and proud of it!  If you feel this way, too, then have a look at my new Dog Mom bracelet.


Frankly, I think any dog lover would love this pretty handcrafted dog bone bracelet.  The focal is a hand stamped silver dog bone.  Gently domed and proclaiming DOG MOM, the dog bone is accented with a little hand carved red Jasper gemstone heart bead.  Beautiful black obsidian gemstone beads and silver Bali style beads are hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire.
  

This bracelet terminates with a charming silver toggle clasp made of a dog collar and a dog bone.  A barking good gift for any dog lover, pet rescue volunteer or dog foster mom. 

Fetch more of my handmade dog lover jewelry and gifts at For Love of a Dog.  Made by a dog mom, for other dog moms!  Gift box packaging and free standard shipping with each purchase.

Wordless Wednesdays: Yellow Lab Puppy Teething - A Giant Ice Cube






The For Love of a Dog icemaker needed a fresh start.  Rudy is teething and addicted to ice cubes.  A little bit of heaven for this teething puppy dog.

Dog IQ Test: How Smart is Your Dog

With the exception of what appears to be senility for Tucker, we happen to think our dogs are pretty darn smart.  Right now I've got Gary watching this video (below) that explains the rules for a dog IQ test.  Pretty simple tasks and, since they all involve treats, we think our dogs should do pretty well.  

We'll let you know how the For Love of a Dog dogs do in a future Talking Dogs blog post.  In the meantime take a look at this competition between a Puggle, an English Bulldog, and a Bernese Mountain Dog.  Though it is a bit of cheat, I have to say that if you're as beautiful as this Berner, who needs smarts?

Watch this battle of the doggie brains video from Purina, jot down the tasks and scoring, put your dogs through their paces and let us know how you do!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

New Cat Lover Bracelet at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Silver Cat Lover Bracelet   
I've added a couple new cat lover bracelets at For Love of a Dog Jewelry.
 
This cat lovers bracelet features a wonderful, charming arched back cat charm.  I've hand wired wrapped black onyx gemstone beads, combined with fancy silver beads to form the bracelet.  Adorable little silver heart dangles from the extender chain of this adjustable cat lover bracelet.  A great gift idea for a cat lover who enjoys unusual handmade jewelry.
 
Browse For Love of a Dog for more pet lover jewelry gifts.  Gift box packaging and free standard shipping with each purchase.

Monday, March 21, 2011

New Dog Lover Rescue Bracelet at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Dog Lover Rescue Silver Bracelet  

Focal is a hand stamped silver dog bone.  Gently domed and proclaiming RESCUE, the dog bone is accented with a little hand carved red Jasper gemstone heart bead.  Beautiful black obsidian gemstone beads and silver Bali style beads are hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire.  

This bracelet terminates with a charming silver toggle clasp made of a dog collar and a dog bone.  A barking good gift for any dog lover, pet rescue volunteer or dog foster mom.

Fetch For Love of a Dog for more one of a kind pet lover jewelry and gifts.  Gift box packaging and free standard shipping with each purchase.

Spring Fever: Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Rudy playing keep-away
I have spring fever. Yesterday our forsythia bushes promised a yellow blaze of glory for today and temperatures climbed to almost 80 degrees. We all heaved a sigh of relief that the long, unusually snowy and cold, winter seems to be coming to an end. Finally. It almost seems safe now to pack away the dog coats and boots.

All four canines spent most of the day outdoors. Tucker did quite a bit of sun bathing and blissful napping in the ever greening grass. Lucy enjoyed patrols with me as I checked flowers, shrubs and fruit trees. Jeffie and Rudy enjoyed jolly ball and frisbe games both with and without Gary and I. It was a beautiful spring day.

However, this morning I'm mindful that with spring comes the deluge of puppies and kittens at animal shelters. 

About one million puppies are born in Missouri each year according to the Humane Society of Missouri.  In fact, each day, 70,000 kittens and puppies are born in the United States.  Thousands of these end up unwanted, wandering the streets.  Many of them perpetuate the problem by breeding and having babies of their own.  Too many of them end up at animal shelters where they wait, hoping for a forever home.

