News Reel ~ Hot Dogs

Alright ... we see this EVERY year in Ontario ... Hot Dogs in Cars ... SERIOUSLY People?! Stop leaving your dog in the car!!! Just leave them at home! It's not that hard. The following quote was taken from an article called Protect your pets which was posted today.





'there have been approximately 10 instances of dogs being left in cars over the last two weeks. Within the span of one day, there were three cases, she says, including one dog that had been left in a car for roughly an-hour-and- a-half, and was spiraling into "serious distress."'




Why do people insist on taking their dogs with them for a car ride if they aren't going to a dog appropriate destination?? If you take your dog with you, then go somewhere that you can take your dog OUT of the car!!
 
 
 
If it's hot enough to use your A/C then it's too hot to have your dog in the car. Peroid. It's very selfish of you to leave your dog in the car when you are putting your dog in jeopardy.
 
 
 
It takes only a few minutes for a dog's temperature to rise to unsafe levels. If they over heat for too long, neurological damage or even death could occur. Every year, dogs die in cars because their asshat owners didn't want to leave their poopsie poo at home ... "she might be lonely" ... well, that's crap. In the instance of those who don't ever make it out of the cars, she won't ever be lonely again.

News Reel ~ When dogs are the audience ...

This is not new news but it's important and I feel that the more people who know about these programs, the better. In Granite Falls, there is a reading program called  Reading with Rover . In this program, dog owners bring their dogs to elementary schools and libraries so the children can read to them.



This program is an initiative that is designed to encourage reluctant readers to polish their skills and build some self - confidence. "A child who may be hesitant to read aloud to his peers is typically less stressed when reading to a dog and the dog never judges the child's reading ability."



Check out the article on heraldnet.com about this program When dogs are the audience, youngsters improve reading skills



If you are interested in joining a program such as this look around in your local community or contact your local literacy council for more information.

News Reel ~ Sled Dog Cull - 100 sled dogs

I'd like to bring your attention to a recent big news article about a sled dog cull in BC (note that this article is the least colourful one I could find - more colourful ones can be found on Google). I find it interesting how the media can skew a story so well. It's amazing to me how a simple change in the way an article is written can drastically alter the world view of a story.



Ok, first off here's a bit of background ... a company in BC had a pack of 300 sled dogs. They had so many because they were offering sled dog rides as a money-making-tourism-ploy during the olympics. They made lots of money. Then, when there was a lack of tourists to pay, the manager had to figure out a way to make more money. The solution that was found was to have less dogs.

The manager "did everything he could finding homes for them, having them adopted, every which way that he could". When he couldn't find homes, he decided the best way to get rid of the dogs was to shoot them.

Unfortunately, this guy had his head up his ass when he should have been learning about the best and fastest way to shoot a dog because he certainly did this in the worst way possible. He couldn't seem to figure out how to kill a dog in only one shot. I don't know how it's possible but apparently he couldn't even figure out that he should tie the dog up first! Asshat. (BTW - he gets our ASSHAT Award for today!)

Ok. What. The. Hell. Did. He. Think. He. Was. Doing? **HeadDesk ... Headdesk ... HeadDesk ** 

Let's put that aside and get a little perspective here. Yes. He's an idiot for the way he did it. We get that. Now ... I've worked for some pretty sleasy people and a story like this just stinks of big business, politics and soap ... why are the owners of this company washing their hands?? Why did they "know nothing"?? I am willing to bet hundreds of dollars that the owners knew EXACTLY what was going on. I bet they provided the solution as well as the means. I bet this is not the first time and it certainly will NOT be the last.

What do you think they would be able to do with 100 surplus sled dogs?? Who would be willing to take them?? What do you think happens every day to other sled dogs that DON'T receive the publicity that these dogs have received??

Perhaps all these people and big names who are speaking out against this sad action could step forward ... do you think any of them will be there in 6 months time when the media train has stopped?? Will they actually lend a hand towards rescue efforts or are the just pimping out the media??

I'm sure you can guess where my bet lies. 

And by the way ... did anyone notice that the last name of the general manager of cruelty investigations for the British Columbia SPCA is "Moriarty"??

News Reel ~ The Importanct of a Solid Recall

Here is another reason why it is so CRUCIAL to have a solid recall! Your dog should come back to you when you call. Simple. Easy peasy. So why don't people teach their dogs to come back?!?



Check it out ... Car hits Minnesota man chasing his dog on I-94



 
 
My first question ... why doesn't your dog come back when called?
My second question ... why did you allow your dog to run away near I-94?
My third question ... why? Just ... why?
 
