Planet Pet previously known at Green Pets

2011-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

We have moved to Planet Pet in Adams Morgan at 1711 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC, (corner of Florida and Champlain, across from Mint)

www.loveplanetpet.com

about us

Daycare and Cageless Boarding

Planet Pet is the largest cageless day care and boarding facility in the metro DC area. We have “The Best” dog handlers who love our dogs and care about their health and wellbeing.

Mission Statement
To enhance the quality of life for dogs while relieving the anxiety of their owners by providing a safe, fun, loving, and stimulating environment for the dogs to stay both day and night.

Planet Pet knows the demands of the every day world. We know that those long workdays and business trips are difficult on dog owners...and their dogs. As much as you love your dog and want to be together, there are days (and nights) when that's not possible. We're here to help!

We have had the same employees since 1999.

We offer:

24-hour-a-day human and canine companionship in a cageless environment.
Loving, dedicated, and certified dog handlers.
A safe indoor play area.
Drop off or pick up your dog almost any time.
Freedom from guilt about leaving your dog at home alone or in a cage.
Physical and mental stimulation for your dog in a safe and healthy environment.
No more chewing on the furniture, you’re shoes, or your carpeting.
A tired, thoroughly exercised, very happy puppy.

Retail Store and Knowledgeable Staff

We are Washington D.C.'s favorite all-natural pet food and supply store.

Come into Planet Pet to stock up on treats that are healthy for your pet and add to their well-being and good nutrition. It is so tempting to give your dog just a little extra from the table. Resist the urge to give them food that can cause problems, and instead keep the treat jar filled with a variety of yummy snacks you can feel good about sharing.

Ask our Knowledable staff for info on products and suggestions.

Treat Envy

2008-12-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

In today's Washington Post an article posited that "Dogs Feel Envy -- or at Least Grasp Inequity When It Comes to Treats." The study found that dogs that watched another dog get a reward for following a command would start to hesitate, get upset and act frustrated if they were not rewarded for the same behavior. But you knew that, right?!

Come into GreenPets to stock up on treats that are healthy for your pet and adds to their well-being and good nutrition. It is so tempting to give your dog just a little extra from the table over the holidays. resist the urge to give them food that can cause problems, keep the treat jar filled with a variety of yummy snacks you can feel good about sharing.

More Treats Please!

2008-12-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

We've been so happy with the Dogswell line of treats that we have expanded our offerings. Come get some delicious and nutritious treats for your canine companions!

No More Stains

2008-12-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

We've just received a new shipment of Angel Eyes, a customer favorite here at GreenPets. Angel Eyes is a product for both dogs & cats that eliminates tearstains without the use of dyes. Read more about this useful product here. And look for the Angel Eyes display in the front of the store.

Petsicles?

2008-12-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

If cryogenic science is perfected, it promises a future where humans can travel to the future just by freezing themselves. But cryogenics entrepreneurs have more mundane ideas for bringing freezy suspended animation into everyday life. Scenario Land imagines that someday home cryogenics products could perform important tasks like freezing your pets for easier travel.

John Heylin, a future blogger at Scenario Land, envisioned the Cryotranz pet carrier, which would give pet owners the ability to place their furry loved one in suspended animation so they won’t have to endure the trauma of travel:

Although the operation of such a device may seem rather daunting, Cryotranz™ hopes that by combining their newest cryo-breakthroughs with eye-appealing design that cryonics will move past the image the industry has of just freezing the heads of the rich and break into the mass consumer world.

Although you're meant to take cryo-kitty with you in the car or on a plane, it’s not a huge leap to imagine how people might use cryogenic devices to try to ship animals through the mail. Or, as one commenter pointed out, how small children might try to use it to freeze their young siblings.

Britain's Biggest Loser!

2008-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Eight of Britain's fattest pets are to embark on a 100-day diet and fitness regime in a bid to crowned this year's pet fit club champion.

The seven dogs and one cat, who are all more than 30 percent overweight and weigh a combined total of 421 lbs, were picked by veterinary charity PDSA who are running the slimming contest.

The animals, who need to lose a total of 163 lbs to reach their ideal weight, will be put on specially tailored diet and exercise programs.

The pet who achieves the biggest percentage weight loss and best follows their new regime will be crowned champion, winning their owner a pet-friendly holiday.

PDSA statistics show around 30 percent of Britain's dogs are overweight or obese, amounting to around 1.95 million fat dogs.

"Alongside their daily portions of pet food, owners often show their affection by giving unhealthy human treats such as cheese, buttered toast and biscuits. They don't realize they are actually killing their pets with kindness," said Sean Wensley, a veterinary surgeon at PDSA.

Exotic Pet Amnesty in Florida

2008-11-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

Faced with growing reports of exotic snakes and reptiles roaming the wilds of Florida and competing with native animals, state wildlife officials have made it easier for exotic pet owners to give up pets they no longer want.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted one of its "pet amnesty days" on Saturday at the Jacksonville Zoo.

Though "pet amnesty days", the commission hopes to stem the number of animals being "set free" to roam.

Even though it's illegal to turn exotic animals loose, boa constrictors, monitor lizards and the like are often reported. More than 130 species have established reproducing populations in the state.

On pet amnesty days, owners can surrender the exotic pets for free, with no questions asked. According to a commission news release, the animals will be examined by a licensed veterinarian, and, if they're healthy, the state will try to place them with qualified owners.

Question of the Week- Multi Vitamins

2008-11-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

Many of us take a daily multivitamin to insure we receive a base amount of important vitamins and minerals. The typical American diet does not provide a well-balanced source of these nutrients for most people, so we take supplements as “insurance”. Much of the vitamins and minerals in packaged dog and cat foods are destroyed during the processing of both dry and canned food. Even when added back in after the cooking or extruding processes, the vitamins and minerals break down rapidly when exposed to light and air. The first bowl of kibble from a bag may contain most of what the label claims, but each time the bag or container is opened, the nutrients are affected. It is difficult to know how much, if any of the vitamins are left by the last portions from the bag.

Even the best diet for our dogs and cats of fresh raw foods can be lacking in some essential vitamins and minerals. Many whole food sources no longer contain the high vitamin content they have in the past due to depleted soils and modern farming practices. This is why a basic vitamin and mineral supplement is a good investment for most of our companions. Think of it as health insurance – making sure the body has everything it needs for proper cell function and health maintenance will keep your companion healthier, possibly reducing your veterinarian visits and costs in the long run.

As with any other supplement, all multi-vitamins are not created equal. And not every dog or cat needs the full dosage suggested on the label. While supplementing for “insurance” is helpful, too much of a good thing can be harmful. If you are feeding a fresh food that is professionally formulated, then your companion does not likely need the full dose of a daily vitamin; half would likely suffice.

Ideally, vitamin supplements should be rotated. Just like rotation and variety in the diet is important for complete and balanced nutrition, rotating vitamin supplements can provide greater balance through a wider assortment of vitamin and mineral “sources”. You can rotate from one bottle to the next or even from one day to the next. I sometimes use a multivitamin one day and a “greens” supplement another day. I like having Ark Naturals Nu-Pet Chewable Tabs, Nupro , and Solid Gold Seameal on hand. At any given time I keep 3 or 4 different supplements around to rotate in my dog, Star's diet. There is no hard and fast rule.

You know your dog or cat best, so watch them closely and notice when they seem livelier or more sluggish, or their eyes are brighter or their coat a bit more shiny or dull, and adjust your supplement regime to meet their needs.

Amino acids deserve a special mention here. Some amino acids are required in the diet, while some are produced by the body. A healthy, well-rounded diet will provide all the essential amino acids required from food, except for the amino acid taurine required by cats. Commercial cat foods are almost all supplemented with this essential amino acid, but if you are making part or all of your feline friend’s meals at home, then be sure to add taurine to their diet. This can be accomplished with a good multi-vitamin made for cats such as Halo's Mineral Mix or by including mackerel, clams or raw hearts (beef, lamb, chicken or turkey) in the diet. Taurine is destroyed by heat, however, so be sure these are fed raw or the supplement is added to food after it has been cooked.

Foster & Rescue Discount Program at GreenPets

2008-11-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Are you with a pet rescue organizations or currently have pets you are fostering?

GreenPets gives discounts to organizations and volunteers like you who help pets that are awaiting permanent homes. Thank you for all your hard work!

15% off a case of food

15% off two or more large bags of dog food (20+ lbs.)

20% off toys and supplies

20% off accoutrements (leashes, collars, beds, crates)

Why Bring Your Cat to the Groomer?

2008-11-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

1. Eliminates dander (which can cause allergic reactions in people)

2. Reduces hairballs

3. Less shedding

We can groom your cat and clip its nails.

Call to make an appointment! (202) 986-7907

by Wendy-Jon Campos, Groomer

Dog-Based Robots Helping Handicapped

2008-11-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Service dogs, invaluable companions providing assistance to physically impaired individuals, are an elite and desired breed. Their presence in a home can make everyday tasks that are difficult - if not impossible - achievable, enhancing the quality of life for the disabled.

Yet with a cost averaging $16,000 per dog – not to mention the two years of training required to hone these skills – the demand for these canines’ exceeds their availability.

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have engineered a biologically inspired robot that mirrors the actions of sought-after service dogs. Users verbally command the robot to complete a task and the robot responds once a basic laser pointer illuminates the location of the desired action.

For instance, if a person needs an item fetched, that individual would normally command a service dog to do so and then gesture with their hands toward the location. The service robot mimics the process, with the hand gesture replaced by aiming the laser pointer at the desired item.

Employing this technology, users can accomplish basic yet challenging missions such as opening doors, drawers and retrieving medication.

“It’s a road to get robots out there helping people sooner,” said Professor Charlie Kemp, Georgia Tech Department of Biomedical Engineering. “Service dogs have a great history of helping people, but there’s a multi-year waiting list. It’s a very expensive thing to have. We think robots will eventually help to meet those needs.”

Question of the Week : Digestive Enzymes- Necessary or not??

2008-11-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

We have a lot of clients who come in with new kittens and puppies looking to load up on supplies for the new arrival. The basics are easy; leash, collar, toys, bowls, and treats. The next question is about which food will be the best, and the last question is always: "is there anything else I'm missing?"

It is sometimes difficult to explain why supplements are a good idea for healthy animals. We are a culture so unaccustomed to preventative care that most people just say, oh when it becomes a problem, I'll deal with it then. I haven't figured out why this is exactly, but it does seem we are a lot less inclined to have this attitude with our animals than ourselves, thankfully.

There are three basics that I recommend for healthy animals. Digestive Enzymes, essential fatty acids, and multivitamins. I will talk about digestive enzymes today and will cover the other two in upcoming blogs.

First, let's start with some basic information about digestion:

When food is not properly broken down before reaching the large intestine, particles that are too large for the body to process are absorbed into the bloodstream, setting off an immune response that can lead to inflammation, allergies and chronic health problems. Nature’s way of preventing this was to endow every vegetable, fruit and animal food source with thousands of enzymes that help break it down.

