The Rescue Community Lost A True Friend ....

The rescue community has lost a true friend to the animals...Keith Royer, of "Keith's Rescue Transports," has died following a massive brain aneurysm.

Royer died while doing what he loved - transporting dogs in need.

At the time of his aneurysm, Royer was in the midst of transporting a litter of dachshund puppies for Furever Dachshund Rescue; by his side was his constant, canine companion, a pit bull named "Stormy."

The pair, along with the litter of puppies, were staying at a hotel in Maryland for the night when tragedy struck.

Stormy is said to have barked until help arrived to his ailing guardian.

Responding animal control officers were unsurewhat would greet them behind the door to the hotel room where Royer had collapsed.

Suffice to say, they were pleasantly surprised to discover a dog who was not only gentle, but welcoming and helpful. It was Stormy who led the emergency responders to Royer, who was connconscious on the floor.

When it was time for Royer to be transported, Stormy would not enter the vehicle until his guardian was inside...from that point on, Story is said to have been a "perfect gentleman," for the remainder of the journey.

Sadly, Royer could not be saved and today, those who knew and respected him are grieving his passing; today, messages of grief, love and support have been pouring into Keith's Facebook page, Keith's Rescue Transports.

Furever Dachshund Rescue has established a fundraising site to help Keith's family with funeral expenses. Please click here to read more.

On Monday, Laura Coulombe, Chair of Furever Dachshund Rescue, shared a sentiment which is felt by many people who knew and respected this dedicated animal lover:

In honor of a wonderful human being who dedicated his life to helping animals in need. We here at Furever Dachshund Rescue will always remember you Keith and will continue our mission in honor of you and all the animals you saved.

Dog Found Tortured and Killed in Missouri ....

I know this will be very hard to read. However, I'm asking you to please read this and forward on to everyone you know. We must find the people that are doing this to sweet innocent animals. If you know who this dog might belong to I'm asking you to please get in with Jean W at the Jefferson County Humane Society, Inc. 314-952-6413, Ruth E at ruthelledge@aol.com or myself Brenda R at allmuttsrule@aol.com.

 

As I've said before these dogs are counting on us to be their voice. People who treat animals like this really need to be punished. No living thing should have to suffer like this.

 

Bren 

 

How can you help stop the untimely deaths of over 4 million animals each years?

* Adopt a pet from an animal shelter
* Spay or neuter your pet
*Volunteer at your local animal shelter

 

It is my hope that this dog's family can be found, and possibly other families who unknowingly surrendered their pets to humans not doing background checks on adoptees.

Dog baiting and dogfighting operations are a 24/7 focus for those who have a passion to end this horrific bloodsport.

 

The information and photo provided by the animal advocate in this email are vital to bringing justice for innocent animals!  

 

Please distribute this to your contacts, and hopefully we can help educate pet parents to surrender their pets -- Pitties, Mastiffs, Huskies, Malamutes, Great Pyranees, Shepherds,  to name a few --  ONLY to legitimate rescue organizations and to friends and family! 

 

ALSO, PETS CANNOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED!!   They are missing and stolen within a matter of minutes!!

 

Thank you,

Jean W

Jefferson County Humane Society, Inc.

www.jeffersoncomohumanesociety.org

314.952.6413

 

"I can do no other than be reverent before everything that is called life.  I can do no other than to have compassion for all that is called life.  That is the beginning and the foundation of all ethics."  --- Albert Schweitzer

This is a male brown/white Pit Bull type dog he was found dead today by MoDot workers on Hwy 60 close to State Trooper Headquarter E. His jaw was severely broken and he had minor scarring on his front feet, the most disturbing thing about this is you can see where his mouth was banded shut with some type of wire or rope.

In the past 2 weeks MoDot has found 5 Pit Bulls and 1 American Bulldog in ditches all with severe injuries (broken bones, large gashes on the body). The injuries don't fit in with ones that a dog would sustain from being hit by a car but rather intentional cruelty.