 
 
This incident has resulted in a dead dog. IMHO there is no excuse for asshattery on the part of the dog owner. You are supposed to be the responsible one! You are supposed to be the one in charge! You are supposed to keep your dog safe. Idiot.
 
 
 
PLEASE teach your dog to come back when called!! PLEASE teach your dog basic obedience!!




Above you will note that I found you a Dogs for Dummies DVD. There is no excuse not to teach your dog (no, not even "I can't read" because I found you a DVD). Watch it.



Alternatively, the below amazon link is a book that might help you.

News Reel ~ Asshat Kicks Dog; Police Dispatcher Finds Stolen Dog

Check out this news article! Sick Thug Filmed Booting His Dog. You can't tell me that the reporter who wrote this article isn't an animal lover.


It is thought the footage was taken on October 1 and was filmed in Knee Hill Park in Woolwich, South London



How I'd like to put the boot to that guy ... like a piñata ... Instead, I am hoping that the RSPCA will be able to find this asshat and send him to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Damned SOB.



On a brighter note, the police dispatcher in Peterborough deserves a pat on the back today after she finds stolen dog online! The husky was left tied up outside a No Frills for 10 minutes on Friday ... the dispatcher heard about the stolen dog and started checking Kijiji ... The dog was being advertised as an eight-month-old husky for $600. Plainclothes officers arranged to meet with the sellers at a north-end car wash ... Two brothers, age 14 and 17, of Peterborough, have been charged with possession of stolen property.

News Reel ~ Burned Dogs Available for Adoption

Back in March 2010, two dogs were set on fire by their owner. 36 year-old Katherine Brotherton faces two felony counts of animal cruelty. Investigators said she doused her family’s two pet dogs with gasoline and set them on fire. Brotherton allegedly claimed the dogs bit her and setting them on fire was the only reasonable thing to do. May Brotherton says her daughter has exhibited schizophrenic behavior in the past month (of March) ... and that she refuses to take her medication.

Sick sick sick. You can't tell me she's not spun. She's not an Asshat ... she's a genuine, bonified CRAZY-MOFO

While there is little help for Brotherton (as an "adult" over the age of majority, it is within her rights to refuse treatment), there is help available for the two dogs. More than 8 months later, they can finally find a new [safe] home.

The Burned dogs [are] healthy again; up for adoption in Johnson County. Jake, a black Labrador mix, and Boomer, a blue heeler, both suffered extensive burns when their owner allegedly set them on fire as a form of punishment.

News Reel - Windsor man Jailed

I had thought that I posted this news article when the dog was brought in but after searching through my blog's archives, I suppose I simply read it on emails. It is yet another story about asshat owners who abuse their dogs without realizing the damage they cause. Another person who should NEVER be allowed to own an animal again. The latest news article is here but I will warn you ... the picture they included with the article is NOT pretty ... If you are uncomfortable viewing it, please read below for a summary.




Anyway to make a long story short, Tyson, a three-year-old black Lab mix, was found wandering around the streets of Windsor with a condom strapped to his penis. The condom was so tight that it had cut off the blood circulation and within 24 hours infection had already begun to spread. He had to be euthanized after an external infection spread internally to his abdomen and bladder.



The owner of the dog, Anjalo Abeywickrema, came forward and admitted he had done this terrible thing because the dog "urinated and “humped everything” in his house". WHAT?!



Abeywickrema was out on parole (he had been sentenced for manslaughter) at the time that he did this. Abeywickrema’s parole was revoked and he has been in prison since his arrest on May 13. He has been sentenced to 4 months for animal cruelty and isn't allowed to own an animal for 5 years.



How sad is that? It's bad enough that the guy killed his dog in a HORRIBLE way, but he's ONLY going to get 4 months?? And the guy's lawyer says he will probably only serve two-thirds of that time! What is WRONG with our legal system??

Reportedly, Abeywickrema has mental health challenges. If that's the case, then where are his social workers? If he is unable to care for an animal in a cruelty-free way then I'm willing to bet that he hasn't got all his ducks in a row and he really should have workers checking up on him daily unless he's living with mentally sound and responsible adults (which in this case, I'm willing to bet he DOESN'T). 

The only ones with their heads farther up their ass than the dog's owner is the lawyer who would actually represent this guy, followed closely by our legal system that allows him to be free after only a few months of jail time.

Congratulations, asshats.

Let us know when you're ready to come up for air and maybe we can discuss possible ways to fix our crappy system (no pun intended).