At For Love of a Dog, all four of our dogs today are products of unintentional breeding.  Of course, I'm glad that they were born.  I can't imagine life without them.   However, from time to time, I wonder about their littermates.  I tend to doubt they all got so lucky.
So, in the midst of delicious spring fever, I'm thinking about spay and neuter.  Rudy will be heading to the vet next month for a bit of a snip to his boy parts.  None of our dogs will be contributing to the homelessness of another generation.

Spay and neuter your pets.  It's the responsible thing to do.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Adopt Delaney: Shepherd Mix Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Delaney - Adoptable Dog from
Missouri Puppies for Parole Training Program
Do you have room in your heart for another canine companion?  Consider Delaney, a hound / shepherd mixed breed dog.  She's being trained in basic obedience skills by the Missouri Puppies for Parole program at the Crossroads Correctional Center.  Delaney's parole office is TAILS Rescue and she can be adopted through them.  Her trainer reports that Delaney is very happy go lucky. 

Puppies for Parole is a unique Department of Corrections program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Puppy Mills and Pet Stores: How Much is that Doggie in the Window

Our dog song this Saturday featured the old classic How Much is that Doggy in the Window.  It's estimated that over 1 million puppies being sold in pet shops every year come from puppy mills in Missouri.  Take a look at the video below to learn more about pet shop puppies and where so many come from... and if you're thinking about adding a puppy to your family For Love of a Dog encourages you to adopt, not shop.

Dog Song Saturday: How Much is That Doggie in the Window by Patti Page

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song from For Love of a Dog.  Today's dog song is a bit different.  We're taking a stroll down memory lane with the song that was at the top of the music charts in 1953.  Now, this is a classic dog song:  How Much is That Doggie in the Window sung by Patti Page.

Sit.  Stay.  Grab a dog and enjoy an oldie, but goody, dog song accompanied by vintage video.  After you've sung along with Patti Page, be sure to scroll down and visit some very cool blogs that are participating in today's blog hop.



Friday, March 18, 2011

Adopt Stella, a Black Dog Available at the Humane Society of Missouri

Stella is a black German Shepherd mix dog available for adoption from the Humane Society of Missouri.  She's spayed and about two years old.   And gorgeous.  Definitely gorgeous!  For information about adopting Stella, call the HSMO at 314-951-1562.  Stella's ID number is A505738

Japan Earthquake Tsunami Animal Rescue - How to Help

All of us at For Love of a Dog find it hard to comprehend the devastation in Japan following the recent earthquake and tsunami.  We've watched the video footage, viewed the photos, and read the stories, yet our minds still have a hard time believing what our eyes are seeing.  

Animal rescue efforts continue and the local rescue groups will soon be joined by international organizations.

We've already told you about the coalition Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue.  You can follow their updates on their Facebook page and donate via the widget on this blog.  Animal Rescue Kansai is the other major organization taking in homeless animals. We continue to search for good places to make our donations count.  Here's what we've found so far:

Missouri Puppy Mills: Dogs Confined to Rabbit Hutches with Prop B Repeal

The fat lady is not singing yet.  However, I believe I hear her over there in Jefferson City, warming up for her swan song.  Or could that sound I hear be the quiet whimpering of over 200,000 dogs confined in Missouri puppy mills?

SB 113, the measure passed by the Missouri Senate, will soon be heard by the Missouri House of Representatives and is expected to pass.  If it does pass, dogs will continue to be legally confined to a rabbit hutch, straddling wire flooring, unable to go outside to breathe fresh air or walk on a solid surface, while others are confined outdoors with little or no protection from extreme weather conditions.

SB 113 will continue to allow dogs to be confined in cages only 6 inches longer than the dog itself.  These dogs spend their entire lives in these small cages.

The proponents of SB 113 allege that the bill "keeps the heart of the proposition Missouri voters adopted."  Yet when asked what components of Prop B remain intact if SB 113 becomes law, Missouri Senator Parson was unable to answer the question.