3 dogs were found at Route AA just outside of Miner, MO
2 on HWY 61 heading towards Grant City, MO
1 on HWY 60 close to State Troopers Headquarter E in Sikeston, MO

Someone out there knows this dog. Maybe he is one that had came up missing from a loving family, a "Free to Good Home" dog or purposely bred by these scumbags but regardless SOMEONE KNOWS HIM! Im asking that if anyone does know this dog please tell me, it will remain completely anonymous I promise. I have talked to authorities and unless we can positively ID the owners of these dogs there is nothing we can do. Which means that the people/person doing this will continue to get away with it and dogs will continue to die. If you have any information PLEASE come forward. You can email trace.white@yahoo.com and I will relay the information to the proper authorities and remember you can remain anonymous.

I am sorry if this offends anyone but this is the only way to get the word out fast enough and to a large enough audience to even have a chance of finding out who is doing this. MoDot is helping out greatly with this and all the law enforcement individuals I have contacted are just as eager to help find who is doing this. I appreciate MoDot contacting me when they could've so easily just turned away.

This Turtle Can Move !!!

Dogs Are A Huge Commitment Not A TOy To Throw Away When Bored With It .....

Best Dog Name.....

If Anyone Doubts Dogs Have Feelings......This goes to prove that our pets NEVER stop loving us. I hope that all the people who are contemplating "getting rid of their pet" to another family or shelter, watch this and then think twice before letting go of their pet. No one thinks about the grief, stress and emotions that pets endure when they are abandoned and given away for no reason.

Update on Dog Fighting Ring.....

Dog FInds A TIny Kitten and Risk Everything For Her

Dog Finds A Tiny Kitten, Risks Everything To Save Her
Animal control officers in Anderson, South Carolina, thought that a barking Shih-Tzu was stuck in a ravine. Turns out, she was there nursing and protecting a tiny abandoned kitten she had found.

Animal control officer Michelle Smith got a call about a yelping dog behind a Home Depot. She climbed down a steep embankment to finda Shih-Tzu, tangled in a mess of briars. But she looked more closely, she realized Goldie had a friend: a tiny kitten who was nursing at the dog’s side.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Smith told Fox News 10. “I was shocked and surprised and then of course, awww.”


“I think it would have been okay for the dog to walk down the hill,” Smith told Fox Carolina. “But it just didn’t want to leave the kitten”


The dog and kitten were taken to the Anderson County P.A.W.S. shelter, where they remained inseparable and the dog continued to care for the kitten as one of her own. Eventually, the pair were taken to a foster home – together, of course.

Worth Viewing ......

Beach Safety Tips for the Dog Days of Summer

BY DR. MARY FULLER | JUNE 12, 2012

• 

Thinkstock

Ready to grab that beach towel and head to the shore with your canine companion in tow?

While a straw hat and a pulp-fiction novel may be at the top of your packing list, you also need to bring along a few things to help ensure your dog’s comfort — and take the right precautions to keep him safe on land and in the water.

Water Safety

Although some dogs seem to be natural swimmers, flat-nosed and barrel-chested breeds, like Bulldogs, have a hard time staying afloat. When in doubt, make sure that your dog is wearing a life vest, and never leave your pup unsupervised in or even near the water.

When it's time to go for a swim, it’s always best to steer your pet toward calmer waters, away from speedboats and rough surf. Scan the area for possible danger spots, or ask a lifeguard for advice on water conditions.

Finally, try to keep your dog from guzzling too much salt water, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. The water in lakes, ponds and streams can also be problematic and contain microorganisms that can lead to illness. Stagnant water that resembles pea soup may contain blue-green algae, and drinking it can cause liver problems. Instead, bring plenty of fresh, clean water and a collapsible drinking bowl to quench your dog’s thirst.

Sun Safety

With all that romping in the sun, it’s easy for canines to overheat, particularly such flat-nosed breeds as Pugsand Pekingese, which can succumb to the heat faster than others. So be sure to provide a cool place in the shade for them to rest or consider packing a portable, pop-up carrier that offers protection from the sun and plenty of ventilation.

Canines with pink or light-colored noses or thin, short coats are at a higher risk of developing sunburn andskin cancer. Dogs who have hair loss or who expose the bare skin of their bellies to the sun could use a little sunscreen too.