The problem is this; even the very best dry foods available today are processed with heat, and heat kills these valuable enzymes. Some foods add enzymes after the heating process in an attempt to offset this depletion, but in most cases, this is not enough. And if you have a dog or cat that is genetically predisposed to a sensitive stomach, then you will know very quickly just how much they end up suffering. The ingredients in the foods you feed can be as gentle and simple as possible, but if your animal isn't getting enough enzymes to aid in natural digestion, there will be problems.

More importantly, improving digestion and utilization of nutrients can help to prevent and eliminate a host of diet related problems such as eating stools, body odor, excessive shedding, flatulence and itchy skin. At the end of the day, digestive enzyme supplements are a crucial part of improving digestion and gastrointestinal health. This is why products such as Ark Naturals Gentle Digest, and Eagle Pack's Holistic Transition or Solution, should be on the top of your must have list.

End Dog-Racing in Massachusetts

2008-11-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

This year at the polls, a ballot proposition in Massachusetts seeks to end dog racing in the commonwealth. If you live in Massachusetts, vote YES on Question 3.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

Come to GreenPets to experience Nature's Miracle!

2008-10-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you live with a cat, what's the most important thing to your mutual quality of life?

Yup; the quality of your cat's litter.

That's why GreenPets carries Nature's Miracle brand odor control cat litter, with its numerous advantages!

Take a look at all the joy's of Nature's Miracle below, and you'll probably come to GreenPets to get some for your cat TODAY!

Non-clumping formula that is easy to clean and dispose of.
Fresh pine scent.
Works great with automated litter boxes.
Lightweight formula that weighs half the weight of clay litter is easy to carry, pour, and dispose of.
99% dust-free.
Safe, completely biodegradable formula.
Also great for newly declawed kittens/cats who can begin using immediately.
Good for multi-cat households or with sick cats.
Triple Action Odor Control system continually insures the freshest environment.
Uniquely blended natural formula with superior clumping quality.
Natural corn cob granules immediately absorb 2X the volume of traditional clay litter.
Activates when wet to entrap, neutralize, and destroy tough odors.
Pine fragrance with natural enzymes act continually to deliver a long lasting scent.

Question of the Week- Hip and Joint Health

2008-10-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

The results of the poll are in, so the Question of the Week answers the question: "What issues would you like more information about concerning your pets health? " The result was Hip and Joint issues.

This was not a surprising outcome to the poll; GreenPets staff gets questions everyday about hip and joint health for both dogs and cats of all ages.

There are a few things I would like to discuss first, mostly because there is an important difference in natural vs. conventional treatments of hip and joint pain. Usually people come into GreenPets and tell us that they have been on a prescribed medicine recommended by their vet and are looking to put their companions on something more natural. It still amazes me that people are not aware of some of the long term effects of prescription medications on the health of their animals. We know that if we, as humans, are on certain prescription medications for long periods of time, our body suffers in other ares.. why is it a surprise that this is also a truth for our animals?

Most of the prescribed medicines are NSAIDS- which stands for nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These drugs block the production of prostaglandins- which are a group of chemicals produced by cells in the body responsible for inflammation, pain and fever. Blocking these symptoms does seem like one way to go, but prostaglandins are also responsible for protecting the stomach lining against acids, and are necessary for clotting of the blood. Any prolonged use of these drugs could have hazardous effects on the health of your animal that most drugs will be unable to help later down the road. Ulcers, kidney and liver failure, and nervous system abnormalities are all side effects of these types of drugs.

The key factor in this information is that whenever you are only treating symptoms, you are refusing to look at a solution to the problem from a holistic point of view. Block one problem, cause another. GreenPets has a firm belief that it does not have to be that way.

Natural treatments supply the body with building blocks to joint health. Glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid would all be produced naturally in a healthy body. By supplying an animal with these basics, the body repairs itself naturally and there are no side effects. There are a number of different herbs that can also be supplemented that will help promote different anti-inflammatory properties and provide anti-oxidants responsible for cell formations and healthy circulation. Keeping your animals body healthy and performing as it would naturally is the best way to ensure the long happy, pain-free life of your pet.

GreenPets carries several different treatments for hips and joints, they can come in the form of powder, treats, liquids and pills. We are constantly researching the best products and we keep a variety in the store because like anything else, certain animals will react differently to different treatments than others.

Here are just a few of our favorites- recommended usually by our own clients and their results.
Ark Naturals has a wide range of products including Sea Mobility treats, and the popular Joint Rescue pills. Vet Best is another product with a very strong glucosamine supplement. Look for their Aches and Pains supplement as well. Dogswell makes a jerky treat called Happy Hips that we cannot keep on our shelves. Also, most of these products have added herbs to the product which help keep joints lubricated and have natural anti-inflammatory properties such as Yucca, Cayenne, Devils Claw and Vitamin C.

As with any holistic approach to health care, keeping an open mind and knowing that rotation is key will make sure you are giving your animal the best method of pain prevention possible.

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Dog

2008-10-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Get Western Timothy at GreenPets!

2008-10-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

If you have a small herbivore, like a hampster, for a pet, then you know they need hay to chow down on; that's why we carry it for you at GreenPets!

For small mammal pets, we have Oxbow brand products, like Western Timothy hay. Western Timothy grass hay with high-fiber, low-protein and low-calcium content, helps keep the gastrointestinal tract of rabbits and small herbivores functioning properly.

Western Timothy hay will help prevent obesity, maintain a healthy urinary system and improve overall health. A high-fiber diet will also lower the incidence of soft stools, intestinal gas and bloating. Timothy hay is the most widely recommended hay by veterinarians for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other herbivores. Its fresh fragrance encourages consumption.

Hay is absolutely vital to the health of small herbivores. It provides not only nutrition, but environmental enrichment that mimics the animal's natural habitat. Western Timothy provides a long-strand fiber source that is needed to improve the digestive and intestinal function by stimulating the digestive system.

Feeding animals free-choice hay promotes a natural chewing behavior and helps prevent molar spurs and other teeth problems so common in these small herbivores.

Buy hay while the sun shines at GreenPets!

"Jane! Stop this crazy thing!"

2008-10-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe your dog is getting a little chubby from eating all those treats. Or maybe the weather -- too hot, too cold, too snowy, too stormy -- makes it difficult to get him out for exercise.

Whatever the cause, DogTred may be the solution. It's a little doggie treadmill sized for the canine physique. Krista Wickens, head of PetZen in Utah, which developed the product, says DogTred is not for lazy humans. While you don't actually get on the treadmill with him, you can't just tie him to the equipment and go about your business.

There is a training process in which you guide him with a leash and interact with the dog, offering bait to get him going. And for safety's sake, you always have to be present while the dog takes his stroll.

DogTred -- adjustable in half-mile increments up to 5 m.p.h. -- tilts for easy storage.

The current model costs $499 and is good for dogs up to 30 pounds.

Political Dog Biscuits at GreenPets!

2008-10-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

As a Washingtonian, you surely know that our local industry -- national politics -- is a dog-eat-dog world.

Well, GreenPets can help you make the most of it with Capitol Dog Bakery brand Political Dog Biscuits!

The shape is good for your political soul and the contents are good for pet's health!

Ingredients:
(ALL of the ingredients are certified organic)

Stone-ground Organic Rye Flour, Stone-ground Organic Barley Flour, Unsalted Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Honey, Organic Flax Seeds

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein (min.) 11%, Crude Fat (min.) 5%, Crude Fat (max.) 8%, Crude Fiber (max.) 2%, Moisture (max.) 9%

Think the country's going to the dog because of political parties? Turn the tables on them, and send the political parties to the dogs (or, at least, your dog's stomach!).

The Intelligence of Dogs

2008-10-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Dogs may actually be far more intelligent than we think. Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia and a best-selling author of books on dogs, including The Intelligence of Dogs (Free Press), thinks so. He says that dogs display intelligence in a variety of ways -- reading social cues, learning new tasks, understanding language, solving problems and more. He even argues that you can measure your dog's smarts.

Other experts agree with Coren that there can be a canine equivalent of the IQ test.

"You might be very good verbally and weaker at math and someone else might be good at music but not at logic. Dogs are no different in so far as they share some of our domains," says Jean Donaldson, author of Oh, Behave!: Dogs from Pavlov to Premack to Pinker (2008) and director of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's Academy for Dog Trainers. "One dog may be good at problem solving and another may be a quick study at learning new tasks."

Here are some simple tests, suggested by various experts, that you can give your furry friend to find out if its brain is sharper than its bark:

Problem Solving

Donaldson suggests that you hide something your dog loves -- a toy or ball or biscuit -- underneath a sofa, and see if it can figure out how to retrieve the object. She says dogs may go through several strategies, including digging with paws or using snouts.

Score Five points for getting the item with its paws in less than 30 seconds; four points if it uses paws and takes more than 30 seconds; three if it uses paws but fails; two if it uses its head but doesn’t try paws, and one point for dogs that try to use their head but then give up. It gets no points if it does nothing.

Learning Rate

How many times do you have to repeat a task with your dog before your pal masters it? Donaldson recommends a test involving detour taking. You need a fence that your dog can see through with a gate open at one end. With you on the other side of the fence, call your dog and see whether it can figure out how to get around to the other side.

Score Five points if it goes around the fence in a minute or less; four points if it succeeds right away after you take a few steps in that direction and gesture; three if it succeeds in 30 seconds after the prompts; two if it succeeds between 30-60 seconds after prompts, and one if it succeeds but requires even more prompting and time than that.

Social Cues

Coren developed the "smile" test for an Australian TV program to see how smart your dog is at picking up social cues from humans. Start with your pet sitting a few yards away from you. Stare at your pet's face. Once you make eye contact, count to three and then smile very broadly.

Score Five points for coming to you with its tail wagging; four points for coming part way; three points for standing or rising; two points for moving, and one if your doggie dunce pays no attention at all.

Inference Challenge

A canine version of the shell game. With your dog on a leash or in the stay position, use treats and two different bowls set a few feet apart, Donaldson says. Smear the treat on both bowls. Then very dramatically put the treat underneath one bowl. Release your pet and see what happens. Repeat this 10 times changing which bowl you put the treat under. Repeat another 10 times without letting your dog see where you're stashing the treat, but DO let the pup see you enthusiastically lift the other bowl up each time.

Score Five points if the dog goes to the correct bowl and gets the treat each time; four points if it masters the first 10 and improves over the course of the second 10; three if the first set is perfect but not the second set; two if the dog improves during the first and second rounds, and one if the dog is initially not very good but improves over the first round and completes the second round by going to the bowl you lifted.

Language Comprehension

Coren developed this test to determine how well your dog understands what you are saying. Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Using the tone of voice you use to call your dog's name, call "refrigerator." Try this again, calling "movies."

Score Five points if the dog doesn't respond to those words but comes after you call its name; four points if the dog comes the second time you call its name; three if the dog starts to come; two if the dog comes to "movies" but not "refrigerator,” and one if the dog simply doesn't come to any of the calls.