In fact, SB 113 removes the following provisions from Prop B:
  • Requirement for a physical veterinary exam
  • Prohibition of wire flooring
  • Requirement to increase cage size
  • Requirment for access to an outdoor exercise run
  • Continuous access to clean water
  • Enforceable temperature requirements
  • Limit on breeding more than 50 dogs at one time
  • Rest from incessant breeding practices
If you live in Missouri, call your state representative now.  They're on "spring break" for the next 11 days, which means they'll be in their home district.  A great time to make sure they know the facts about SB 113 and to remind them that the voters in their district care about dogs.

And if you don't live in Missouri?  Prayers are not discouraged.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Japan Earthquake Tsunami Dogs Need Rescue Follow Up

If you've seen the Japanese news crew video of the dogs who survived the earthquake and tsunami, you've no doubt wondered and worried about the dogs.  From what we know now, they have been rescued. 

Watching the video below, I am filled with amazement that they were.  This video comes from Ulara Nakagawa, associate editor of the The Diplomat and was shot in Sendai, Japan on March 15, 2011.  She was traveling with an animal rescue team that is part of the coalition Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support.  They'd been listening for word on animals who had survived the destruction and received a tip about two dogs.

This was one of the areas hardest hit by the tsunami that struck Japan last Friday, following the massive 9.0 earthquake off the northeastern coast of the country.  It has been estimated that the wave was 33 feet high.

Note:  you will not see dogs in the video.  However, as you view the devastation it is hard to comprehend that any living creature survived.


Sendai, Japan March 15, 2011 from The Diplomat on Vimeo.

195 Dogs Cats and Puppies Rescued from St Francois County Missouri

Photo courtesy HSMO
It's always heartbreaking when animals are in a situation so dire that rescue is the best option.  It's even more challenging when the animals in need aren't from a bad breeding situation or puppy mill, but from a rescue group that was trying to do the right thing.

Working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the St Francois County Sheriff's Department, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued 124 dogs, 67 cats and 4 puppies, from an animal rescue facility near Bonne Terre, Missouri on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

The MDA inspected this facility last month and recorded numerous violations that jeopardized the health and welfare of the animals.  When little or no progress was made on the multiple recommendations made to the organization, the facility's license was revoked and the sheriff obtained a warrant for removal of the animals.

The breeds of the dogs include various mixes of Border Collies, Irish Wolfhounds, corgis, Beagles, Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas.  Many are suffering from hair loss and coughing.  Dozens of cats were found inside trash-strewn rooms filled with cobwebs.  Many of the animals appear to have upper respiratory infections and possibly internal and external parasites.

"We are truly saddened to see an animal rescue facility go under," said HSMO President, Kathy Warnick.  "They were trying to do the right thing, but lacked the resources to provide adequate care."

The rescued animals arrived at the HSMO Headquarters on Macklind Ave in St Louis on Tuesday.  A disposition hearing to determine permanent custody of the animals will be held April 11 in St Francois County.  If custody is awarded to the HSMO, and as soon as they are healthy, as many of these animals as possible will be made available for adoption.

Puppy Mills in Missouri: MO Prop B Supporters Rally

Yesterday about 50 supporters of the new voter approved Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, rallied at the Missouri state Capitol in Jefferson City.  Carrying signs like:  Keep your paws off my laws,  Respect the voters, and R I P Democracy, they demonstrated their support for strengthened standards on licensed dog breeders and maintaining Prop B as written and passed in November.

Both the Missouri Senate and House are considering legislation that would weaken and / or gut Prop B.  The most recent action took place Tuesday in the House, when representatives took about an hour to debate a bill passed by the House Ag Policy Committee.  The bill was laid over, delaying a vote, but some amendments were offered to gauge support for key provisions of a proposal already passed by the Senate [which guts Prop B].  These revisions received strong support.  The House will likely hear the full Senate bill following next week's spring break and ultimately bring it to the floor for another round of debate on the issue.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dogs Need Rescue - Japanese Earthquake Tsumani Survivors

I first viewed this video on Ohmidog.  It is heartbreaking.  I call your attention to the donation widget here on this blog which aims to raise funds for an animal rescue coalition in Japan.  My understanding, from this group, is that these dogs have now been rescued.  The mostly white dog is in the care of a vet;  the brown and white dog is at a shelter.



Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

Yesterday I read a blog post and watched a video at Ohmidog about some dogs who survived the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  As a result I increased my efforts to discover a way of contributing that was on the up and up.  I confess I also looked for information about the dogs that were in the video.

 The Japan earthquake Animal Rescue and Support is a coalition of three groups:  HEART - Tokushima, Animal Garden Niigata, and Japan Cat Network.  These groups have been working in animal rescue in Japan for many years.  They've now come together to provide animal shelter space, coordinate some earthquake/tsunami animal rescues, and to share animal rescue related new to the general public.  Like their individual groups, their collaboration is no-kill.

If you choose to donate, your money will be used strictly for rescue, care and support of animals in crisis due to the earthquake and tsunami, including veterinary care, vaccines, antibiotics, food, cages, and transportation. 

You can read more about Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support on their Facebook page.  There you'll find frequent updates about their efforts.

Slam Dunk Dog: NCAA Basketball March Madness

In the For Love of a Dog household we don't watch a lot of television.  The big exception to that is our annual celebration of March Madness.  Gary and I become pretty crazy and schedule our lives around the big men's NCAA college basketball tournament.  There's a lot of yelling, cheering, jumping up and down and the first couple of years Jeffie didn't know what to make of it at all.  Sometimes I wondered if he thought "why not actually play the game instead of watching this silly box?"

Jeffie, Lucy and Tucker are, all three, pretty good at soccer (Rudy doesn't "get it" yet) and after watching the video below I can't help but wonder if we could get up a game of canine basketball.

Check out Zeke the dog as he dribbles a basketball and even manages an alley-oop dunk.  Pretty cool!

Wordless Wednesday: March Madness at For Love of a Dog





Somehow we get the feeling that Rudy is not rooting for the KU Jayhawks men's basketball team.  Lucy is cheering for Duke, but deems herself (the Queen) above all these silly photo ops.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Adopt Sophie: Whippet Dog Available at Humane Society of Missouri Shelter

If you're thinking about adding a dog to your family, consider Sophie!  Sophie is a white and gray Whippet female dog available for adoption at the Humane Society of Missouri.  What a beautiful girl!



Today is a special Adopt the Internet Day blog hop.  Check out the barking good pet adoption blogs below!

Adopt the Internet Day: Help Homeless Dogs and Cats

If you're looking for a new best friend, visit Petfinder or your local animal shelter, not just today, but any day.  No more room on your couch?  Consider volunteering at a shelter:  walk a dog, socialize some puppies.  Contribute to your local shelter;  they often need routine cleaning supplies, towels, dog toys.  Actually, you are limited only by your imagination. 
Jeffie - Golden Retriever / Border Collie
We discovered our own Jeffie on Petfinder and adopted him from Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, MO.  

This is a blog hop in celebration of Adopt the Internet Day.  Scroll down to visit lots of cool pet blogs.



 
Petfinder Adopt-the-Internet Day 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Adopt Gizmo: Golden Retriever Corgi Mixed Breed Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Gizmo, Golden Retriever mixed breed dog at
Missouri Puppies for Parole
Now here's some good news.  Not only is Missouri Puppies for Parole is about to adopt its 200th dog, but this successful private / public partnership program is set to expand into two more prisons this spring.  That will bring the total to 14 of Missouri's state prisons participating. 

Talk about a winning proposition.  Puppies for Parole operates without the use of any taxpayer dollars.  Dogs from animal shelters and animal advocacy groups are trained by prison inmates and then are available for adoption to the public.  Obviously, the dogs and shelters benefit:  these dogs become more adoptable.  However, the inmates involved in the program benefit as well.

Considering adding a new dog to your family?  Just take a look at the sweet face on Gizmo.  He's a young Golden Retriever / Corgi mixed breed dog.  Gizmo is receiving his training at the Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center;  his parole office is the St Joseph Animal Control and Rescue.  According to his trainer, Gizmo is already a nice dog, but they're working on some anxiety issues due to his recent separation from his owners. 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Handmade Dog Lover Jewelry and Gifts

Dog Lover Turquoise Silver Bracelet
What dog lover wouldn't love this pretty Turquoise and silver handcrafted dog lover bracelet.