Since human sunscreens can contain ingredients that shouldn’t be ingested by dogs, look for a fragrance-free pet sunscreen or a sunblock with broad spectrum UVA and UVB barriers. Apply the sunscreen to vulnerable areas, such as the nose, ear tips and belly — and try to keep your dog from licking it off before it fully soaks in. For dogs with thin, white coats, a T-shirt can also help further protect sun-vulnerable backs and tummies.

Sand Safety

Chasing Frisbees across the hot sand can burn tender paw pads. And submerged dangers — broken glass, shells and fishhooks — can lead to lacerations. So keep your pup’s paws protected with strap-on booties.

When you’re ready to call it a day, rinse your dog with clean water to remove any sand or salt from his coat. Use a towel to dry him off, paying particular attention to any moisture on the outside of his ears. If nothing else, it will help eliminate that wet dog smell, so you can drive with the windows rolled up, while your tired pup snores all the way home.

Why Does My Dog... Kick Grass After Pooping?

BY DR. PATTY KHULY | SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Dreamstime

Is your yard a hole-filled mess because your dog does the poopy dance every time she goes?

This may be annoying to those of us who cherish the sight of a well-tended lawn, but it's a normal behavior.

In the wild, canines such as wolves, dingoes and foxes may kick the ground after elimination for sanitary reasons. They are simply covering up the mess. But the behavior is also a way to mark territory. All dogs have glands in their feet that secrete pheromones, and a couple of backward scratches into the earth releases those chemicals.

But if you're mad that your dog is destroying your grass, there is a solution. Take her for a walk around the block twice a day instead.

Protect Your Dog From Insects This Summer.....

Summertime means picnics and outdoor living… as well as bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants and other biting, stinging bugs that can make life miserable.

Various members of the insect family can cause problems for not just us but also for our pets. Bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornetsare commonly encountered in both urban and rural landscapes. Some pets are fascinated with these flying insects and will endlessly try to catch them — with occasionally painful results. Unfortunately, sometimes these insects' activities or nests place them close to the ground where pet attention is almost guaranteed.

Bee Stings

With most stings, you won't know anything has occurred until you see your pet with a swollen face or notice him limping. Facial swelling (angioedema), eyelid swelling and hives are commonly seen after a pet is stung. In the case of a bee, if you can locate the stinger, use a credit card or fingernail to gently scrape it out. Many times, however, the stinger cannot be located. You can use a cool compress on the affected area to help reduce the swelling and pain. Do not use an ice pack as that can cause frost bite. Monitor your pet for a couple of hours to make sure signs are not worsening.

Discuss with your veterinarian if there are any additional home remedies you can use. Aloe Vera gel or a baking soda paste can be used, but you will need to keep the animal from licking the area. Antihistaminescan be used in mild cases, but be sure to call your veterinarian to find out which product is safe for your pet and what the appropriate dose is.

If your pet experiences a severe reaction (anaphylaxis), see the veterinarian immediately. Anaphylaxis is a shock type of reaction. Your pet may have difficulty breathing, trembling, diarrhea, pale gums, weakness or may even be unconscious. If any of these symptoms occur, take him immediately to your veterinarian — this is an emergency! Your veterinarian may need to administer antihistamines, steroids or other medications to help reverse the problems. In sensitive animals, a single sting can result in anaphylaxis. Many times, veterinarians will prescribe an epi-pen-type auto injector for animals with a history of anaphylaxis. Owners are then able to start treatment on the way to the veterinarian.

Encounters with Africanized bees or animals that get more than 10 stings per pound can result in death. These animals can die from multiple organ failure. If your pet receives multiple stings, you must get your animal to the veterinarian immediately. You can help keep your pet safe by placing low fenced borders around flowering plants and by noticing and avoiding any insect nest sites.

