Dear David-
I really think you saved Clyde’s life– at least you extended it. We weren’t about to let a blackout take that great dog down.
But I really couldn’t get him up and down the steps, we were screwed. His legs were splaying out.
You saved our bacon by getting us that van tues night and that great driver!
Thank You So Much ~Ben
PS- Just got back to see the Giants lose! Boo!
By: Laura Sesana
WASHINGTON, September 4, 2012- I grew up with dogs at home and naturally, when I moved out to college, I wanted a dog of my own. I wanted a perfect puppy and bought a Miniature Schnauzer at a pet store on Lexington Avenue in New York City, kind of on impulse. Luckily, we were a good fit, and she was my best friend and companion for 14 wonderful years.
However, after learning about the practices of pet stores and puppy mills, I wished I had done a little research and checked out my local shelter or the Internet first. Today, my husband and I have two dogs, both rescues from Petfinder.com. They fit our lifestyle perfectly, and our family wouldn’t be the same without them.
If you are thinking about getting a pet, there are several reasons to consider adoption before contacting a breeder or heading out to a pet store.
1. Save a life. Be a hero! By adopting a pet, you will be saving a life. Petfinder.com estimates that six to eight million pets got to a shelter every year. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), three to four million pets are euthanized every year because shelters are overcrowded and not every pet can find a home. By adopting a pet from a shelter, humane society, breed rescue group, or animal control agency, you will be saving the life of a very grateful animal.
2. Avoid supporting puppy mills and pet stores. By adopting a pet, you will not be supporting pet stores and puppy mills. Pet stores, online sellers, and people who sell their animals through classified advertisements in the newspaper often get their animals from puppy mills and are willing to sell them to anyone willing to pay, no questions asked. Puppy mills and pet stores are part of a very cruel industry where animals are kept in shockingly brutal conditions with little medical care. Breeding dogs in puppy mills are locked in small cages for years without human companionship or attention. After a heartbreaking life spent in a cage, these animals are then killed, abandoned, or sold at auction.
Pet stores will also sell an animal to anybody, without making sure that the animal will go to a good home, will be safe, and the new owners understand the responsibilities of pet ownership. Many of these animals usually end up in shelters- if they are lucky.
3. Find the right pet for you and your family. Bringing a pet into your life is a serious decision that must not be taken lightly. Before bringing a pet home, owners need to be aware that it is the beginning of a relationship that may last 10 to 20 years, and that a pet needs constant care, supervision, and companionship.
Even though pet stores are likely to have the cutest puppies you’ve ever seen, the cute factor is not everything. Taking a pet home based solely on its appearance can be a recipe for disaster and yet another reason why so many pets end up in shelters.
Whether a pet fits your lifestyle is much more important than what it looks like. A pet carefully chosen to fit your lifestyle is more likely to result in a lasting home for the pet and a happy life for the owner. “Some people think yellow labs are adorable as puppies and beautiful dogs. But a person who lives a sedentary lifestyle and does not like to go running or exercising should not have a lab,” Gail Buchwald, vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), told Parents.com.
You are more likely to find a greater variety of animals and a better fit for any lifestyle at a shelter or through adoption websites like Petfinder.com. Unlike pet stores, which are only interested in making a profit and moving their “merchandise,” shelters are more concerned with matching a person or family with a pet of the right breed and temperament for their lifestyle. Shelters have also spent time caring for the animals, know their disposition, and what type of owner they would be a good fit for. With so many pets entering shelters every day, you are very likely to find exactly the right pet for you.
Our dog, Emma- half gremlin, half hyena
Adoption is the way to go if you want a purebred animal or a one-of-a-kind. According to HSUS, about 25% of dogs and cats in shelters are purebreds. There are also a number of breed-specific rescue groups that have purebred adults and puppies for adoption.