News Reel - Re-Homed Dog Attacks New Owners

The following news article has created quite a stir on one of the email lists I'm on. Dog savages boys in frenzied attack as they lie sleeping. As always, I have to ask myself why people do such idiotic things??

Why was the dog not crated?

Why would you allow a dog (who probably outweighs your children) to be unsupervised by an adult?

What happened earlier in the day - could it have triggered this attack?

Why were the kids (13 and 12 y/o) allowed to sleep on the couch watching TV and why weren't they in their beds?

Why would you EVER allow a dog you just brought into your home 1 week ago to have the run of your house??

Why? Why are people such asshats? Don't they see the errors in their ways?? Just ... why?

I'm sorry to award this one today. I don't like reading these articles. 

Ms Paterson has earned the Dogs Deserve Freedom ASSHAT Award of the day. Congratulations, Ms Paterson - your asshattery has not only damaged your children but also resulted in killing your dog.

This "episode" will probably emotionally scar the two brothers for life - they may lose all trust in dogs (or even certain breeds). A very sad day for dogs.

People tell me that it's "cruel" to crate a dog but I would like you to think about this ... Was it worth it? Was it worth not crating the dog for something like this to happen??

What's more cruel? To crate a dog or to allow it to fail so badly that it is euthanized and children are harmed??

News Reel - Boy Sentenced After Killing Family Dog with Hammer

Yeah, you read that headline right ... Boy Sentenced After Killing Family Dog with Hammer ... The article reads



A 15-year-old boy who broke into a home in Grand Rapids, Mich., and killed a family's dog with a hammer has been sentenced to spend up to 20 years in prison.



He could get out of prison in as little as 3 years. Turns out this kid broke into the house for some loot in May; was bitten by the family dog (a dachshund); and proceeded to hit the dog in the head with a hammer. The frustrating thing is that he wasn't even charged with animal cruelty! He pled guilty to a "home invasion charge" (otherwise known as B&E).



If he was charged with Break&Entering, I wonder why he wasn't charged with "Theft under/over $5000" or animal cruelty? Is this another loop-hole? He didnt' leave the scene so he can't be charged with theft? He was "protecting" himself so he can't be charged with animal cruelty?? Sometimes the legal system makes me sick.



No wonder people commit crimes ... they don't ever have to pay any penalty for them. Their legal aid always finds loop-holes for them to jump through. I bet he was charged as a minor. I'm glad he's going to prison but it should be for a lot longer than 3 years.

News Reel ~ Charges Dropped!

I read this on Monday and was so angry that I haven't been able to post about it until now. Monday morning the press releases started ... the Crown has dropped all 46 charges against Tim Trow and other "higher-ups" of the Toronto Humane Society. From what I've read, the OSPCA's warrant had some big issues which allowed all evidence gathered to be thrown out. Check out the articles below for details.

*headdesk headdesk headdesk*

Why charges were dropped in Humane Society case



Animal cruelty case bungled



This is a classic example of how much our animal cruelty laws suck and how the legal system works against itself. It's absolutely ridiculous that this would happen. For those of you who don't remember the problems of THS, please review the following blog entries I made here, here, here, here and here.



To summarize ... The THS was not feeding each of the animals on a daily basis. In order to ensure their euthanasia numbers were low, staff were instructed to let the animals die in their cages. There were dead, emaciated cat bodies found in live traps in the ceilings. Many of the animals in the cages were sick/injured and required medical attention. Most should have been humanely euthanized.



*** Here's My Rant ... This is infuriating. This is ridiculous. This is horrible. The legal system here in Ontario is horrible and protects the people it should be prosecuting. Asshats. All of them. Idiots. Complete and utter morons. What a waste. Some people are a Waste of Skin and Resources. Tim Trow and his "Cronies" are good examples.



Looking at the silver lining ... Tim Trow is no longer associated with THS; he probably won't be able to find work in the animal care field for a long time; THS has new staff; THS has gone through a thorough cleaning both metaphorically speaking and physically; the animals at THS are being better taken care of now.

*sigh*

Back to the drawing board ...

All I can do is make a difference, one dog at a time.

News Reel - External Investigation into Ringworm Outbreak

I know many of you remember the Ringworm Outbreak at the York Region Branch OSPCA (in Newmarket, Ontario). I have blogged about it previously (here as a Featured Rescue and here as a News Reel). Many people were outraged that the OSPCA would decide to euthanize healthy animals simply because they share a building/shelter with infected ones. It is not a popular decision and it is not one that I condone. I do not believe the OSPCA needed to euthanize all the animals ... however we should all remember that the number of animals that were to be euthanized is but a drop in the bucket.