Fire Ants

People living in the southern United States also have to contend with fire ants, an invasive species that was first accidentally imported into this country from Brazil in the early 1900s. Fire ants are extremely aggressive and will bite anyone or anything that they feel is threatening them or their mound. Fire ant bites are extremely painful. The ants inject an oily venom that produces a reddened, raised bump. With some species of fire ants, within 24 hours these reddened bumps will turn into a white pustule that can become infected. Do not allow your pet to scratch the bites.If fire ants have attacked your pet, remove the animal from the area to stop additional ants from attacking. Carefully brush off the fire ants that you see on your pet's body; attempting to slap them can simply aggravate them more. Make sure that you are wearing gloves and protective clothing, as the fire ants will attack you during this process. Don't spray water on your pet to remove the ants because it can increase the amount of bites.

Cool compresses can be used on the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling. Antihistamines can be used in mild cases, but be sure to call your veterinarian to find out which products can be used on your pet and for an appropriate dose. Anaphylaxis can also occur secondary to fire ant bites. See your veterinarian for treatment if your pet is having any difficulty breathing or if they seem painful.

Treat fire ant mounds with pesticides to help protect your pets and children. Fire ants live in large societies, and their mounds can house anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of ants. Always follow label directions and make sure to keep your pets away from treated areas.

Venomous Walking Sticks

While the “sting” from these insects doesn’t come from their bite, it can be just as painful. While most species of walking stick insects are completely harmless, in the southeastern United States there are some species that have the ability to spray defensive venom when they think they are being threatened. These walking sticks can aim the spray into your pet’s eyes and mouth. When this venom gets in the eyes of a cat or a dog, it is very painful and stops the animal from hurting the walking stick. The venom can actually cause a chemically induced corneal ulcer (burn) and even temporary blindness. If your pet is squinting or rubbing at his eyes, or his eyes look red and swollen, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. You may be directed to rinse the eyes with saline solution or tap water before your appointment.

While not all bee stings or fire ant bites require medical attention, you do need to know when to contact your veterinarian if your pet is attacked by one of the many ubiquitous stinging and biting insects of summer.

Teach Your Children To Be Good Pet Parents ......

Although young children shouldn’t be given total responsibility for pet care, learning the basics can keep both them and your pets safe and sound.

If you’ve recently brought a cat or dog into your home, congratulations. Not only can a pet become a child’s best friend, but exposing young ones to an animal's germs actually may be healthy; a recent study¹ found they help build up kids’ immune system.

Having a pet is also a good way to teach kids responsibility. How much a child should be involved in pet care depends on his or her age. Babies and pets should not be left alone together.

Toddlers need lots of supervision as they can be unintentionally rough. To them, pets are like moving stuffed animals. Megan J., a mother to a mother and pet parent to a 2-year old Siamese cat, says to teach gentleness, “Take [your child's] hand firmly and guide him through petting the dog/cat. Tell your child, ‘We touch the cat softly. We are nice to our cat,' so that he hears positive words to go with the actions.”

Teach compassion by pointing out that pets have feelings beyond getting hungry and thirsty. They feel pain. They feel ashamed if they know they’ve done something wrong, and sad if they're ignored. When children don't make time for their pet, ask them to think about it from the dog or cat’s point of view: Why are you ignoring me? What did I do wrong?

Joan R., also a mother pet parent, said, “How children relate to animals will be reflected in how they react to other human beings, so it's an important lesson even separate from treating the animal well.”

Do’s and Don’ts

Do's

• Do make kids part of the pet selection process
• Do help your kids understand that a pet is a pet for life
• Do involve them in preparing for the pet’s arrival
• Do teach kids not to interrupt a pet who is eating
• Do supervise kids as they learn to walk a dog on a leash

Don'ts

• Don’t let your child punish a pet for misbehaving
• Don’t let kids feed unhealthy treats or table scraps to pets
• Don’t make a kid responsible for animal-care chores beyond the child’s ability
• Don’t let your child try to ride a dog like a horse
• Don’t punish a child by threatening to get rid of the pet

The Bottom Line

“As with anything you introduce to a child, start slowly and reward good behavior,” advises Megan J. “Kids and dogs aren't really that different when it comes to teaching them the right way to behave.”