Focal is a hand stamped sterling silver circle. Gently domed and proclaiming the wearer loves dogs, the circle is accented with a little hand carved Hematite gemstone heart bead. Beautiful blue Turquoise gemstone beads are hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire. An adorable three dimensional silver dog bone dangles from the end.

A perfect gift for any dog lover, pet rescue volunteer or dog foster mom. Fetch more dog lover jewelry and gifts from For Love of a Dog.  Gift box packaging and free standard shipping.  Not only do we love dogs, we love dog lovers!  Save 10% on your purchase with this discount code at checkout:  FLDNEW

Missouri Puppy Mills: Invasive Painful Vet Procedures Performed by Dog Breeder

Background:
Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.
If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

S K's Kennel, Bill and Sandra Sackrey, Brookfield MO
S K's Kennel remains both USDA and MDA licensed through 2011 despite ongoing violations.  They've accumulated repeat Animal Welfare Act violations for failure to provide adequate veterinary care for numerous animals, including dogs with missing teeth and a dog who was missing a portion of his jaw, and sick or dying puppies. Several underweight dogs "thin in appearance with visible hip bones and vertebrae" were found in April 2010, as well as dogs with matting so severe that urinary/ anal openings were blocked. A rusty scalpel and scissors were found at the facility in May 2010 - the licensee admitted to using these dirty instruments on his dogs
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Shockingly, the violations at this facility continue to escalate: in Oct. 2010 the licensee admitted to a federal inspector that he performed dewclaw removal and tail docking on 1 to 2 week old puppies
without the approval of a vet. He also stated that he cleans the dogs’ teeth and "extracts them when necessary" - the licensee stated that sometimes he has to stop because of the excessive amount of blood or when the dogs try to bite down on his fingers. Other violations include dogs in need of veterinary attention, dogs with untreated dental issues - "a wet, brown to green discharge was present along the gumline," multiple expired medications, housing in disrepair (repeat), accumulations of grime and hair and more.


Here are quotes from the October 2010 USDA inspection report:

“The licensee stated that he removes dewclaws and docks the tails of 1 to 2 day old puppies, but he does not have any documentation showing that he is appropriately trained and qualified to perform these procedures.” (USDA inspection Oct. 2010)

“The licensee stated that he cleans the dogs‟ teeth and extracts them when necessary. A bottle of 'Anased' was present in the facility, which he states he sometimes administers to the dogs intramuscularly while cleaning and extracting their teeth. The licensee stated he sometimes has to stop the procedures and finish them later due to the presence of excessive amounts of blood or when the animals begin to bite down on his fingers, which could indicate that the animals are experiencing pain or distress. The licensee is not a veterinarian and is not qualified to administer anesthesia/ sedation or
conduct invasive, painful veterinary procedures such as dental extractions.” (USDA inspection Oct. 2010)
 

"The following medical items were in the kennel area ready for use but were expired:  A container of amoxicillin pills inside the same refrigerator used to store vaccines expired 1/2002;  a container of catgut suture that the licensee stated he sometimes uses on umbilical cords expired 9/2004.  Expired medical products such as suture may become contaminated and could result in infections in the animals."  (USDA inspection Oct 2010).

Missouri Puppy Mills: Entire Floor Surface of Dog Enclosure Covered in Feces

Background:
Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.
If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Mar-Don Kennel, Marsha Cox, Chillicothe, MO
Despite a long history of Animal Welfare Act violations and the recent cancellation of her federal license, Marsha Cox remains state licensed in 2011.  during her October 2010 USDA inspection, Cox reportedly refused to allow access to federal inspectors.  When asked why, she stated "Because you [USDA] had something to do with the Missouri dirty dozen."  Note:  the USDA did not work with the HSUS on the Missouri's Dirty Dozen report.  The HSUS used quotes from USDA records which are available to the public.