Your Dog's Score

Gifted and Talented (25-31) Consider your dog brilliant and then…watch out! Smarter dogs are often harder to live with because as soon as you teach them new skills, they try to get around following your orders. You may also inadvertently teach them bad behaviors.

Clever Canine (18-25) On the higher end of the intellectual spectrum, these are good listeners who will likely perform tricks well at parties or in obedience class.

Sharp, But Slow (10-18) You will find them trainable -- even if it takes numerous repetitions to master a skill.

Doggie Dropout (Less than 10) Let's hope that you selected your pet for its beauty as opposed to its brains, but since anyone can have an off day, give your furry pal a good pat on the head, and maybe try the tests again at a later date.

Question of The Week

2008-10-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

For the past several years I have wanted a place where I could talk about, discuss or answer all of the questions we get from our customers. The questions cover a wide range of topics from nutrition and supplements to training and funny stories. The great part about having a place to post these questions and stories is that the answer never relates to only one person or issue. You can now look forward to this weekly Question of the Week post and hopefully will find it useful.

Here's last weeks question.

"My 10 year old Maine Coon cat has been ( increasingly over the last two weeks ) licking photographs. He pulls photos out of drawers to do this, even! Any ideas? Is he deficient in some sort of vitamin, or is he simply getting weird? "

While I understand the inclination to believe that our animals develop strange habits, ( or act out intentionally to drive us crazy ) that is rarely the case. I did a little digging around to find out what exactly a cat may find attractive on a photograph and discovered some interesting facts. First, it turns out that there a lot of cats out there that do this. They also have been known to eat and lick tape, wires ( so not safe! ) wood, and ceramic tiles. This normally is observed in kittens and young cats. Not so unlike dogs, it is usually a teething issue, or boredom.

I figured that since this cat is 10 years old though, it may have to do with the fact that there is a chemical called hydoquinone that is used to keep pictures from oxidizing over the years. Most cats become deficient in anti-oxidants as they age. (Also why you may find your cats licking the moisturizers that keep your skin looking young!)

A simple way to check if this is the problem is to increase the anti-oxidant/vitamin intake in your cats diet. GreenPets carries a product from Ark Naturals called Nu-Pet Feline Granular Greens. Loaded with powerful antioxidants and essential vitamins not found in a cats diet alone, it is a supplement that should be used in any aging cats meal.

Keep in mind that there could be several different factors that contribute to a cat's desire for photo licking, but starting with something simple and safe, like adding a vitamin supplement is certainly a good place to start.

TropiClean: the BioDegradable Product Bottle!

2008-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

You probably already know that the TropiClean pet bathing products that GreenPets sells are natural formulas with therapeutic extracts for the health and care of your pet's skin and coat. That's why they're so popular with our customers!

But did you also know that TropiClean is committed to environment-friendliness in its products and packaging as well?

Yes, that's why TropicClean bottles are 100% biodegradable! In fact, they are the only pet shampoo bottles that are. The bottle and sleeve are completely degradable within 180 days in a commercial compost landfill. Amazing!

As long as you're devoted to keeping your pet clean, why not keep the planet clean at the same time? Buy TropiClean petcare products at GreenPets!

Canine Chorus Lauds Dog Hero

2008-10-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

Canine crooners have auditioned to take part in a special choir which will pay musical tribute to legendary dog hero Swansea Jack.

The black retriever became a local hero in the Swansea area of England in the 1930s for rescuing drowning swimmers from Swansea's docks. Born in 1930 Swansea Jack hit the headlines the following year when he rescued a swimmer from the docks.

Legend has it that he went on to save 27 people from drowning over seven years. In 1936 he was named the 'Bravest Dog of the Year' by the London Star newspaper and was awarded two bronze medals by the National Canine Defence League. A monument paid for by public subscription stands on Swansea promenade .

Once formed, the canine choir will create and and perform a new song in celebration of the hero. 'A Song For Jack' will also be transcribed.

Judges auditioned dogs at Swansea's National Waterfront Museum. The dogs which auditioned all start singing after hearing a piece of music or a direct command.

Grace Davies who helped to organize the auditions said they had seen some "cracking diva dogs".

"It has been loads of fun," she added.

The project is the brainchild of Cardiff-based artist Richard Higlett who said the canine choir will perform a special concert outside the National Waterfront Museum with accompaniment from local musicians.

"Dogs sing together instinctively as part of a pack, their sense of community," he said.

Pet Naturals Soft Chews now at GreenPets!

2008-09-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Have you tried one of GreenPets' favorite new products, Pet Naturals brand Soft Chews?

They are ingenious; they combine pet supplements with chew treats for your pet! They are an excellent alternative to powders, pills, and potions.

Not only is the food element of Pet Naturals Soft Chews good for your pet, they come in a wide variety of supplement styles. We're carrying:

Hip & Joint helps support joint structure, function, and flexibility.

Calming is for anxiety with separation or travel, or just basic "nervous little dog" syndrome.

Don't just treat your dog; treat your dog or cat right, with Pet Naturals Soft Chews from GreenPets.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2008-09-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

If you love dogs and like fast cars, you might enjoy "The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein (Harper, $23.95). The book is written from the dog's perspective, and Enzo is not your ordinary Labrador retriever. He is smart, appreciative, perceptive, insightful and an independent thinker who can be cunning when necessary.

Enzo is not sure of his lineage. Although he never knew his father, he believes he was a terrier, a breed known for being a problem solver. His mother was "not supportive,” Enzo writes. "I was called the pick of the litter. I like to think I came from a determined gene pool.”

As a pup, Enzo was rescued from a litter by Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Enzo learns all about his master's career and occasionally rides with Denny, basking in the thrill of careening around a track at breakneck speed.

Enzo watches and listens as Denny falls in love with Eve and feels a twinge of jealousy. But Enzo is for anything that makes Denny happy and welcomes the birth of their daughter, Zoe, and even shows his protective nature toward her.

The racing theme permeates the novel, always told through Enzo's eyes.

Stella & Cheweys at GreenPets!

2008-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Have you (or, more accurately, your dog) tried one of GreenPets newest products, the Stella & Chewey's line of farm-fresh food?atural, raw, frozen-fresh and freeze-dried petfood, made exclusively from human-grade free-range meats, ground bones, and fresh organic vegetables.

The good folks at Stella & Chewy’s believe that all pets deserve to thrive on real, raw food — the way nature intended. Their products combine free-range meats, with no hormones or antibiotics, and the freshest farm-grown ingredients, organic where possible. Their food is uniquely formulated to strengthen your pet’s immune system and add healthy years to your pet’s life.

Stella & Chewy’s is also free from grains, which means it can help with weight loss, is excellent for dogs with allergies, and helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup on canine teeth.All of their products are formulated with a panel of animal nutritionists and veterinarians; all food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages. It's free of hormones and antibiotics, with its natural enzymes and amino acids preserved. Stella & Chewey's is just the kind of product our customers have come to expect from GreenPets: healthy, natural, and delicious for pets!

Pet Naming

2008-09-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Looking for an unusual name for your new pet? Wondering what pet names are most popular?

Try a visit to
Bow Wow Meow is an on-line compendium of pets names, their popularity, and their meaning and tips for things to consider when naming your pet.

Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits at GreenPets!

2008-09-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

While you're giving a treat to your dog, why not give back to the environment?

You can do that at GreenPets by purchasing Cloud Star brand Buddy Biscuits.

They donate a percentage of their profits to the preservation of the environment. They're also affiliated with American Forests' Re Leaf Program.

Cloud Star supports humane education programs throughout the United States in addition to donating a portion of profits to our furry friends in the animal shelters. Cloud Star is dedicated to preserving the environment that belongs to all of our animal and human friends. Recycled products and soy-based inks are used whenever possible.

And just look at their health and yummy treats! You, your dog, and your planet deserve Buddy Biscuits!

Molasses Madness
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour, rolled oats, blackstrap molasses, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 7.0%
crude fat (min): 5.0%
crude fiber (max): 1.0%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Bacon & Cheese Madness
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour, cheese, bacon, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 15.0%
crude fat (min): 6.5%
crude fiber (max): 3.0%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Roasted Chicken Madness
Ingredients:
Unbleached white flour, whole wheat flour, cooked chicken, dehydrated garlic, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 14.0%
crude fat (min): 7.0%
crude fiber (max): 2.5%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Peanut Butter Madness
Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour, peanut butter, vegetable oil, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 15.0%
crude fat (min): 6.5%
crude fiber (max): 3.0%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Veggie Madness
Ingredients:
Oat flour, barley flour, dried potatoes, ground oat hulls, canola oil, carrots, spinach, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 8.0%
crude fat (min): 6.0%
crude fiber (max): 6.0%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Sweet Potato Madness
Ingredients:
Oat flour, barley flour, dried potatoes, ground oat hulls, canola oil, sweet potatoes, mixed tocopherols (natural preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis:
crude protein (min): 8.0%
crude fat (min): 6.0%
crude fiber (max): 6.0%
moisture (max): 10.0%

Saudi Dog Taboo

2008-09-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Saudi Arabia Religious Police has prohibited the sale of cats and dogs and their public exposure, stating as reason men's frequent use of household pets for making open advances to women.

The Chair of the Commission for Vice Prevention stated before the media that the measure was in accordance with the old religious law and is now in full effect.

The prohibition follows the last month decision of the Saudi Prince Satam Ibn Abdul Aziz, which has been accepted by the Vice Prevention Commission.

The Commission's Chair had not cited any other reasons for the prohibition of the household pets in his country except their use by Saudi men to court women.

Simple Solutions Natural Pads at GreenPets!

2008-09-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Need some sort of puppy pad for you dog to "go on" to save your nose, your rugs, and your sanity?

Naturally, GreenPets has the answer: Simple Solution brand "Natural Pads", a bio-degradable 'pee pad' for your pet!

Bio–degrades faster than an orange peel! All components including the package are 100% bio-degradable, compostable and free of petroleum-based materials.

The top sheet is made of a natural, cellulose fiber from trees.
The absorbent core is comprised of tree pulp.
The bottom sheet, which is typically plastic, is a bio-degradable film.

Best of all, the pads are not just environment-friendly, but perform high in quality and absorbency.

As long as your dog's doing what comes naturally in answering nature's call, you should give that call a nature response: Simple Solution Natural Pads, from GreenPets.

Exploring DoggySpace

2008-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Now more and more, social networking sites that target pet lovers are appearing on the scene. The latest is Doggyspace, which launched in July.

According to a recent AP article, people are signing up on pet-oriented sites to "get help and support on specific issues that go beyond traditional message boards." In the last month, Doggyspace has attracted more than 3,000 registered users — of which nearly 80 percent are female according to Levi Thornton, founder of the Virginia-based company. The new site's fans currently include everyone from early adopter "dog-fanatics" to stay-at-home moms to tweens and teens. Thornton predicts that Doggyspace will have racked up more than two million accounts by the end of this year.

Neem Protect Products at GreenPets!