Eliot D., a father and pet parent adds, “Consistency and establishing a routine go a long way. Before my two kids got pets, they agreed that they would be responsible. Every day they have to do their animal feeding and watering before the family eats. Once in a while they slip up – but the cats have a way of reminding them!”

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Is The man.....

CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law new rules for tethering a dog outside.

Quinn says the legislation ensures dogs are treated humanely.

The Illinois Democrat says dogs bring unconditional love and comfort to their owners' lives and become "part of our families." He says the new law makes sure "our pets receive the same love and care they give us."

The measure requires the leash used to tether a dog to be at least 10 feet long and to not exceed one-eighth of a dog's body weight. It also says people who don't provide sufficient food, water, shelter and veterinary care could be subject to up to six months imprisonment.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Dan Burke, a Chicago Democrat, and Sen. Linda Holmes, a Democrat from Aurora.

Healthy Dog Snacks....

Great Advice From A Wonderful Animal Lover Friend .....

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful gentleman who is enjoying retirement.  My new friend left quite an impression.  After engaging in a fascinating and enjoyable conversation, I learned that this gentleman decided not to devote his twilight years to traveling the world.  Instead, resulting from his extraordinary devotion to his faithful animal companion, he is choosing to focus his attention primarily on his dog, a highly intelligent, loving, and beautiful Labrador Retriever.  After wrapping up our conversation and final pets of his Lab "Cocoa," I was inspired to share with you the many benefits of spending quality time with your beloved animal companions.

Pet relationships are an important part of our lives.  Our relationships with our furry friends have great influence upon our well being and happiness.  These days it seems that a cat or dog is almost a requirement for family life.  Children and adults love their little (or big) critters, and find pleasure in spending time with them.

People who are lonely rely on their domesticated critters for companionship.  Disabled individuals and people with special needs may have hearing or sight dogs, and millions of people rely on the family pooch as an alarm system.  Therapy dogs bring smiles to the faces of traumatized and emotionally challenged children and lonely senior citizens.  Along with my own parrots, Dudley and Sing-Sing, I have observed people's lives touched after touching the soft fur or feathers of therapy dogs and birds.  Bomb detection, rescue and police dogs help us live better lives by contributing to our society in meaningful ways.

We owe a responsibility to our furry friends to care for their physical and emotional needs, and to provide adequate companionship for them.  Our pet relationships should work equally well for both human members of the family and not so human members, not just for the human owners.  Today’s responsible animal owners want to find ways of improving their relationships with their animal friends and of being the best possible owners.

Pets Need Social Contact

A dog is a pack animal.  Social by nature, it needs to be involved with its human family members, or its canine friends. It needs to feel a part of the family.  It wants and needs relationships.  To deny a dog its emotional needs, or to treat it like an object, devoid of emotion, is to abuse the animal emotionally.

Cats are not as social as dogs, but they need human companionship. Horses, too, do not benefit from living a lonely life out in the pasture. They need training and socialization.  They need to be used for the intended purpose.

Making the Most of Your Pet Relationships

Work on your relationship with your pet.  Think of ways you could possibly improve the care you give your pet, ways to be fairer or more appropriate.  Ways to get your dog more exercise, feed him a better diet, or obtain high quality medical care.

Make ample time to spend with your pet.  Resist the temptation to give your new kitten less attention when the initial excitement wears off.  Pet ownership is a permanent relationship.  Your pet will want to be with you for as long as he lives.  It's a good idea to leave instructions for your pet's care in the event of your death.  Think ahead.  Don't leave your pets stranded if something should happen.

Most owners teach their pets only what they need to know, but they can be trained to learn and do more.  Spend time training your canine or feline friend, and getting to know how his wonderful mind works. Go to obedience training workshops, if you have dogs.  The more you do with your pet, the happier he will be.  The stronger your relationship with your elegant furry friend the easier it is to give you and him great joy.

The Story of Cocoa - A Lucky Dog

Earlier I mentioned that I spoke with a gentleman who brings his Labrador retriever to a park I happened to be walking dogs at today. He walks with the Lab and gives the dog time to sniff all his favorite spots.  He says Cocoa loves to come to the park and won’t let him miss a day.