During her most recent USDA inspection in December 2010, Cox accumulagted repeat violations for animals outside in freezing temperatures without adequate protection from the cold and other serious welfare issues.  the inside temperature during that inspection was 25 degrees F, according to USDA inspectors, and it had been 9 degrees F the previous day.  When inspectors began to write her up for this and other infractions, Cox reportedly stated "I'm done with this crap," stomped inside the house and claimed she was giving yup her license, yet she didn't produce the license for surrender.  A recent review of federal license records found her lic ense was not cancelled until three months later.

Cox's previous Animal Welfare Act violations included a seriously underweight Maltese with skin lesins whom the inspector noted was "thin with prominent backbone, hipbones, and a tucked abdomen" and a 2 cm x 2 cm wound with crusted dried bglood;"  expired medications in the "puppy house," dogs in the heat without shade, houseing problems, and the "entire floor surface" of one enclosure "covered with wet feces."

Should Marsha Cox ever lose her Missouri state license, she appear to have backup nearby.  A relative, Lou Cox, owns a second puppy mill at an adjacent address.  Lou Cox also has multiple Animal Welfare Act violations on file with the USDA, yet remains both state and USDA licensed..

Dog Song Saturday: There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do by Randi Breese

It's Saturday!  Time for a dog song from For Love of a Dog.  Any dog lover is going to appreciate this one:  There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do by Randi Breese. As someone with four canine companions, I can testify that there really is dog hair everywhere, though maybe not to the degree shown in this very cute video.

Put that vaccum cleaner away.  Drop the lint brush.  Forget the dryer vent.  Sit.  Stay.  Grab a dog or two.  Relax for a few minutes and enjoy There's Dog Hair in Everything I Do.  Then scroll down below and enjoy the Saturday blog hop.  Lots of fun and interesting dog blogs to explore!




Missouri Puppy Mills: Botched Home Surgery Performed on Dogs by Breeder

Background:
Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.
If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Hidden Valley Farms, Brenda Walter, Greencastle MO
Hidden Valley Farms remains both USDA and MDA licensed through 2011 despite ongoing violations.  As mentioned in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report in 2010, in recent years inspectors have identified numerous underwight dogs with"very prominent" backbones, "easily visible" ribcages," "no discerable body fat" and/or "extremely tucked abdomens," lethargic and injured animals, unsafe conditions, dogs found in below freezing (17 degree F) temperatures without adequate protection from the elements, dogs with matted fur caked with feces, and other problems at Walter's kennel.

Brenda Walter was cited in October 2010 for a "direct non-compliance" for cutting the tails of six 4-week old golden-doodle puppies because she reportedly suspected there was an infection in the tails.  According to the federal inspector:  "At time of inspection there were six 4-week old golden doodle puppies that were in need if immediate veterinary medical attention.  According to the licensee, she suspected an "infection" in the tail area.  Upon conferring with her veterinarian via phonem, she "crimped" the tails.  the "crimp" did not completely cut tyhrough the entire thickness of the tail (approximately 1/4" depth completely around the tail), leaving the end of the tail below the 'cut line' hairless, lifeless, lumpy, and limp.  At the site of the incision there appears evidence of swelling.  the would was a circumscribed incision around the tail approximately 2 inches from the base exposing raw, moist, red tissue, and white tissue with a smooth surface that appeared to be bone cartilage.  The cut area was not bandaged and was left exposed to the environment which included:  flies, outdoor housing, dirt, hay and wood surfaces.  The hair around the cut surface was soiled with dirt and grime.  Licensee conferred with a veterinarian and performed a 'surgical procedure' without anesthesia nor any pre/post procedural analgesia."  (USDA inspection Oct 6, 2010)

Newly reported information indicates that as far back as 2001, Brenda Walters was suspended from all AKC privileges for ten years and fined $2,000 for "failure to maintain her dogs and facilities in an acceptable manner" and other problems, according to the organization's board minutes.

In January 2011 Hidden Valley Farms passed a USDA inspection.

Missouri Puppy Mills: Euthanasia Plan - Club the Dogs

Background:
Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.
If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

 Walnut Creek Kennel, Jesse and Sonja Miller, La Monte MO
The Millers no longer hold a current USDA license, but still have an active Missouri state kennel license.  In fact, Walnut Creek Kennel still has ads listed on "breeder club" classified advertising sites such as BreedersClub.net, a front for various sellers which claim to have a "no puppy mills" policy.