Below is a media release from the OSPCA. The organization is bringing in an external body to conduct a formal investigation about this whole thing. They do not have a date yet set for a follow up media release but I will be sure to let you know.



I think this is impressive. That an organization would allow an external investigation - that may potentially air out dirty laundry - is big news to me.



My personal opinion is that rescues should all work together (I know ... it's idealistic and unrealistic) and that even a body as big as the OSPCA has room for improvement. We all do. So why would we try to cover it up? Why not identify where the flaws are and fix them??



Check out the Media Release and let me know what you think ... what are your views on this??



Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals welcomes independent experts to review York Region Branch ringworm outbreak

News Reel - Couple's Dogs Killed in Repeat Crime

Here's today's Asshat Article ... Henious Headline ... Cruelty Case ... Kruel Killers ... Overconfident Owners ... and so on. Couple's dogs killed in repeat crime.



Apparently, this couple's "basset hound Annie and Belgian shepherd Rio were shot last year; police believe someone poisoned [basset hound] Ellie May and [German Shepherd] Schultz this week."




Alright, what's the first thing that comes to your mind when you read this article?? The first thing that comes to mine is ... What did these dog owners do?



First off, that is very sad that their dogs were both killed last year. It is terrible that their new, replacement dogs were killed this year.



Now ... the next thing that pops into my head ... what have these owners done to cause someone to need to kill their dogs?? Why are these people still allowing their dogs outside without supervision?? Why are the owners giving the killers an opportunity to even get close to their dogs?!?



*headdesk headdesk*



We all have to admit that there are idiots and asshats everywhere. It is our job as dog owners to protect our dogs from those crazy people.



The next thing that I start to think about is ... what could cause people to shoot these dogs?? Are they barking all night long?? Are they going for a walking "tour" and chasing/killing the neighbours' livestock??



My mind starts looking for the cause and effect ... things like that don't happen randomly.

News Reel - Scientists Discover World's Oldest Dog Bone

Ok, this is just neat. In Tuebingen University, scientists have identified a bone that has been sitting around in storage since it was found in Switzerland in 1873. (Read the entire article here - Scientists discover world's oldest dog bone )



The bone has been identified as a canine jaw bone that is between 14,000 and 14,600 years old! Scientists have confirmed that it is a dog bone, not a wolf bone (the shape is distinctly different).




This find proves that humans kept dogs over 14,000 years ago, which was a time when humans were still hunter-gatherers. "The find shed no further light on when man began to tame wolves but indicated that the process was well underway 14 000 years ago, as the dog bones had already evolved differently from their wild ancestors"




So why is this important to us?? It doesn't really change the way we treat our dogs, but it is important that we understand how long the relationship between dogs and humans have existed.




I think that the lengthy relationship is, in and of itself, important to acknowledge.

News Reel - Delta police first in Canada to hire therapy dog

Further to my previous post about Therapy dogs, I found this great article about a therapy dog who just started working for the police department in Delta, BC.



If you wish to read the entire article, the link is Delta police first in Canada to hire therapy dog



Quite frankly, I'm surprised that this is only the first dog to be employed by the PD in such a fashion and I hope he is not the last. I had actually thought that therapy dogs were already working with the PD in their victims department.



What better way to help the victims? I have heard that children will sometimes tell their teddy bears (or other stuffed fuzzy) things that they won't tell anyone else ... will it work with dogs too?? Would they be more likely to talk to a dog?



And now that we're on this topic ... why wouldn't we use therapy dogs in places where they might be helpful? Hospitals, children's wards, orphanages, child services, halfway houses, rehab facilities ... the list of places where therapy dogs could be useful and help people is endless!



What do you think? Is there a possibility that we could extend this sort of service? Does anyone out there work with therapy dogs? Or anyone who would like to? Opinions? Thoughts?



Below is a book that is on my reading list ... that is to say ... the list of books that I wish to read when I have time (to read it) and money (to buy it) one day. I only ever have time to read one book at a time now-a-days.

Featured Rescue - 15 Newmarket OSPCA Animals Available

As you may or may not recall, a few months ago the Newmarket/North York OSPCA had an outbreak of Ringworm and rather than treating it, decided to euthanize all the animals (infected or not) in the shelter. The OSPCA Branch closed its doors to adoptions and volunteers. Officials would not release any of the animals regardless of where the offers were coming from.