But the outings are good for Cocoa’s owner, too.  And he said he loves the quiet time, which he uses to get some exercise and check out the beautiful landscaping.  Interestingly, I have seen this gentleman before at this same park on a number of occasions.  I often see Cocoa and his owner relaxing under a spreading oak tree. They always seem so happy.  Ah, the simple life is good.

Cocoa’s owner is retired and widowed.  He describes Cocoa as one of his best friends, and one of the reasons he was able to deal with his wife’s passing so well.  When Cocoa goes to the park, he is all eyes and ears, and full of excitement.  His owner delights in watching him pursue a squirrel or follow the scent of a groundhog, or gently nose a butterfly on a lily.  Talk about one of the greatest Pet Relationships!

How To Remove Fleas From A Dog ...........

With summer here, FLEAS are definitely a problem. Instead of using harsh expensive chemicals try this safe HOME REMEDY!... 

Just mix 1 cup Dish Soap, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 quart warm water and applying to your pet. Let sit 5 minutes and the fleas should all wash away! 

Healthy Dog Snacks .....

Massive Dog Food Recall.......

NEW YORK - Pet owners pay attention, a major pet food company announced a recall.

Natura Pet Products issued a pet food recall after the FDA found salmonella in one of their products.

They are recalling pet food from all of their product lines, including food for dogs, cats and ferrets.

If you have any Natura Pet Food products, throw them out immediately.

To get a full refund, you need to cut the UPC label, expiration date, and product code from the pet food bag and mail it to the company.

Here is a complete list of products from the FDA recall:

Innova Dry dog and cat food and biscuits/bars/treats	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
EVO dry dog, cat and ferret food and biscuits/bars/treats	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
California Natural dry dog and cat foods and biscuits/bars/treats	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Healthwise dry dog and cat foods	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Karma dry dog foods	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014
Mother Nature biscuits/bars/treats	All Lot Codes, All UPC's, All package sizes	All expiration dates prior to 6-10-2014

Shame On Pennsylvania Once Again......

By Amy Worden, Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau

POSTED: July 15, 2013

HARRISBURG - When it comes to so-called puppy mills, the state's Dog Law Enforcement Office in recent years failed to live up to its name.

An audit to be released Monday by state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has found that the agency charged with enforcing Pennsylvania's strict new commercial kennel regulations stopped inspecting those kennels at the same time the requirements were to take effect.

The audit, a copy of which has been provided to The Inquirer, showed that through "lax leadership and ineffective program administration," the Dog Law Enforcement Office knowingly allowed kennels to operate for more than a year in violation of the law.

"They knew that kennels were violating the law, and they chose not to enforce it. That's a problem," said DePasquale, who as a state representative supported the 2008 legislation toughening the dog law to improve conditions for thousands of animals living in large commercial kennels. "It angers me as someone who helped get the law passed. The law is only as good as the enforcement of it."

The audit by DePasquale's office also found poor management of the dog law's restricted account, which is funded largely by dog-license sales and is meant to cover staff salaries and equipment. That account nearly went insolvent last year.

Under the dog law, a committee of veterinarians developed Canine Health Regulations mandating standards for lighting, ventilation, and ammonia levels in kennels selling or transferring more than 60 dogs a year.

The regulations were supposed to take effect in July 2011, but the auditors found that the agency did not install the necessary equipment to monitor conditions in the kennels, and that dog wardens did not inspect kennels for a year after implementation.

The auditors found that the office also allowed kennels to operate without proper engineering certification, and issued waivers that gave operators up to three years to come into compliance.

As a result, the agency's management "made a conscious decision to work with the kennel owners rather than citing them for not being in compliance with the regulations at July 1, 2011, essentially choosing to delay enforcement of the Canine Health Regulations," the report said.

In its written reply, the Department of Agriculture, which oversees dog-law enforcement, said the audit was based on incomplete and inaccurate information and failed to acknowledge improvements made since the audit period ended last fall. That was close to the time when director Lynn Diehl was removed from her post; she ran the office during the period when no commercial kennels were inspected.