Other people see the attraction in a unique mix. Some mixes have the positive characteristics of several breeds. Our dog Paco is a lab-collie mix, and he has the great qualities of both. He has a sweet disposition, is very calm, fantastic with kids, and can be trusted all the time. Our little one, Emma, is more of a mystery. When we adopted her at 9 months old, we were told she was a Chihuahua- Jack Russell mix, but I think she has some Cairn Terrier in her. My husband says that she is more like half gremlin and half hyena. To us, she is beautiful. She is lively and energetic, always getting into trouble. Both are unique, and we love them for it.
4. Shelter pets may have “baggage,” but this is not necessarily a bad thing! Many people think that a pet that is in a shelter is there because of some kind of behavioral problem. The truth is that there are many reasons that people have to give up their pets, most having nothing to do with the pet. These include moving to a place that does not allow pets, not having time for the pet, not being able to afford the pet, allergies, etc. Petfinder.com has a sheet on the reasons pets are surrendered to shelters, which explains that most of the time the reason for surrender comes from the owner and not the pet.
On the other hand, adopting a pet, which has had a previous owner, may already be toilet trained and have other positive characteristics. (See # 9, the case for adopting an older pet)
5. Shelter pets are healthy. Even though some pets may enter a shelter without being neutered or having proper medical care, most if not all shelters give the pet a thorough medical screening and will not clear the pet for adoption until it has a clean bill of health. Most shelters also spay or neuter the pet before adoption.
6. Adopting is much less expensive. While adopting a pet is usually not free, the adoption fee will usually cover spaying or neutering, distemper vaccination, rabies vaccination, heartworm test, and flea/tick treatment. These services can cost up to $2000 at a regular vet, but adoption fees usually range from $100 to $300. On the other hand, a puppy at a pet store can cost over $700 and these services are usually not included.
7. Time. Adoption usually focuses on whether the pet will be a good match for a potential owner. Shelters are more likely to help you find your ideal buddy because shelters don’t expect and don’t want you to walk out with a new pet in 20 minutes or less, the way pet stores do. Shelters understand that finding the right fit takes time and a few visits. Shelters also allow you to interact with a pet and spend some time together before you take them home. Moreover, most shelters will allow you to take the animal home on a trail basis and take the animal back if things do not work out.
8. Set a good example. Parents.com lists “setting a good example” as one of the reasons to adopt a pet. I don’t have children, so I can’t really speak to this point from personal experience, but I agree that adopting a pet can teach a child “how to care about those that others may view as castoffs.” Adopting a pet can also teach children that they can make a difference by saving an animal’s life.
9. The case for adopting an older pet. For certain people and families, adopting an older pet may be the best choice. There are several benefits to adopting an older pet. For one thing, there are fewer surprises when you adopt an older pet. From the outset, you will know its full-grown size; temperament; and food, grooming, and exercise requirements. Older pets are also easier to train because they are calmer and have more experience interacting with people. An older pet also requires less attention, is usually toilet trained, and settles into new environments more quickly than a younger pet.
Another wonderful thing about adopting an older animal it that it has experienced living in a home as well as being surrendered, and is ready to forge an instant bond with its new owner. Finally, as mentioned above, adopting an animal may represent a 10 to 20-year commitment that many people are not ready to undertake. People with certain plans for their long-term future as well as very elderly people would be good candidates to adopt an older pet. According to the ASPCA, even though the commitment level is the same, it is for a shorter period of time.
10. Not all breeders are bad. If you have looked into adoption and cannot find the right pet, the American Humane Society has a very informative page on how to identify a responsible breeder.
Connect to the Human Society here
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This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com.
A new study supports the stress-reducing benefits of bringing your pooch to work — to play with, look at, and pet while working.
According to a Virginia Commonwealth University study, having a dog at work not only reduces the owners’ stress level but also increased the level of job satisfaction for other employees as well. The study, announced Thursday, was published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management.
“Dogs in the workplace can make a positive difference,” said head researcher Randolph T. Barker. “The differences in perceived stress between days the dog was present and absent were significant. The employees as a whole had higher job satisfaction than industry norms.”