2008-09-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

What's your dog's worst natural enemy?

In the summer, it's fleas. That's why GreenPets carries for you

Ark Naturals brand Neem Bug Free Shampoo and Protect Spray
a safe, all-natural flea removal shampoo for dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, and other small mammal pets.

Neem Protect Shampoo provides a safe, effective natural alternative to synthetic pesticides for controlling fleas and other blood sucking insects that infest your pets. Neem Protect Shampoo is a gentle, non-drying formulation that releases fleas from the skin and coat, and kills them.

It is also an effective shampoo for cleaning dirt, oil, and sebum from all types of dog and cat coats. It kills adult fleas and flea larvae. Neem Protect Shampoo should be used in conjunction with Neem Protect Repellent. These two products work together synergistically, and we have them both for sale at GreenPets.

Buy right, wash right, and don't let the dog bugs bite!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-08-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

Ali Hillis, Your Dog's Favorite Actress

2008-08-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Ali Hillis knows how to pamper her pooches. The actress refers to her two Boxers as “no less than children” and says she even has climate control in the back of her vehicle so her pets can experience the same luxury she enjoys. She seems to have an affinity for dogs when it comes to her on-screen life as well. Hillis appeared opposite Diane Lane in the 2005 comedy “Must Love Dogs,” and can next be seen in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” this fall.

While the canine-centric film is sure to produce some laughs, Hillis finds that her own dogs bring the most amusement to her life. “I’ve had dogs since I was four,” she says. “I’m a big dog fan. I think they add so much happiness and so much laughter to your life.”

Hillis explains that she also spends a great deal of time rescuing animals. In fact, one of her Boxers, Cooper, is a rescued dog. “You see the hurt and you see the pain,” she says. “If you have some sense of compassion, there is no way you can walk away.”

While Hillis may be happy to gush about her work with animals, she seems quite modest about her impressive acting credentials. This seasoned actress has graced the screen with the likes of Ben Stiller, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Lee Curtis, just to name a few. “I’ve been very lucky to have worked with so many of these actors,” she says. “I never thought I’d end up working with actors of this caliber. I’ve found everyone I’ve worked with to be so real and sincere and welcoming.”

Hillis describes Diane Lane as “warm and sincere” and remembers Robert Downey, Jr. for his “killer dry wit.” She is also quick to discuss the generosity of Jamie Lee Curtis. “She tends to treat everyone to free coffee at Starbucks,” Hillis says. “She’s so generous. She’s always taking care of the crew and the actors.”

ZiwiPeak at GreenPets!

2008-08-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

GreenPets is proud to announce that we now carry

ZiwiPeak, Natural New Zealand Pet Nutrition.

ZiwiPeak products are formulated on the same balance of meat ingredients, that cats and dogs would find by hunting in the wilderness.

Reward your pet with the nutritional excellence of all ZiwiPeak's 'MEAT' pet food products that they'll love the taste of - and are truly healthy for them.

Healthy balanced meat pet food diet containing all essential vitamins and minerals are found in our Cuisine food range for Cats and Dogs.
All natural ingredients, ranch raised from New Zealand, free of antibiotics and hormones.
No colors, salt, sugar, chemicals, artificial preservatives fillers or grains.
Gently air-dried, ZiwiPeak pet food maintains the nutritional integrity of natural raw materials.

Come to GreenPets and get some ZiwiPeak for your pet; they'll be happy you did!

Why They Roll

2008-08-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and for a treat you take your dog out for a hike in the woods.

He or she is ecstatic and races off, nose to the ground. Soon you hear the dog crashing through the undergrowth on his way back, but even before you see him, you can smell him! He comes back with his head and shoulders coated with a disgusting, sticky substance that would turn off a vulture. And, to top it off, it's obvious he is mightily pleased with himself since he has a big, lolling grin on his face. What's happening here and how should you react?

Since we can't actually ask the dog, we theorize. One theory harks back to wolf pack hunting behavior - dogs (wolves) roll in the dead carcasses or feces of dead animals to mask their own wolf-type odor, which makes stalking their prey easier. Other behaviorists believe it communicates to the "pack" (in this case we are the pack) what they have found, kind of like a bee bringing back honey. Another theory is that it is doggy perfume that makes him or her more attractive to other dogs.

Some think that the rolling behavior and smell are a method to decrease and repel external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Regardless of which theory you believe, all behaviorists concur that it is normal dog behavior, so the dog isn't trying to be "bad" when he presents himself all gooey and reeking. He's just trying to make a good impression. Well, he certainly does make an impression!

Some dogs never roll, and some always do. All of my many dogs made it a point to seek out whatever disgusting thing was out there and come back wagging their tails, smiling and coated with it. I have had many clients tell me that their dogs would never do that. There isn't much you can do except keep your dog on a leash when hiking, or if that isn't your style, then have some good dog shampoo and rubber gloves handy when you get home (nose plugs might help, too)!

Publicity Hound

2008-08-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

It turns out that the owner of the world's first commercially cloned dogs is a former cheerleader and beauty queen who scandalised Britain 30 years ago after kidnapping a Mormon missionary at gunpoint and manacling him to a bed for sex.

Bernann McKinney hit the headlines earlier this month upon receiving five pitbull puppies from the South Korean laboratory that cloned her beloved dead pet, Booger.

The Seoul-based laboratory, RNL Bio, charged her $50,000 for the clones - one-third of its standard rate - because she helped them with publicity. They're getting more than they bargain for with the connection of McKinney to the infamous kidnapping of Kirk Anderson, a Utah missionary, by a Joyce McKinney back in 1977.

The RC Portable Pet Bowl

2008-08-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Traveling with your pet, even it's only for a local outing?

Then you need an RC Pet Products' portable pet bowl, now on sale at GreenPets!

They come in a variety of sizes to fit your dog's needs, are collapsible, and hold either food or water. Don't make your dog drink out of streetside puddles; carry some water and an RC Pet Bowl from GreenPets!

No Cells in Cells

2008-08-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Smuggled cell phones are a serious problem in prisons; they allow inmates to engage in criminal activity, including threatening witnesses, from inside their cell. And as cell phones have gotten smaller, they've gotten easier to hide.

But now, thanks to man's best friend, smuggling cellphones into prison is going to get a lot harder.

Last April, a Maryland prison official started training dogs to sniff out cell phones. It isn't clear what exactly the dogs are sniffing for, though it's probably a combination of odors from various parts. Maryland now has three dogs specifically trained to seek out cell phones.

Angel Eyes

2008-08-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Eliminate the tear-stains from your dog's eyes with

ANGEL EYES!

Many breeds are prone to "eye-gunk", which over time stains their beautiful fur and creates an unhealthy breeding ground for bacteria on their face. Angel Eyes is a supplement that you add to your dog's food that helps prevent the gunk from forming in the first place.

Angel Eyes is one of our customers' favorite products here at GreenPets. Start using it, and your dog can see results like this:

Angel Eyes is 100% free of wheat and dye, and works on cats, too!

Grooming is Back!

2008-07-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

GreenPets is thrilled to announce the addition of groomer Wendy Campos to our team. Wendy brings over sixteen years of experience to the table, and we're not simply talking dogs! On any given day you can find cats receiving manicures, guinea pigs getting baths, and birds having their wings clipped. Finally, a full service salon for all of your animals! Wendy really understands animals and makes them feel at ease in our grooming shop.

Our food is the highest quality on the market and we hold our grooming products to the same standard. That's why our grooming shop is exclusively stocked with Tropiclean shampoos and conditioners. Tropiclean is one of the best all-natural shampoos we have ever found for dogs & cats. We carry Tropiclean shampoos in our store for you to do baths at home as well. Scents include Papaya, Aloe, Mango, Neem (an all natural insect repellent) and Oatmeal (for sensitive skin). And recently they began to use groovy biodegradable bottles to make their product even greener!

You can find Wendy at GreenPets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Stop in or call today to make your appointment!

Services include bathing, grooming, nail clipping, gland expression and ear cleaning.

License Help Neutering in Georgia

2008-07-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

By purchasing one of two pet-themed license plates, Georgia residents are making an impact on the state’s “tragic” cat and dog overpopulation, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, who recently unveiled updated figures on statewide Dog and Cat Sterilization Program.

Since January 2008, more than $198,000 has been raised through sales of dog and cat “Buddy” plates and donations program. Georgians may buy one of the license plates for their vehicles from county tag offices throughout the state for $25 one-time fee.

One plate features a large retriever and carries the message that Georgians should spay and neuter their animals to prevent dog and cat overpopulation. A second design displays an image of a cat and a dog framed inside of a peach and the words “Animal Friend.” A third version, to feature a cat, is in the works.

From each plate sold, more than $22 directly benefits the sterilization program. The funds are used only for spay-neuter procedures and educational outreach programs. Since its inception in November 2003, the program has distributed more than $1,886,345 to subsidize 35,764 spay-neuter procedures performed by 751 licensed veterinarians.

Licensed, accredited veterinarians perform low-cost sterilization procedures and receive reimbursement through a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
“The success of our Dog and Cat Sterilization Program is due to the support of our fellow Georgians,” Irvin said in a statement. “With their help, we have been able to make an impact on the health of our four-legged friends.”

Pricey Pooch Partners

2008-07-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

New Zealand is a land of sheep, and lots of them. When your principal agricultural industry is sheep, there's no more valuable dog than the Australian Shepherad.

And while many sheep farmers may be exiting the industry to go dairying, demand was still expected to be strong today for the 33 heading dogs and 21 huntaways on offer at the Charlton saleyards, where this is the 51st Annual Herding Dog Sale.

PGG Wrightson agent Nicol Gray believed the good dogs would fetch upwards of $3000.

"The quality is pretty high — just as good as last year — and we will be expecting good prices," he said.

Each dog would give a make-or-break two-minute demonstration working a mob of sheep under the watchful eye of potential buyers.

Last year heading dog Sox, bred by Matt O'Connell, of Middlemarch, made the top price of $4000, while John Tweed, of Lawrence, sold the top huntaway, Mel, for $3700.

Lab Clones Sniff Mutant Cells

2008-06-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

A South Korean biotech company has unveiled four Labrador retriever puppies it said were cloned from a Japanese dog skilled at sniffing out patients with cancer.

RNL Bio, affiliated with the South Korean lab that produced the world's first cloned canine, said the puppies were born three weeks ago and would be sent to Japan in September for training.

The puppies are clones of a black Labrador retriever named Marine, which is thought to have a well-honed sense for detecting cancer, RNL Bio said.

"Marine has excellent characteristics for cancer sniffing and I hope the cloned dogs have the same characteristics," said Lee Byeong-chun, a Seoul National University professor who headed previous dog-cloning projects.

The university lab was once affiliated with disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk, who is facing trial for fraud in his human stem cell studies. Independent testing verified his laboratory produced the world's first cloned dog.

Scientists are studying whether dogs may be able to sniff the breath or skin of patients to detect cancer on the theory that cancer cells give off a special odour.