In addition, the department's reply said, all 54 licensed commercial kennels in the state have now met engineering design requirements, all were inspected twice in 2012, and kennels not in compliance are being cited.

The auditor general's findings mirror those included in a lengthy report on enforcement produced by a subcommittee of the governor's Dog Law Advisory Board in September.

The audit "confirms that the Department of Agriculture chose not to enforce the law, and the residents of Pennsylvania deserve better," said Marsha Perelman, a member of the advisory board subcommittee that produced the enforcement report and a leading advocate for the landmark state dog law.

The audit also found that the agency needed to "improve its stewardship" of the dog law's restricted account that once stood at $15 million but dwindled to $3 million in 2011-12, leading dog law officials to predict it would be depleted by the end of this year.

The account took the biggest hit in 2010 when then-Gov. Ed Rendell and the legislature shifted $4 million from the account to plug a budget deficit. But the problem was exacerbated, the audit found, by later decisions to use the fund to pay the salaries of 12 people not employed by the dog law office.

Record increases in dog-license sales this spring and cost-cutting measures have helped restore funding levels, the Department of Agriculture said.

The audit acknowledged that improvements in the department, including installation of monitoring equipment in kennels and stepped-up inspections, had been made since the completion of its investigation in October.

Nevertheless, the auditors urged the agency to "effectively enforce the law," establish a leadership team to ensure proper management of the dog law program, improve oversight of dog wardens, and step up training.

Hey Pit Bull Owners in St. Louis !!!

Sharing My House With Fostering Is SO Rewarding.......

 So you would think that a family would be totally satisfied with just having me around. 

My family and mainly my mom just can't seem to turn away a dog in need and God knows they are everywhere.

Therefore we seem to always have a dog around that we foster until my mom can find a loving, forever home. 

Most of these dogs through no fault of their own have ended up at a pound or shelter. 

 They are scared to death, confused and so sad.  Mom volunteers to help them find a forever home and we give them tons of love until this happens. 

  Normally within a week or two we find amazing homes for these guys. 

We highly encourage anyone and everyone to consider fostering. It is the most incredible feeling to place a dog in a forever home that you helped rescue !!! Every dog and puppy on this post was animals we recently fostered. 

The Secret Of A Good Blog......

Handicap Dogs Make Perfect Pets .........

Quick Fix Girls Getaway Doggie SPAy Weekend......

Amish Dog Breeder Gets Gets Sentenced After Shooting Puppies and THeir Mommy

If ever there was a more convincing reason to forever steer clear of puppy mills, this tragic story of an Australian Red Heeler mom and her eight puppies shot by an Amish dog breeder in Wayne County, N.Y. just because the puppies were too old to be sold to a pet store will truly rip apart one's heart with outrage.

All of the puppies and their mother were healthy before they were shot and dumped along the side of country road.

According to the Fingerlakes Daily News, Merlin Schmucker, 26, of Galen, and his cousin, Jonathan Eisher, 19, of Lyons plead guilty to animal cruelty and will each spend 30 days in Wayne County Jail and pay a fine of $500.

43.107109069824 ; -76.87035369873

In December 2012, Eicher killed all of the dogs with a .22 caliber rifle because Schmucker said there was no market to sell the growing puppies. Both men stated that part of the Amish tradition is to kill their own dogs - "shoot, shovel, and shut-up."

"What kind of monsters are these puppy mill breeders anyway? The mother dogs spend their entire lives in wire cages, and puppies are sold to pet stores with fake papers and so many genetic problems because they are bred over and over again with the same physical and emotional defects. My first puppy who came from a pet store and from a puppy mill was a German shepherd whose legs and hips gave out before he was even a year old. I spent thousands and thousands of dollars on Duke to help him get through life comfortably. These are the kind of men breeding dogs," stated Charles Louis of Philadelphia.

Town Justice Carol Heald also directed the men not own or possess any dogs for the next 15 years.

Rest in peace puppies and your momma.

Hudson Has Followed The Poodle And The Dog Blog for Years.....Super Blog !!!

It’s the Perfect Storm in California animal shelters

Animal shelters are bursting at the seams.