The study took place at Replacements Ltd, a service-manufacturing-retail company located in North Carolina, which employs approximately 550 people. The company has a dog friendly policy, similar to other companies such as Amazon, Ben & Jerry’s and Zynga, according to CBS News, with around 20 to 30 dogs romping through the office every day. The study took place over a period of one work week, and subjects completing both surveys and saliva samples to measure stress levels.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are numerous benefits to having dogs at work, including improved staff morale, worker productivity, and camaraderie among employees.
Numerous studies have shown that having a pet is a good investment for your health. One study found that having a pet lowered your risk factors for heart disease, and another found that dogs encourage more consistent walking and exercise.
According to a State of Pet Health Report by Banfield Pet Hospital in Jackson, nearly seven percent of dogs in Mississippi will acquire heartworms this summer, the highest proportion across the nation. The reason risk of infection is so high there is because they have the greatest number of mosquito’s in the US, and heartworm is spread from host to host through the bites of these parasites. However, heartworms are frequently found in dogs throughout the 50 states.
The heartworm is a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals, such as ferrets, sea lions and even, under very rare circumstances, humans.
Heartworms can live in your dog for six months before any symptoms are displayed. All dogs regardless of their age, sex, or habitat are susceptible to heartworm infection, which is why prevention is necessary. The good news is that heartworm is easily treatable – it just requires keen eyed pet owners to be aware of what the signs are and take action immediately if you suspect that your dog may be suffering with this condition.
What are the signs?
Symptoms of heartworm infection include:
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting after exercise
• Tiring easily
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Listlessness
• Anaemia
• Jaundice
• Poor coat condition
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Bloody stool
Each of these symptoms on their own, if persistent, warrant a trip to your veterinarian; don’t dismiss them – let a qualified professional be the one to advise you whether or not the symptoms are serious.
Treatments
If your dog doesn’t have heartworm, then there are a variety of preventative treatments available, which will more than likely come in the form of a chewable tablet.
A couple of popular brands used are Heartguard and Interceptor, but there are other brands available which are just as efficient. Ask your vet which ones they recommend.
If your dog has been infected with heartworms, a possible treatment could be Immiticide and would be administered by your veterinarian. This drug has great efficiency and fewer side effects, which makes it a safer alternative for dogs with late-stage infections.
Depending on the condition that your dog was brought in for treatment, there may still be a few practical steps that your dog needs to undertake, e.g. rest, to ensure they receive the maximum benefits for the treatments that have been administered.
Do you know of any other effective brands that can be used to treat heartworms? If so contact us here at Pet Chauffeur so that we can add them to our list.
Luxury pet hotel opens in Chelsea Manhattan
A new luxury hotel with double beds and flat-screen televisions is coming to New York City. However, it’s just for dogs.
D Pet Hotels is coming to West 27th street in Chelsea this month. The 10,000 square feet luxury dog hotel will offer rooms with full-size beds and flat-screen TV’s with DVD players. The hotel will also have a doggie gym with treadmills, a lounge, a spa, a retail boutique, and even chauffeur services to drive dogs around in Lamborghinis and Porsches.
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The boutique will sell products such as organic dog food, treats, luxury pet beds, bowls and carrying bags. The spa offers services such as “pawdicures” and oil treatments for dry coats. There is also a fitness service that comes with a personal trainer and a special meal prepared by a chef that includes brown rice with vegetables, lamb or chicken.
D Pet Hotels offers day care services as well as rooms for boarding that range from standard suites to “ubersuites,” which have queen-size beds, 19-foot ceilings and 42-inch TV’s for $200 a night. There are 40 standard rooms that start at $79 a night. The luxury suites, which include TV’s and DVD players, cost $110 a night. Pets can watch titles such as “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Fox and the Hound” on the TV’s.
A walk around the neighborhood costs $60 an hour and gourmet meals go for $9.
“As a New Yorker, when you go on vacation, and you stay in a fabulous hotel with fabulous services, your dog is staying in a fabulous hotel with fabulous services,” Investor Shawn Hassanzadeh explained to Digital Spy.