Settlement in Tainted Pet Food Case

2008-06-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

A federal judge has approved a $24 million settlement for thousands of owners whose animals were sickened by tainted pet food.

The deal resolves more than 100 lawsuits filed in the United States and Canada since an epidemic of sick pets began last year.

Lawyers said that the country's leading veterinarian organization estimated 1,500 pets died from commercially sold food that contained tainted wheat gluten grown in China. Thousands more became ill.

Pet owners would be reimbursed for documented medical expenses and up to $900 for undocumented costs such as wages lost while caring for the animals and property damage.

The main defendant in the case was Menu Foods, a Canadian manufacturer of about 100 of the contaminated product lines. The defendants previously paid $8 million to settle other claims.

Customers of GreenPets were unaffected by the recall, because only inferior foods were affected.

Home for Life

2008-06-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Home for Life Sanctuary near Star Prairie, Wisconsin, is the final residence for an eclectic menagerie of dogs, cats, bunnies, birds - even an African desert tortoise - many of which would have faced almost certain death had they not found their way there.

"The animals that come here are out of options," said Lisa LaVerdiere, who founded one of the nation's first home-for-life animal sanctuaries, in Wisconsin's St. Croix Valley, in 1999, and hopes to replicate its success in communities around the country.

"We take them or they're put to sleep," she said.

LaVerdiere has staked an increasingly popular place in the often fractious debate over animal welfare, where advocates argue the ethics and realities of no-kill vs. traditional shelters, and adoption into a home is the overriding goal.

Her nonprofit organization offers what she calls "a third door" for animals that in the past had just two: adoption or euthanasia.

"Our goal is to give these animals a true home, a good quality of life," said LaVerdiere, a lawyer who developed the concept while volunteering with a Twin Cities no-kill shelter in the 1990s.

"When you think that 4 (million) to 6 million animals are euthanized a year, we need to think more expansively about what it means to have a home."

LaVerdiere's third door opens onto a gated compound of new but modest buildings, fenced runs and open wetlands and prairie about an hour and a half northwest of Eau Claire.

Every animal here has a story, many horrifyingly tragic, and yet they appear content, adjusted.

Ben, a shepherd pup, blinded and brain-damaged by a beating, jumps playfully in circles as a photographer shoots his picture. Ashley, a chow mix paralyzed by a stomp to the spine after she'd wandered into a homeowner's yard, tears across the grassy run in what can best be described as a wheeled prosthesis.

Inside one of the three catteries, Kobi hobbles along on the stumps of her legs. The brown tabby had been found in a park, his ears, all four paws and tail severed.

Not all of the animals have been abused. Some, including Chako, an incontinent and partially paralyzed aging husky, were surrendered by loving owners who could no longer care for them. Chako's owner pays a monthly fee, but about 10% of the animals arrive through the Angel Care program that offers care for life in return for a one-time fee.

Goliath, a 30-pound Sulcata African tortoise, was found abandoned.

There's no caging here. Animals that can live together do so, in groups of like temperament. Those that can't - take Hal, who loves people but will fight any dog after a lifetime spent as bait for other pit bulls - get their own "townhouses."

Twenty employees, many of whom have studied animal sciences, fix their meals and administer their meds. They make sure the animals are exercised daily - the appearance of a worker with a leash sets off a deafening cacophony of excited barking - and get plenty of affection.

Those with serious health problems receive even more intensive care. Chako and others that get around on wheeled carts are cleaned and wrapped twice a day to keep their sores from getting infected. There are regular vet visits and, for some, physical therapy.

Such intensive care would have been impossible for Anne Gale of New Jersey. She tried caring for Chako herself after he injured his spine in a freak accident, but found his needs too great.

She drove him cross-country to Home for Life crying much of the way - and again this month as she recounted the memory.

"But when I walked onto the grounds of that place, when I met Lisa, I had no doubt in my mind that I'd found the one place on Earth I was going to be comfortable leaving my dog."

Chako doesn't get around much these days. But for many of the animals, the Home for Life door swings outward, too, not for adoptions but for outreach programs LaVerdiere has developed to educate the public about the sanctuary and the larger societal problems that have landed many of the animals there.

As many as 300 volunteers take animals to visit local hospitals, senior centers, domestic abuse shelters and a home for teenage boys who've had felony-level scrapes with the law.

It's moving, LaVerdiere said, to see the impact the dogs have on the troubled boys whose job it is to train them to become therapy dogs.

"One of the things you notice with these kids is how hard their faces are. Within a couple of classes, their eyes soften, they're so much more receptive," she said.

"They'll think twice before they abuse an animal, I guarantee it."

All of this is financed through donations and grants. The Sanctuary's annual budget: about $1 million.

Not everyone supports the home for life philosophy. LaVerdiere's been criticized by adoption-only advocates who question a sanctuary's merits as a "home." But others say it plays an important role, especially as the no-kill movement gains momentum.

"This is where I think Home for Life is ahead of the curve," said Nathan Winograd, founder of the No Kill Advocacy Center and author of the book "Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No-Kill Revolution in America."

"As the no-kill movement becomes dominant, we're going to start to have ethical debates about those animals at the margins. But that doesn't mean we have to wait to save those animals," Winograd said. "If someone is willing to take care of these animals - even if it's not a traditional home - and it's funded with private dollars, what's wrong with that?"

Care for life also means preparing for death at the sanctuary, where the animals' ashes are interred in a memorial garden in the shape of a labyrinth, near the wooded entrance to the grounds. Euthanasia is used, but only when an animal's suffering can no longer be managed with medication, and the decision involves many, including veterinarians and staff.

Hilton Hounds

2008-06-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

Coming this summer: four-legged guests at participating Hilton Hotels & Resorts will be welcomed into pet-friendly rooms outfitted with William Wegman-designed beds, feeding bowls and goodie baskets loaded with organic treats, stain-removing products and pocket-size waste cleanup bags.

According to Hilton, the new program is designed to cut the hassle for traveling dog and cat owners.

Each hotel's concierge desk will be able to provide guests information about local pet services, which may include walking trails, pet spas and veterinarian appointments. And when Fido or Fifi checks out, the room will get a thorough scrub-down and steam cleaning (hence, pet-friendly room rates will be up to $75 higher than standard hotel rooms, Hilton says). Details at hilton.com/pets.

Pet Exhibition

2008-06-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

The Pets in America Exhibit is opening at the Museum of Florida History. The exhibit will open on June 20 and extend through August 10, 2008. Statistics show that two-thirds of all American households own a pet. Few Americans know anything or little about the history of life with animals at home. This exhibit explores pet ownership in America and tells the story of Americans’ changing relationship with their pets.

“We are pleased to bring this exhibit to Tallahassee from the McKissick Museum in South Carolina,” said Secretary Browning. “Pets play a part in many of our lives and the exhibit will help us understand the changing attitudes over the course of time since animals first were accepted as household pets.”

The exhibit includes more than 200 objects and photographs related to pet keeping. These items were gathered from public and private collections across the country. Although this exhibit has a national appeal, there is a Florida component created by the Museum of Florida History staff that contains a large selection of photographs of Floridians with their pets, including some of governors and other well-known people.

Citrus labels with animal themes, artifacts with pet images, animal figurines and carvings, and various toys make up some of the Florida collection. Relevant topics in the exhibit include famous Florida animals like Flipper and the cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home in Key West, vacationing with pets, and tourist attractions where animals are the stars such as Monkey Jungle and Gatorland.

Chickens, We Have a Problem...

2008-06-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

Chickens have come to roost in Houston. "They are treated as pets, and then some," admits chicken-owner, Kathryn Pait. "They are spoiled rotten."

Pait, a Woodland Heights resident, is one of a growing number of Houstonians who are spreading the eco-gospel of urban chicken ownership. They describe chickens as a fun and feathery part of an environmental, self-reliant lifestyle: the eggs produce food, the manure makes wonderful fertilizer and helps in composting, and the birds provide pest control and companionship.

"I went from going out all the time and enjoying the night life of Houston to sitting out by the compost pile and watching my chickens," Pait says.

Yes, it is legal to keep chickens in Houston, if you follow the rules.

The coop must be at least 100 feet from the nearest neighbor's house. The chickens must be enclosed by a fence; they cannot run around loose. And 30 chickens is the limit, unless you have an unusually large lot.

Yet even as the new converts build coops for their Ameraucanas or Rhode Island Reds, other Houstonians are finding that chicken-ownership is under siege. Conflicts over chickens seem to be growing in Houston, even as more residents are proclaiming the multiple benefits of backyard flocks.

"It is a culture clash with a lot of people who are used to a more rural lifestyle," says Vincent Medley, an operations manager of the city's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care.

"People who are moving in are clashing with the older residents," says Kent Robertson, chief of BARC. "The noise is definitely the thing that gets them busted."

Poultry enforcement in Houston is strictly complaint-driven.

Last year, BARC logged more than 800 complaints about chickens — almost triple the number of complaints from a decade ago.

Arranged Marriages for Indian Dogs

2008-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Lady and the Tramp was all about a sudden romance between a well-brought up female dog and a not-so-refined roadside Romeo canine. Which is somewhat alien to the Indian ethos where romantic pairings are often arranged

The setting up of a dotcom for the mating of canines by an Indian entrepreneur could thus be regarded as a blending of Indian tradition with western technology. It is a known fact that before Independence, rulers in some Indian princely states even performed marriage ceremonies for their dogs.

The 19th century writer Thomas Love Peacock may have stated that “Marriage is at best a dangerous experiment” but the dotcom entrepreneur has left little to chance. Prospective clients have to submit photographs of their dogs and details like age, temperament, and dietary habits. The rationale being that dogs of a similar disposition will get along better together. That a pooch which prefers a quiet evening, perhaps a tad boringly, in front of the TV may not get along with a partying dog who likes to paint the town red.

Which is where the catch is! Walt Disney’s The Lady and the Tramp has shown that, like in human nature, opposites attract in the case of canines. In 21st-century India, daughters of marriageable age have the option of telling their parents that they would prefer someone different instead of continuing with more of the same.

Dogs, however, can only bark their disapproval of the mate their owner has chosen for them and a not-so-savvy pet-keeper may never understand that canine Cleopatra finds top-dog Caesar a bore and would much rather step out with someone less pompous!

The Vacuum Cleaner 2.0

2008-06-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

On average, dogs don't like robots.

To keep the peace at his California home, Keith Hearn had to scold his new robotic vacuum cleaner. The trouble started when Mr. Hearn first turned on his Roomba automatic cleaner. When the device started scooting around the floor, Mr. Hearn's dog, Argos, attacked it.

Seeking help, Mr. Hearn found an online forum dedicated to the hundred-dollar Roomba buzzing with similar stories of pet assailants. Owners were offering advice. Among the most popular: Chastise the vacuum in front of the dog.

And so, with Argos looking on, Mr. Hearn shook his finger at his gadget and sternly called it "a bad Roomba." Argos appeared to be mollified. "After that, he never tried nipping at it again," says Mr. Hearn.