Today I received this email and thought I would pass it along ...



I was just advised of the information below. If you recall, some of the vets in Newmarket Aurora stepped up to help some of the OSPCA cats and dogs which were scheduled for euthanasia due to ring worm. There are 15 animals now avaiable at one of the vets for adoption (no charge, as I understand), 12 are cats. Can you please forward onto any cat rescue groups for their consideration. This vet stepped up and it would be nice to see the community come together to get these animals adopted out without the vet having to hold on to them for a very long time. The cats and dogs can be viewed at:


http://www.abbotsfordanimalhospital.com/OSPCAAnimalsforAdoption/tabid/174/Default.aspx \

This is Marley. He is one of the 15 animals rescued from the OSPCA by the Abbotsford Animal Hospital (how often do we get to say THAT!?). If you are interested in helping any of these animals, please navigate to the web page link above and contact the clinic.

News Reel - Pet Food Recall

Sorry to be a bit late posting this. I had meant to publish it last week and it slipped my mind ... so many things lately slip out of there ... maybe there's a hole somewhere?



The following was emailed to me from Abby and Nancy (yes, I received it twice) at Fucini Productions, Inc.

"IMPORTANT Pet Product Recall News"

News Reel/Asshat Award - 44 Dogs Seized

I have said it before and will say it again ... if you aren't taking care of the animals in your home then you ARE NOT SAVING THEM! You are prolonging their suffering!! Here's today's headline for discussion: Manitoba seizes 44 dogs from `Good Samaritans'.



I've asked this before but there are so many new readers that I'm going to pose the question again ... how many dogs is too many for one home?



This couple had 44 dogs that they 'saved'.

News Reel - Killing Our Pets with Kindness

Finally the papers are publishing articles about pet health that's more than just an advertisement from the highest bidder! In the article, Killing our pets with kindness, published in the Toronto Star on Friday, columnist Barbara Turnbull investigates the problem with obesity in our pets. It's true, we are killing them with kindness - and food!



Current estimates suggest that 40-50% of canines in North America are overweight! Obesity is a common problem. Many people relate food to love without even realizing it. Many things will spurn the average pet owner to add a few more calories to their dog's daily ration - guilt, remorse, pity, desire, lonliness, boredom and unfilled needs in the human are many common causes.



Apparently there is a "Woof Watchers" program being run out of Toronto’s Canine Wellness Centre. I looked around the web page and one thing kept popping out in my mind ... money. In order to participate in this "Woof Watchers", you must pay a $45 consult fee, then commit to two swim sessions per week minimum (to the tune of $30). There are other things that they would like you to do, but that's the minimum. Not to mention all the money you're forking out for extra food since you're overfeeding. Then there's the added cost of treats and toys (which they give you "points" towards your purchase for participating in Woof Watchers)!



Good grief. Some people ask me how can I afford four dogs? "They are so expensive." You know, I turn around and look at their overweight dogs and think about the extra food they feed and the cookies they feed. I explaing this to them: I don't use cookies to train (this saves about $100 per month) and I don't over-feed (not sure exactly how much this saves but assume it is 1/4 of my food prices - a savings of at least $25 per month). The dogs don't wear collars daily (only when we go out) so I don't have to replace them. I probably spend the same amount on mine that you do on your one. Usually it sinks in when they start looking at all the costs.



Take a few minutes to check out the article, though. It talks about the health concerns that accompany canine obesity, etc.

News Reel - Take Your Dog to Work Day

Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day!

 

Take Your Dog to Work Day was first celebrated in 1999. It was created to promote pet adoption from shelters, humane societies and rescues. Pet Sitters International has this to say about Take Your Dog to Work Day:



On Friday June 25, 2010, businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Thousands of businesses will GO FURRY to promote pet adoption by opening their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged friends on this day in celebration of the great companions dogs make.

Did you bring your dog to work today?

News Reel -- Dog Food Recall: Natural Balance

I don't know how many people out there feed Natural Balance but I'd rather get the information out there and be safe than sorry. There is a voluntary recall that was announced on June 18, 2010.



Apparently there is a possibility that the food has been contaminated with Salmonella. Specifically, it is the Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food (5 lb and 28 lb bags) with best before date of June 17, 2011. If you feed your dog this food, please take a few moments to check the bag for the best before date. If you have a bag of food that is affected by this recall, contact the supply store where you bought the food. They should have a policy/procedure for handling this food.



You can find the entire article by clicking the Read More link below.