Besides the Chihuahuas being dumped like last season’s fashion accessories, many elements are coming together to form the Perfect Storm.

1. We’re having a heat wave. It’s hot so people don’t leave their houses except to do essential tasks. They don’t make trips to the shelter or to shopping centers and off-site adoption events which are often being cancelled at this time due to lack of interest.
2. Adoptions go down every summer and the inventory goes up as people use vacations or moving as an excuse to dump their pets.
3. Fireworks runaways. This is the worse time of year for runaway dogs. They get spooked by the noises of our celebration and they panic. This puts a burden on the shelters to house and feed the dogs until they are claimed.

 This is a Blog Hop for shelter animals

Felix and Oscar were picked up as strays and no one claimed them. Their owner didn't even bother to deliver them to safety.

They’ve been through a lot together and need to go into the same forever home where they can feel safe and secure. They weigh about 8 pounds each.

It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby 
To make a dream come true, just takes two

More information on this not so odd couple

Thanks to Lisa Brown of Dogs N Paws for starting this blog hop to help homeless animals.

Take A Look Inside USDA Licensed Breeding Facilities And See For Yourself How Disgusting And Heartless These breeders Can Be To Dogs....

Take a look inside our gallery of photos taken by USDA inspectors at licensed breeding facilities where violations were found. They depict both violations of the law and other conditions that are legal but that the ASPCA considers inhumane. Some commercial breeders that sell puppies to pet stores have no violations. The USDA generally does not retain photos of those breeders so you won’t see many of them here. For more information on those and other breeders, please visit the USDA’s database of inspection reports.

Pratt, Debra

USDA License # 42A1399

Breeds Dachshund, Pug puppies

Yates, Janelle

USDA License # 43A5324

Breeds Boston Terrier puppies

Speer, Cathy

USDA License # 42A1238

Breeds Basset Hound puppies in Milton, IA

Puppies sold at

Petland #250

Crystal Lake, IL

Petland #78

Rockford, IL

Chupp, Philip

USDA License # 33A0497

Breeds Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Shih Tzu puppies

cs Kays, Barbara

USDA License # 43A3651

Breeds Terrier puppies in Richland, MO

Schlabach, Reuben

USDA License # 31A0358

Breeds American Bulldog puppies

"Cw's Quaint Critters": Johnson, Connie / Johnson, Harold

USDA License # 42B0226

Breeds Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle puppies in Melvin, IA

Puppies sold at

The Dog House

Manchester, CT

"Mast Country Kennel": :-c Mast, Stephen & Anna

USDA License # 33A0503

Breeds puppies in Omaha, IL

:-a Street, Kevin

USDA License # 43A5486

Breeds Siberian Husky, Boxer puppies in Bowling Green, MO

Gilbertson, Barbara

USDA License # 73A2539

Breeds puppies

Yoder Jr., Andy

USDA License # 31A0325

Breeds Shih Tzu, Havanese puppies

Reynolds, Susanne

USDA License # 48A2078

Breeds puppies

"E Cannon Kennels": Cannon, Edward

USDA License # 43A4206

Breeds Yorkshire Terrier puppies in Novinger, MO

"Nedders Kennels": :-c Neu, Vonetta

USDA License # 73A2260

Breeds puppies in Muldrow, OK

Sawyers, Joyce

USDA License # 43A4901

Breeds Boxer puppies

Wordes, Curtis

USDA License # 42A1387

Breeds puppies

"Jinson Kennel": Jinson, Wilma

USDA License # 43A2656

Breeds Bulldog (English) puppies in Purcell, MO

"Boyd Kennels, Inc.": Boyd Kennels, Inc.

USDA License # 48B0026

Breeds puppies in Beattie, KS

Kershner, Shelli

USDA License # 48B0311

Breeds Shih Tzu puppies

Groeneweg, Laura

USDA License # 42A1296

Breeds Shih Tzu, Poodle puppies in Rock Valley, IA

Puppies sold at

A Place for Pets

Seattle, WA

- See more at: http://nopetstorepuppies.com/buy-a-puppy#sthash.Shla6oXA.dpuf