Sympathetic owners sometimes just retire their new purchases. In other cases, the pets take matters into their own paws. Peter Haney, a university administrator in Lethbridge, Alberta, twice found his Roomba in pieces after letting it clean while his flat-coated retrievers, Macleod and Tima, had the run of the house. "No one is talking," he says.

Craig Capizzi, who runs RoombaReview.com from his Staten Island, N.Y., home, says his Yorkshire terrier, Candie, ignores his Roomba but is scared of his new Pleo, a dinosaur-like robot made by Ugobe Inc. "She's terrified of it. She bites it," he says. "That dog really believes it's another animal and, apparently, a frightening animal." He's getting rid of the Pleo, he says.

Robot manufacturers vary in their approach to making pet-friendly products."It comes up constantly," says Nancy Dussault Smith, a spokeswoman for iRobot Corp., in Bedford, Mass., which makes the Roomba. "Dogs, cats, all animals, they have their own personalities, so they all react differently to the robots."

By the way, Roomba's are NOT dog-proof....

Plaque Off!

2008-06-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Does your pet's teeth have plaque on them? Most do! It's not easy to keep a pet's teeth clean, and they aren't usually fond of sitting still while you get our the toothbrush. What's a pet owner to do?

USE PLAQUE OFF!

Plaque off is a sea-weed based product (yes, seaweed; really), the naturally cause plaque and other gunk that accumulates on pets' teeth to fall out. Hard to believe, but true.

It doesn't work overnight; you usually see improvement after about two weeks or so. But you will see shiny fangs on Fang soon after that!

As important as our teeth are to us, your pet's teeth are even MORE important to your pet; after all, Fido can't get dentures. Don't wait until your dog's teeth are in danger; start using PlaqueOff today.

Domestic Animals healing Domestic Abuse

2008-06-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

When Rose Terry finally resolved to leave her abusive boyfriend, she knew she'd have to live in a shelter for a few weeks before she could start life anew. She had no reservations about that.

But she anguished over Byron, the cat who had seen her through the awful times. None of her friends could take the female feline (the family was first told she was male, hence the name), and she couldn't bear the thought of placing her in an animal shelter until she got back on her feet. "I was desperate, weeping," Terry says. "She's my family."

When Terry learned one Las Vegas domestic violence safe haven, Shade Tree Shelter, had just built a pet-boarding facility on its grounds for residents' animals, "I was in such relief." Terry packed up her suitcase and her cat just before Christmas and checked in. "It's just so good to get to visit with Byron every day," says Terry, 55, who has a new job and nearly enough savings to lease an apartment and start over. "It helped so much that I didn't have to worry about her."

Domestic abuse shelters have long recognized that abused families, often kept so isolated that pets are their only friends, won't leave the abuser because they know animals left behind may be harmed as a power play or retaliation. So shelters have worked with animal-welfare groups that provide temporary pet care to ensure that everyone gets out of the situation.

Today, the emerging alternative is for domestic abuse shelters to provide on-site pet boarding. So far, fewer than a half-dozen such shelters exist, says Allie Phillips, director of public policy for the non-profit American Humane Association. But the numbers are certain to increase, as efforts are afoot on two fronts.

American Humane has just compiled and distributed a how-to guide, and Phillips' goal is that by year's end, at least 15 shelters will offer or will soon offer on-site pet boarding. Doorways for Women and Families Safehouse in Arlington, Va., will be the first to use American Humane's Pets and Women's Shelters (PAWS) Program start-up guide — officials there are in final planning to provide pet housing later this year — but Phillips has been contacted by others seeking advice.

"Shelters are overworked and underfunded, and the last thing they feel they can do is add more to their plates, even though they might be inclined toward having on-site pet care. My goal was to simplify everything, answer all the questions, debunk all the myths and walk them through the process, from how to raise money to fund it … to how to keep the people and animals safe," says Phillips, a former prosecuting attorney who was presented with hundreds of domestic violence cases and spent nearly a year putting together the guide.

Having a blueprint that reduces to minutes or hours the animal-care planning discussions that heretofore would probably have taken weeks "removes a lot of the obstacles" that have prevented many shelters from launching such a program, Phillips says.

'Enormous' need for service, comfort

Concurrent efforts are in the offing from Staci Columbo, a Las Vegas marketing executive who launched Noah's Animal House, the pet facility at Shade Tree. She's developing her own guide "to take to other communities" this year. Her goal: "at least six across the country in five years." The need, she says, "is enormous."

Noah's, which accommodates up to 15 cats and 18 dogs, has drawn so many pet-owning families since its opening in October that it is full most of the time. Expansion plans already are being discussed.

Some abuse victims are satisfied with placing their pets temporarily in an animal shelter. But there are downsides: Sometimes the shelter is full, and some animals don't adapt well to that environment. And often, the already-stressed families are further troubled by their pets' absence, and they're not allowed to visit the animal for fear the abuser might track them there, putting people and animals at risk.

"When a person is in the midst of nothing familiar, the comfort a pet can provide is enormous," Phillips says.

"We had the experience with several women who would arrive with a garbage bag full of possessions and a pet in tow and refuse to check in when they learned that we would find a safe place for the animal, but it couldn't stay here with them," Columbo says. "We've known of women who lived in their cars so they could keep their pets with them and women who stayed in a shelter but kept their pet in the car parked on the street, and, of course, women who wouldn't leave their abuser because of concern for the safety of their animals. Each situation like this tore your heart out."

Benefits vs. concerns

Still, many say there are good reasons for not housing pets in domestic violence shelters — concerns about allergies, noise and bites; debates about whether pets on the grounds may put everyone at risk by attracting the spurned partner; and worries that a pet's presence may prevent a victim from focusing on addressing her own issues.

Marci Sanders, director of the Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples, Fla., says her staff had to consider all those questions when contemplating providing on-site care for residents' pets. But they moved ahead five years ago, "and the benefits so outweigh the negatives," she says. It costs less than $1,000 a year to care for about 100 pets annually in crates in an out-of-the-way room. And although "we've had a dog that dug holes in the yard, and one that barked for a while," she says, "in the big picture that is nothing."

Phillips hopes that within 10 years, "these kinds of arrangements will be commonplace." She placed a petition seeking support of on-site pet facilities at domestic abuse shelters online Feb. 23 at thepetitionsite.com; it has attracted more than 18,000 comments.

Circus Dogs and Cats!

2008-06-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dogs were Gregory Popovich's first baby sitters, his first friends. Born into a circus family - his parents were jugglers and dog trainers - Popovich learned early on that the bond between people and animals is strong. So after years of performing as a juggler with the Moscow and Ringling Brothers circuses, Popovich said it only seemed natural to get the four-legged members of his family in on the act.

For the past 10 years, The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater has delighted audiences with physical comedy, juggling and the antics of Popovich's trained dogs and "cooperative" house cats.

"You can't 'train' a cat to do anything it doesn't want to do," joked Popovich.

In Russia, shelters for animals don't exist, he said. So it was wonderful to come to the United States and see programs that aid pets in need. All of the animals from the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, which includes 16 cats, 12 dogs, six white rats, six white doves and "five well-trained Russians" are adopted from animal shelters, he added.

The tricks the animals perform aren't dangerous or extreme, Popovich said. Their part in the show is more about funny skits than jumping through flaming hoops. In choosing his performers, Popovich looks for "personality" above all else.

"I try to build on the animal's natural habits," he said. "I want to make (performing) fun for them."

While it saddens Popovich to think about any animal as being unwanted, he said it's important to support organizations that focus on preventing pet overpopulation and work to find every animal a good home.

"My pets all got a second chance," Popovich said. "Other animals should have that, too."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREENPETS!

2008-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

GREENPETS IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE 9 YEARS OF HIGH QUALITY FOODS AND SERVICES. JUNE MARKS OUR 9TH YEAR AND WE PLAN TO CELEBRATE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MONTH. SO, COME VISIT OUR SHOP, AT 1722 14 STREET NW, TO SEE WHAT WONDERFUL THINGS WE HAVE IN STORE FOR OUR BIRTHDAY.

Wake Up Call

2008-05-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

Italian Paradise for Dog Owners

2008-05-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

Tuscany is about to become a dog-owners' paradise, with a new law allowing pets into art galleries, theatres, restaurants, cinemas, post offices, museums and beaches.

The law, which is due to come into force by June, reverses a longstanding ban. Fabio Roggiolani, head of the regional health commission, said: “We are knocking down the barriers that separate Man from his best friends. Most people in Tuscany agree with this measure, which is in line with regional regulations forbidding discrimination or cruelty against domestic animals.”

To protect public health and hygiene, pets will have to have a veterinary health certificate, and dogs must be muzzled if necessary. Owners will have to guarantee that their pets will not disturb public order.

Mr Roggiolani said that “for obvious reasons” dogs and other pets would still be banned from the Teatro del Maggio Musicale, the Florence opera house. “We have to apply a bit of common sense.”

Roberto Santini, who runs a beach concession at the Tuscan resort of Forte dei Marmi, said that many of his clients had dogs, including Massimo Moratti, the president of Inter Milan football club, who often cut his holiday short because he could not bear to leave the dog behind.

Fulvio Pierangelini, an Italian celebrity chef, said that he was relaxed about allowing pets into his restaurant at San Vincenzo on the Tuscan coast provided they behaved properly, adding: “Mind you, I draw the line at cooking for them.”

Franco Zeffirelli, the opera and film director, who has four dogs, said that the move “rewards the dignity of Man's best friends”. He added: “Dogs and cats are rather like small children - they should stay where they are happiest. I would never take my dogs to La Scala. It would be torture for them.”

New Traditions in Dog Naming

2008-05-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Spot is out and Max is in. In fact, in a recent survey of the 10 most popular dog names in the nation, names more fit for humans are finding favor over more traditional dog names like Buddy and Buster.

"Over 50 years ago, Spotty was common," says dog owner Eileen Watson of Hallandale Beach, Fla., who has had eight dogs over the past 40 years. "Now, I don't know of any dog that doesn't have a human name."

Top names among male dogs are Max, Buddy and Rocky. For females, Bella, Molly and Lucy head the list. The research was conducted by Veterinary Pet Insurance from the names of insured dogs in its database.

Dogs have long been considered man's best friend, but for many Americans, they mean even more than that.

"It's a reflection of the position that pets hold in a household," says Mary Thurston, an anthropologist in Austin who has studied dog history for more than 25 years. "They are integral members of the family, just like a child."

Naming dogs in the same fashion as children was common even in ancient Rome, she says. The ancient Egyptians often went so far as to bury their dogs in family plots. Today, dog owners are showing a similar kind of care.

With everything from doggie nuptials to dog hotels, dogs are enjoying the perks of being treated, in many respects, like humans.

"It's an interesting contrast that, in a country where there's still child neglect and child abuse, people are spending so much time and effort on dogs," says psychologist and author Eleanora Woloy.

"It speaks to so many people's needs that they want a warm, comforting presence and companion."