In their BreedersClub.net ad, the Millers claim, "We are a family who enjoys raising puppies on our farm.  We specialize in raising well-socialized, well-loved, and well-cared for puppies!"

Yet, as reported in the 2010 Missouri's Dirty Dozen report, the HSUS shared what a USDA inspector noted during a pre-license visit to Walnut Creek Kennel in August 2008:

"The Program of Veterinary Care stated that the applicant would be euthanizing the dogs at the facility by clubbing the dogs."
The Millers were also cited in 2010 and 2009 for "attempted inspection" violations - instances when they were not available during stated business hours to allow inspectors to conduct their visits.  They subsequently cancelled their federal license, yet are still licensed by the state of Missouri in 2011.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Missouri Dirty Dozen Puppy Mills: Underweight Dogs, Dying Puppies

Background:
Late last year, researchers at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spent weeks poring over state and federal inspection reports, investigators’ photographs, and enforcement records to compile a list of some of the worst puppy mills in Missouri, known as “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen.” The report included direct quotes detailing horrific care violations documented in the facilities’ federal and/or state kennel inspection reports The violations included thin-coated breeds like Italian greyhounds found shivering in the cold in temperatures as low as 9 degrees, dogs with open, oozing or bleeding sores, underweight dogs with their entire skeletal structures showing, and sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet.

March 9, 2011, the HSUS released an update to this report.  The majority of the Missouri Dirty Dozen kennels are still state licensed and in operation.  On the same day, the Missouri Senate voted 20 - 14 to repeal Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.  The Missouri House will vote on this issue soon.
If there is any doubt in your mind that MO Prop B, as written and passed by voters last November, is needed and provides essential protection for dogs, please read below for details from the Dirty Dozen update.

Bar M Ranch Kennel, Diana and Floyd Miller, Spickard, MO
Bar M Ranch Kennel is one of several examples of a facility that dropped its USDA license after amassing dozens of pages of Animal Welfare Act violations, yet the kennel remained state license until just recently.  It is now one of three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to have gone out of business.

Severe, repeat violations were recorded in 2009 for sick animals not receiving proper care, sanitation violations, animals in below-freezing conditions with inadequate shelter, an underweight dachshund who was "ver thin with prominent ribcage and vertebrae," a Sheltie with "easily palpable and prominent" vertebrae, hip bones, and ribs, and other underweight or sick animals who had not been treated by a vet, and dogs with open sores.

Gingerich Farms, Paul and Pollie Gingerich, Bogard, MO
While they were USDA licensed, the Gingerich facility was cited by inspectors dozens of times o9ver a period of several years for grave repeat violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including dogs with frozen water desperately trying to lick at the ice, underweight dogs whom inspectors described as shivering in the cold, filthy conditions, sick and dying puppies who had not been treated by a vet;  severely matted dogs, housinhg issues, and more.  There were also repeated "attempted inspection" violations in which federal inspectors were denied access to the the facility.  Before recently dropping their USDA license, the Gingeriches had amassed 62 pages of USDA violations since April 2008.  Yet even though they were no longer federally licensed, they still held a Missouri state kennel license through 2010.

As of February 2011, Gingerich Farms is another of the three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to be out of business.

Tiny Tails, Robert Dukes and Robin Dollens, Edgar Springs, MO
Before dropping his USDA license, this Missouri commercial dog breeder accumulated multiple repeat Animal Welfare Act violations fr4om at least 2006-2009, including citations for dogs without food and water in Oct 2008, injured dogs who were not being treated by a vet, sanitation issues and serious care issues.  In February 2009 there were two attempted USDA inspections during which the licensee did not show up or permit access to allow his facility to be viewed.

Robert Dukes cancelled his USDA license in May 2010.  Wilma Dukes, at the same address, cancelled her USDA license in January 2011.  Robert Dukes, Robin Dollens and Wilma Dukes were all on the Missouri state kennel license list for 2010 but are no longer licensed as of 2011.  Tiny Tails is among the three kennels listed in the original Missouri's Dirty Dozen report that appears to be out of business in 2011.

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