Another D Pet Hotel opened in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 15.
The company opened its first property in Hollywood and it turned out to be very successful.
Pet hotels are becoming increasingly popular and are getting even more ridiculous. A five-star luxury Pooch hotel, which offers dog massages, pedicures, facials, and teeth cleaning, opened in Dallas on Aug. 18.
An eight-story pet sex hotel is coming to the Brazilian city of Bello Horizonte. The rooms include heart-shaped mirrors, red cushions and dimmed lighting to set the mood for doggie love.
Cancer. For decades this one word has struck fear into the heart of anyone who has been given this diagnosis. Many believed death to be the certain outcome.
Nowadays this isn’t necessarily the case. We forget that with all of the incredible breakthroughs in science and medicine, cancer needn’t be the end. Even though they cannot speak and tell us when something is wrong, cancer can be detected and treated in dogs, and in many cases it can be cured. The success of treatment will depend on the type of cancer, the treatment used and on how early the tumour is found. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of success. Therefore, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to keep a close eye on them for signs of the disease.
There are doctors who specialise in field oncology, such as the world renowned dog cancer expert Dr Demian Dressler, whose research into the subject has brought immense comfort and hope to dog lovers the world over who have received the upsetting news about their beloved pets. His comprehensive book, “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide” covers an array of issues surrounding cancer in dogs, such as the various treatments available, the correct diet for a dog that has been diagnosed with cancer, even how to manage your emotions during your difficult time. So rest assured that a lot can be done to save the life of your pet.
So, how do you know if your dog has cancer? First of all it would be a good idea to start by taking a look at the breed of your dog. Did you know that certain breeds have a higher rate of cancers than others?
In my research I discovered the following:
Highest incidence breeds which also develop cancer at an earlier age than other dogs.
• Boxer.
• Golden Retriever
• Rottweiller
• Bernese Mountain Dog
High incidence breeds
• Boston Terrier
• English Bulldog
• Scottish Terrier
• Cocker Spaniel
Average incidence breeds:
• Irish Setter
• Schnauzer
• Labrador
• Mongrels
Relatively low incidence breeds:
• Beagle
• Poodle
• Collie
• Dachshund
It isn’t a sure-fire guarantee that these breed of dogs will develop cancer; it is just to make you aware that there is a higher probability that these breeds may develop the illness.
This isn’t an exhaustive list and there may be some variables from one breed to the next, but these are the signs that indicate your dog might have cancer:
1. Abnormal swellings or lumps that don’t reduce in size or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Loss of appetite
4. Weight loss
5. Bleeding or discharge from openings on/in the body
6. Difficulty eating or swallowing
7. Emitting foul odours (not just breaking wind)
8. Apathy, lack of interest in exercise; reluctance to move around much
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
If your dog has any of these symptoms take them over to your vet as soon as possible. Don’t immediately fear the worst as these symptoms may be signs of other illnesses too.
If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, however, it still isn’t the end of the world. The vet will discuss your various options, but remember that it is important that you do your research to satisfy yourself that the best course of action for your dog is being taken. They should know of all the specialist cancer clinics that treat dogs and so they should be able to recommend one to you if they are not able to offer treatment for the type of cancer that your dog has. Typically the treatments offered are, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery but there are other options available, such as cryotherapy. Check out our page for the addresses of some of the best veterinary practices in New York.
The key is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you possibly can so that, should the worst happen, you are able to make informed decisions about the best treatment for your beloved friend.
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Imagine the scene. It is a beautiful spring day; the sun is shining, the birds are singing and you want to enjoy a day at the park with Fido. You grab a couple of his toys and set off to your nearest park, looking forward to spending a couple hours playing a game of fetch and other fun things. Once you arrive, you unclip the leash from Fido’s collar.