People care much more about their animals now, "and that's reflected in the dog's name," Franklin says.

"When you ask people why they named their dog something, you're going to get a whole story behind it."

Pet owners, makers of tainted food reach deal

2008-05-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press Writer

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Companies that were sued over contaminated pet food linked to the deaths of perhaps thousands of dogs and cats have agreed to pay $24 million to pet owners in the United States and Canada.

The settlement is detailed in papers filed late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Camden. It still needs a judge's approval.

"The settlement attempts to reimburse pet owners for all of their economic damages," said Russell Paul, a lawyer for plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

The deal would affect people who incurred expenses directly related to the illness or death of a pet linked to the food, which was at the center of the biggest-ever U.S. pet food recall in 2007.

Nearly 300 people sued about 30 companies in state and federal courts. They and perhaps thousands of other pet owners would be eligible for payments under the deal.

Ontario-based Menu Foods Income Fund, which makes dog and cat food under about 90 brand names, and other firms that make or sell pet food announced April 1 that they were settling lawsuits with pet owners.

The pet food was discovered to contain wheat gluten imported from China that was contaminated with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics. Though Menu was the first company to issue recalls, four other companies eventually recalled pet foods, too.

Some of the companies have already paid out more than $8 million to people whose pets were sickened or killed after eating the contaminated food.

Under the terms of the deal announced Thursday, pet owners could be reimbursed for all reasonable expenditures, including veterinarian bills and burial or cremation costs.

Pet owners could also ask for the fair market value of their deceased pets, if that is higher than the costs incurred. Owners who do not have documentation of their expenses can get up to $900 each. All claims are subject to a review.

The companies say they will donate any money left in the fund after claims are paid out to animal welfare charities.

The settlement details were originally to have been filed in court about two weeks ago, but it took longer than expected to hash out the deal, partly because it had to be made to conform with both U.S. and Canadian law.

A court hearing on the settlement is scheduled for May 30.

Your Cat's Real Age

2008-05-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants the question answered: “How old is my cat?” The old, outdated idea was that one human year is equivalent to seven cat years. More accurately, the first two years of a cat's life are roughly equivalent to the first 25 years of human life; thereafter, each calendar year is roughly equivalent to four feline years.

Aside from this formula, there are other caveats that play a role in determining your cat’s age; such as environment, diet, and mental health. To determine your cat’s real age, look at the conversion chart pictured below to determine your cat’s human age. Then, subtract years from your cat’s human age, when applicable, after answering the following questions:

Do you keep your cat safe and secure inside your home at all times? If so, subtract 7 years from your cat’s human age.

Keeping your cat indoors reduces his or her risk of attack by other cats, dogs, coyotes, and other predators, as well as reduces the risk of being hit by a car—one of the most common outdoor threats. Your cat will also be less likely to contract disease or parasites and less likely to require emergency treatment.

Is your cat spayed or neutered? If so, subtract 5 years from your cat’s human age.

Having your female cat spayed helps minimize the risk of mammary cancer and having your male cat neutered protects him from testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Does your cat visit the veterinarian at least once a year? If so, subtract 4 yrs from your cat’s human age.

Annual examinations allow your vet the opportunity to evaluate your cat's health and detect feline health problems before they turn into serious cat diseases or illnesses.

Do you make sure that meat is the first ingredient in your cat’s food? If so, subtract 4 years from your cat’s human age.

The ingredient that is listed first makes up the biggest part of the food, so seek out cat food where a named meat (chicken, turkey, beef, etc) is the first ingredient and avoid unnamed foods (poultry by-products, wheat gluten, etc.). Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for feeding a sick or senior cat requiring special prescription cat food.

Does your cat have a proportional figure, with slightly padded ribs and a distinct waist? If so, subtract 2 years from your cat’s human age.

Overweight cats are more susceptible to certain health conditions. Excess weight increases a cat's risk of health complications that can affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems. One easy way to combat overweight cats is to cut back on the treats. Kitty treats should compromise no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily diet. Talk to your veterinarian for more information if you think your cat is overweight.

Do you have a variety of feline-friendly toys and encourage your cat to play for at least 15 minutes per day? If so, subtract 2 years from your cat’s human age.

Playing with your cat is the simplest way to maintain your cat's overall health. Playtime helps increase metabolism, minimize weight gain, and boost circulation.

Is your home free from toxins such as cigarette smoke, poisonous plants, rat poison, phenol and ammonia household cleaners? If so, subtract 2 years from your cat’s human age.

Research shows that the chances of developing smoking-related cancers, as well as lung infections, respiratory problems, asthma and other feline health problems are greater for cats living in smoking environments. And keeping your household free from poisonous plants and other types of toxins helps keep your cat safe.

Do you brush your cat’s teeth and/or regularly give dental treats? If so, subtract 1 year from your cat’s human age.

Periodontal disease, caused by plaque buildup, can ultimately affect various organs of the body and the nervous system if left untreated. Cats over the age of five years old become more susceptible to dental diseases, so it is important to keep your pet's teeth and gums clean with regular home dental care. If brushing your cat’s teeth seems too daunting, try giving dental treats. C.E.T. Home Dental Care makes a line of cat dental treats that can be purchased online.

Please be aware that this real age test is only a guideline and there are other determinants such as genetics that may factor into your cat’s age. As always, talk to your veterinarian for more information on how to help your cat live a long and healthy life!

Doggie Saves Joey

2008-05-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

A dog has rescued a tiny baby kangaroo, gently carrying it to safety in its mouth after the joey's mother was killed by car.


	Rex the dog found the four-month-old joey in the pouch of its dead mother and carried it to safety

Rex, the German short-haired pointer cross, was walking with his owner, Leonie Allan, near the Bells Beach in Torquay, on Australia's south coast, when they passed a dead kangaroo.

The marsupials are often killed while crossing busy roads, so Mrs Allan thought nothing of it. But Rex sensed something and when Mrs Allan went outside later in the day, she saw the ten-year-old family pet pointing and went to investigate.

"I was worried he'd found a snake and called him back, but when he returned he dropped the joey at my feet," Mrs Allan said.

"I was so surprised and delighted. Rex saved the day."

The dog had found the four-month-old joey in the pouch of its dead mother and gently prised it out, carrying it back to his owner.

"He obviously sensed the baby roo was still alive in the pouch and somehow had gently grabbed it by the neck, gently retrieved it and brought it to me."

The animals showed an instant fondness for each other, nuzzling and playing together, Mrs Allan said.

"The joey was snuggling up to him, jumping up to him and Rex was sniffing and licking him. It was quite cute."

Most joeys whose mothers are killed by cars die in the same collision. Those who survive the impact are rarely able to fend for themselves outside the pouch and succumb soon after.

But the prospects of this kangaroo - named Rex junior after its savior - are good. It will be hand-reared at a wildlife sanctuary until it is 18 months old, when it will be released into the wild.

Tehree Gordon, director of Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary, was amazed at the bond between the animals and said the fact Rex was so gentle with his younger namesake was proof that dogs - often criticized in Australia for killing native fauna - could live in harmony with local species if they were taught not to attack them.

"That Rex was so careful and knew to bring the baby to his owners, and that the joey was so relaxed and didn't see Rex as a predator, is quite remarkable," she said.

Dogs That Not Only Jump Rope...

2008-05-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

but can understand Japanese while doing it.

Retrieva Collars Find Your Dog

2008-05-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Soon, dog owners will be able to hunt down their missing pet pooches, thanks to a high-tech dog collar based on sat-nav technology.

The lockable collar, which was previewed on the first day of the Crufts Show in London, is made of anti-cut material to thwart thieves and can trace an animal even if it inside a building.

The device works by sending texts to the owner’s mobile telephone if the dog crosses a fixed boundary.

After receiving the text message, the owner can log on to a website where, using the sat-nav technology of the collar, they can locate the pet’s position.

Makers Retrieva say that the collar is due to go on sale in the UK starting in July costing about 200 pounds (about $400), plus a monthly fee.

“Dog theft is out there but it’s not high on the list of police priorities, for obvious reasons. But for owners or families, if a dog gets lost it is a traumatic experience,” said Andrew Stuart, the company’s director.

Crate-Training

2008-05-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Should I Crate-train my dog?

YES, YES, YES!

By nature, dogs thrive in places that are sheltered and secure to raise pups. They seek out places that give a den-like setting which will have a calming effect on their well-being. When a dog is brought into a new home, it has to fend for itself, thus making it nervous and/or anxious. The typical response to relieving stress and anxiety associated with being in a strange and new environment are to bark, escape, destructively chew, dig, and pace. Getting a crate prevents unwanted behavior patterns from developing . As simple as it sounds: your dog can not shred clothes and furniture when it is in its crate. By establishing an effective routine with you and your dog this will prove the crate as an excellent management tool.

When buying crate it is wise to make sure the dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down. It should not be too big, especially for a young puppy, who can often find larger spaces in the crate uncomfortable. Also crates too large will often times ruin your toilet training efforts because a dog can eliminate at one end only to move at the other end and lie down, this is not a good thing.

Take the positive approach to crating your dog. Because your dog sees her crate as her sanctuary never use the crate as a punishment. Allow your dog quality time outside of the crate, your dog should not be living in the crate. If you think you may want some assistance with the positive aspects of training, GreenPets recommends Rachel Jones of K-9 Divine.

Come in to GreenPets today; we have a large selection of crates, and we're here to help you find the right one for your pup!!

Cleveland Pets Now Breathe Easier

2008-05-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Cleveland firefighters are now using pet oxygen masks that were donated to the department.

Invisible Fence donated enough mask kits for dogs and cats so that each rescue squad will have them.

"We hope that by donating oxygen mask kits, we will contribute to saving more pets and hopefully protect pet owners that may risk their own life to save a pet in a fire," said Jack Miltz, owner of Invisible Fence of northeast Ohio.

It's estimated that in 2006, more than 40,000 pets died in fires; most succumbed to smoke inhalation.

"We want to thank Invisible Fence for their generosity," Chief Paul Stubbs said in a news release. "These kits will help us save more pets; we can all recall a fire from the past where these kits would have helped save a pet."

For more information about the Invisible Fence mask donation program, reach Kristin Rogers 440-729-1780, Ext. 126 or krogers@ifco-jgb.com.

New Line of Collars and Leashes at GreenPets!

2008-05-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

GreenPets is very excited to introduce Rogz. to our new line of collars and leashes.

Sturdier than normal belt collars because they are stitched at the seams instead of simply glued, these collars will not only appeal to the dog that likes to get dressed up, but will also make you feel more confident about the safety of your canine's apparel. You will also notice the quick release buckle locks for added protection!!

Come check our out new selection now, they won't last long!!

Giving Medicine Doesn't Have to be a Pill!

2008-05-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's inevitable; we have to give our pets medication. And it ain't always easy!

Spending the morning searching for our animal who has sensed that it is time for his medicine though, is never a pleasant experience. Coming home with a bottle of pills that you know your cat is going to spit out when you are not looking is stressful to both the owner and the pet. What if there was a way to have your pets medicine not in pill form though? What if your pet loved medicine time because someone was able to take the same medicine in pill form and transform it into a tasty liver treat? Well, you can. And the place to go is right in the DC area.