“Freeeeeeeeeeeeedoooooooooooooooooooooom!!!,” Fido thinks to himself and takes off like a rocket for the other end of the park. “Fido, come back here!” you cry as you chase after him, a futile effort as your two legs are no match for his four.
The excitement of being unleashed mounts as Fido spots Fifi, the flirtatious, immaculately groomed poodle that he’d had his eye on the last time he was in the park and bounds after her. In terror, Fifi’s owner snatches her off the ground just as Fido leaps at her and knocks them both to the ground. “Fido, nooooooooooo! Come here! Fido, stop that! Bad dog!” you yell as Fido tramples all over Fifi’s owner. “Aaaaaagghh! Help! Get this maniac off me!” Fifi’s owner cries. You finally arrive and wrestle Fido off the owner and put the leash back on. You apologise profusely but Fifi’s owner is absolutely furious. She cusses you out and stomps off in the other direction, yelling something about a law suit
Does any of this sound a little familiar? Come on, tell the truth! I’ve seen incidents not too dissimilar take place when out of control dogs go on the rampage. A lot of pet owners find that their dogs tend to go a bit crazy when they are taken out of their home environment, especially when they are let off their leashes. Others have found it difficult to train their pets, period. You have done what you can to make your dog behave but your methods aren’t really working…what can you do?
There are a number of organisations in the NYC area that run dog obedience schools to help your pet understand how to behave in certain situations. Having an animal in an urban setting can present its own set of unique challenges but there are things that can be done to help your pets behave appropriately.
Some organisations offer tailor made classes for your dog, others run group sessions, some even take in the psychology of your dog and help discover if there is an emotional reason for their behaviour. But whatever the issue, there is a school somewhere in the City that can meet your needs.
Here are some of the ones that we have found. If you know of any others let us know and we will add them to the list.
A Pawsitive Dog Inc
A-1 K9 Intelligence Inc
All Dawgs Training Services
Andrea Arden Dog Training
Anthony Jerone’s School of Dog
Training
Bark Busters Home Dog Training
Bark Collar Store
Best Friend’s Dog Training
Best In Show Dog Training
Big City Dogs
Biscuits and Bath
Brooklyn Puppy Training
Canine Coaching
Cirius Kennels
Complete Canine Dog Training
David’s Dog Training
DingoGirl Dog Training &
Behavior Ctr.
Divine K9
Dog Almighty Training and Behavior
Counseling for Dogs
Dog Trainers of New York City
Dog training – Behavior
modification
Dog Training by
Bob Maida
Dog Training School NY Confident
K9 Education
Dog Walking Made Easy
Doggie Academy
Follow My Lead Dog Training
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Happy Tails Dog Behavior and
Training
Harmony Dog Training
Innovative Reality Dog Training
and Dog Behavior
Joyful Pet Training with Maggie
Wood
K9s Best Friend
New Jersey K-9
New York Dog Trainer
NY Clever K9 Inc.
PetFencesUSA
Piazza Dog School
Poochie University
Professional Dog Training by
George
RUFF Customers Dog Training
Sit n Stay Pet Services
Super Fit Fido Club
Tammy the Trainer
The Dog Guru, Inc.
Urban K-9 Dog Training
Vet Pet Supplies Online
Wag the Dog Urban Dog Training
Warsaw Dog Training Co.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/learn-train-dog-roll-pet-doctor-tricks-over-mikkel-becker-shannon-marty-becker-11519449
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Testimonial from Roberta Flack
It may surprise you to know that as many as 3 million dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year because there simply are not enough homes or shelters to house them all. The estimated number of homeless animals across America in shelters is approximately 6-8 million. The explosion in the number of cats and dogs produced each year means that even pure bred dogs are being destroyed as the supply is greatly outweighing the demand. The same issue also affects other animals such as rabbits and birds.
In order to prevent this tragedy, it is highly recommended that your pets are either spayed (female) or neutered (male).
Why should you do this?
I can imagine that a number of animal lovers would balk at the suggestion of preventing animal reproduction, but unless you are a licensed breeder producing and housing pure bred animals yourself, the addition of another animal to the already over populated market is unwise. And even if you are a licensed breeder, there are limitations as to how many generations you can breed for and other stipulations that may vary from one state to another. Spaying or neutering is the most humane, and the most responsible, thing to do.
What is involved?
With spaying, the ovaries, uterus, oviducts and cervix are removed and with neutering, the testicles, epididymis and spermatic cord are removed. Both surgeries are performed regularly and are very safe in the hands of qualified veterinarians. While these surgeries can be performed as early as 8 weeks of age, they can be done safely at any age taking the animal’s health into consideration. Spaying and neutering can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. During the procedure the cat or dog is completely anesthetized and recovery time is very quick.
Health benefits
There are many benefits to an early spaying/neutering. A female pet that is spayed before her first heat has a greatly reduced risk of developing ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer, the second most common malignancy in pets. Spaying this early will also prevent her from bleeding which can stain your carpet and furniture. In addition, she will never develop pyometra (an infection of the uterus). Pyometra can become life-threatening and require an emergency spay operation. These infections very commonly occur in older, unspayed females.
As with spaying, neutering is best done on your pet whilst young. This also greatly reduces the risk of them developing prostate, perianal, and testicular tumors and cancers.
Behavioural benefits
The most noticeable change will occur with your pet’s sexual behaviours. Sexually related behaviors of male dogs can include mounting human legs, climbing up on people, and even knocking children down and climbing on top of them. This is especially frightening and dangerous if a dog is large.
Neutering/spaying your pets will result in them becoming less aggressive, especially when they are in heat and looking for a mate. Males who have not been neutered can become especially belligerent whilst defending either a female or a territory that he believes is his. With regards to territory, this can extend for miles. Over protectiveness of family members may manifest itself by growling or nipping at visitors in your home.
If you are looking to have your animal spayed/neutered, Pet Chauffeur has a list of trusted veterinarians and animal hospitals that we have worked closely with over the years, who can give you all the help and advice you need when decided the best treatment for your pet.
If expense is a concern for you, most communities have humane shelters
and low-cost spay/neuter clinics that offer affordable services. Contact
your veterinarian or one on our list, your local shelter, or a PETsMART near you.
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Picture the scene: you’ve returned home after a long, hard day at work. You turn the key in the lock and open the door. You gasp as you survey the carnage in your front room. Your possessions are scattered about the room; a couple of plant pots lie smashed on the floor with the soil trailing off in various directions on your carpet; the stuffing has burst out of your cushions, and some of your books lie in various places with ripped pages. Your heart sinks as you think you’ve been burgled, but then you spot Fido standing sheepishly in the corner with your now well chewed shoe in his mouth. It becomes clear; while you’ve been out at work, Fido has once again been going to town tearing up your house. If this sounds like the story of your life, dog day care facilities have been created with you in mind!
These facilities work just like day care for human babies. You drop your dog off in the morning on the way to work, and while you slave away, your pampered pooch is kept out of mischief! Depending on both your dog’s activity level and the curriculum set out by the day care owners, your pooch may enjoy his day by playing with other dogs inside or outside, or he may be the type to while away the hours perched on a couch, getting loving attention. Many dog day care facilities can also board your pets to ensure that they are kept happy and healthy when you are either working long hours or are out of town. You can rest assured that your pet will be in the care of people who love animals as much as you do.
The number of dogs at these facilities varies and some cater for dogs of a particular size. Trained staff keep the dogs busy with a range of activities, happily munching snacks, or even watching movies made just for the entertainment of dogs. Staff is often trained to deal with any outbreaks of aggression that might result, and have an account with a local veterinarian should an emergency arise.
Whether it’s for a few hours or the entire working day, you will never have to leave your dog home alone. Instead they will be entertained and fussed over until you are ready to collect a tired, happy dog. There are a number of dog day care facilities in Manhattan that cater for the busy individuals who would have to leave their dogs at home. Check them out and find the one that is best for your dog.
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