Knowles Apothecary is located in Kensington, Md at 10400 Connecticut Avenue #100.

Their compounding pharmacy can prepare:
Flavored medication
Medicine in ideal size, strength, and dosage form
Unavailable medications
Combinations to improve compliance
Novel Devices and Delivery Systems

At Knowles, compounding is actually a means to an end. They work together with veterinarians and their clients and patients to solve medication problems by compounding specialized medications that meet the unique needs of each animal - pets, exotics, horses, or zoo animals.

Check out their website for the latest information.

Petfinder.com

2008-04-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

There's good news for those who would like to adopt a pet but find visiting a shelter to be an emotionally draining experience. Now, thanks to a Web site, they can start their search online and make a considered decision. Plus, they can find more prospective pets to choose from than they would by visiting a single shelter.

Using Petfinder.com, a person can search for a pet from the comfort of his or her own home. He or she simply types in search criteria and a zip code, then back comes a list of pets matching those criteria. The available pets closest to the person's home will be at the top of the list.

There are more than 240,000 adoptable pets available on the Web site at any one time. The Petfinder.com Foundation, a separate entity and a public charity, was established in 2003 to assist animal welfare organizations in time of need.

Today, more than 11,500 adoption organizations post the pets on Petfinder. Each one of these agencies has a home page on the site. Each pet has a page of its own as well, with a description and photos. The shelters and rescue group members can now also add videos of their adoptable pets.

In 2006, Animal Planet acquired Petfinder.com, and the site became part of Discovery Digital Media. So popular is Petfinder.com that Animal Planet decided to create a new series all about animal adoptions. Airing on Mondays at 8 p.m., "Petfinder" matches shelter animals with families searching for their perfect pet. Whether the adoptee is a pig, a pug or a python, the Petfinder co-hosts and trainers help families (and viewers, too) understand the essential elements of figuring out just what pet will be right for them.

Petfinder.com is free to adopters and to the pet adoption groups that post on the site. Adoption fees may be charged by the adoption groups. However, pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups often come with benefits that make that adoption fee a real bargain. The site also includes a library of pet-related information, videos, forums, a volunteer database and classifieds.

HAIRBALLS, HAIRBALLS, & MORE HAIRBALLS!

2008-04-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing is as disturbing as the sound of a cat trying to cough up a hairball. Hairballs, or “fur balls” are quantities of hair that accumulate in the cat’s stomach or small intestine. Hairballs are formed when a cat grooms itself and swallows hairs, and since hair is not easily digested it can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Problems occur when hair that does not get excreted and gathers in the cats stomach or intestine and forms a dense ball or mat which cannot be passed, the ball is then vomited. What can you do to prevent or aide in hairball relief?

1. 1. Brushing more frequently (the bonding that develops between you and your cat is an added bonus)

2. 2. Buying special hairball formula foods. Choosing a diet that is high in fiber and protein, such as Premium Edge Adult Hairball Formula will help with hairball problems. Also having a food that is high in protein will cause your cat to shed less, thus reducing the risk of hairballs.

3. 3. Hairball remedies come in various forms: treats, chewable tablets, and oil–based supplements to add in the food.

Food and supplements work by lubricating the cat’s digestive tract to help move excess hair easily. If this is done on a regular and consistent basis large mats and balls will never form.

For information (202) 986-7907

Next Event for Greenpets Festival

2008-04-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Microchip on my Shoulder

Dr. Dan Teich from DC Home Vet will be joining us this weekend for our next event in the Greenpets Festival. Saturday April 19-20, 12-6pm.

Getting a microchip for your pet is the most effective way to ensure pet recovery if lost. This quick, painless procedure gives a unique number that is entered onto an international database and can be updated as you move from place to place. Microchips are very tiny (roughly the size of a grain of rice) and are inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades, guaranteeing the chip is not lost or damaged, as tags and collars can be, and lasts for a lifetime.

Get your pet(s) a Microchip this weekend only for a low-cost of $40 at Greenpets, located 1722 14 Street NW Washington, DC 20009
For more information (202) 986-7907.

The Fate of Many Lost Pets Revealed

2008-04-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

In April 2006, several dogs were stolen from neighborhoods in Raymore, Mo. In January 2006 some small-breed dogs were reported missing in Franklin County, Ill. In Oct. 2005, a Labrador retriever was taken from his yard in Conneaut, Ohio.

Where did the animals go? Did they run away? Did someone find them who will care for them? Or is something more sinister going on? One early 2006 case reveals the sad fate of many stolen animals.

In Elvira, Iowa, residents Ted and Jessica White noticed their two Labrador retrievers missing and thought the dogs had simply wandered away from their rural property. When the dogs didn't come home that night, the couple printed flyers and talked to their neighbors. They discovered that not only were their two dogs missing, but five other Labs had also gone missing in recent weeks.

Staff members of the Clinton Humane Society and Clinton County Sheriff's Office suspected that dogfighters might have stolen the Whites' pets to use them as "bait" for training fighting dogs. Dogfighters routinely dump dead bait dogs and steal new ones. A boat dock owner along the Mississippi River in Clinton County found three dead dogs washed up on his property: a pit bull, a Labrador retriever, and a smaller dog. Both the pit bull and the Lab had suffered wounds consistent with dogfighting.

Lost or stolen dogs could end up in the hands of dogfighters, or even Class B dealers, who sell dogs from random sources to research institutions for use in biomedical research, testing and education procedures. Beloved family pets can also become unfortunate victims of bunchers, who have been known to acquire dogs through lost, stray and "free to a good home" ads—even to take pets from their owners' backyards—and then sell them to Class B dealers. At Class B dog dealer facilities, there have been numerous documented cases of mistreatment, neglect, and other animal welfare violations.

Of the dogs and cats stolen in the United States every year, only an estimated 10 percent ever find their homes again

What can pet owners do to make sure that their friends and companions remain safe at home?

* Keep your pet indoors, especially when you are not at home.
* Identify your pet with a collar and tag, microchip or tattoo.
* Be aware of strangers in the neighborhood, and report anything unusual to the police
* Padlock gates, and make sure people can't access your pets over fences.
* Keep your pet on a leash whenever you go outside.
* Make neighbors aware of the problem of pet theft.
* Know where your pets are at all times.
* Support the federal Pet Safety and Protection Act, now before Congress, which ensures that cats and dogs used by research facilities are obtained legally.

And here are some things not to do:

* Don't let your pet roam free in the neighborhood.
* Don't let your pet be visible from the street.
* Never leave pets unattended at any time.
* Never leave pets outside a store or in the car to wait for you.

Greenpets Festival

2008-04-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

Music Hath Charms

2008-04-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Lisa Spector, a Juilliard School graduate and concert pianist, collaborated with Joshua Leeds, a sound researcher in Marin, Calif., to study the impact classical music has on dogs.

Two years of research and clinical demonstrations produced a book, Through a Dog's Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health & Behavior of Your Canine Companion, written by Leeds and Susan Wagner, a board-certified veterinary neurologist.

Spector is the pianist on a 45-minute CD that Leeds produced to go with the book.

It's been Spector's experience that when she tickled the ivories, dogs she took care of would move closer to her and fall asleep. No more doggy angst -- just peace and quiet.

One out of seven dogs has behavioral issues that stem from an overwhelmed nervous system, said Leeds.

"There's too much noise and too much input," he said. "Our dogs are indicators of the stressed environment we live in."

For more than 20 years, Leeds has specialized in psychoacoustics, the study of music and sound on the human nervous system.

Four-and-a-half years ago, Spector approached Leeds after one of his seminars and told him about her dogs falling asleep when she played the piano. She hoped that he would want to work with her on a CD for dogs.

Leeds was apprehensive.

But after speaking with Spector, he did some research and found there was nothing documented about the effects of music on dogs, except for one study conducted by Deborah Wells, a psychologist and animal behaviorist.

She played various kinds of music in dog shelters in San Francisco and learned that classical music -- not rock music or jazz -- had a calming effect on dogs, Leeds said.

His only caveat before teaming with Spector was to make sure the music went through clinical research before it was released.

Four different CDs were cut and tested on 150 dogs in homes and shelters. The one that had an overwhelming response from dogs was the simplified classical music performed on piano.

Seventy percent of dogs in kennels showed a reduction in stress, while 85 percent in households were calmed.

Howling Mad!

2008-04-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Scientists studying feline defensive rage liken it to human anger, saying that both emerge and unleash in the brain.

With each such advance in the understanding of the mammalian brain’s recipe for rage, scientists seem to be moving closer to developing medications to quell violent behavior in humans and other mammals.

In cats, such therapies may prevent the hissing, back arching, ear retraction, claw extensions and fur standing-on-end that are typical indicators of feline defensive rage.

In humans, related anger reveals itself with road rage, an impulsive form of anger that involves little or no thought.

“In road rage, the person never thinks about what he is doing but just acts in the way he does because he feels that he has been threatened by someone else and the impulsive behavior represents a way by which he can protect himself from such a threat,” Discovery News quoted co-author Allan Siegel, a professor in the Department of Neurology & Neurosciences at New Jersey Medical School in Newark, as saying.

“In reality, his actions are usually much more dangerous to him than to the person whom he perceived cut him off on the road,” added Siegel.

Previous studies had shown that anger is centered in the medial hypothalamus region of the brain.

In the latest study, the researchers electrically stimulated this brain region in 10 female cats, creating feline defensive rage among them. When a protein called an interleukin was introduced into the anger region of the cats brains, it fueled the felines rage.

Siegel says that the protein somehow attaches to a serotonin receptor, which is a critical neurotransmitter that helps inhibit everything from sleep to vomiting to sex and hunger in humans.

The researcher says that for anger, the interleukin reacts with the serotonin, and causes the neuron to which the serotonin is attached to discharge.

Before long, many neurons in the region start to discharge at a high rate, causing the individual to fall into a rage and behave defensively.

Since wild cats are very territorial, says Siegel, zoo tigers feel threatened and act aggressively whenever they face intruders, whether in zoo or in the wild.

An expert, who did not participate in the research, agreed with the findings outlines in the new study. "There is a possibility that new targets for therapeutic management of aggressive behaviour in humans can be developed,” said Hreday Sapru, director of Neurosurgical Laboratories at the New Jersey Medical School.

“In addition, this discovery may provide a basis for future studies that will unravel the underlying mechanisms of aggression and other related behaviors in animals,” Sapru added.

The findings have been accepted for publication in the journal Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity.

How Long Before the Dog Breaks it?

2008-04-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just because pet lovers travel a lot, doesn’t mean they have to inconvience neighbors or put their pets in a kennel so they don’t die of starvation. With iSeePet360, travelers who have pets can now feed and water their canine or feline loved ones with the power of the internet through remote desktop or some other remote internet application.

The USB powered Remote Pet feeder comes with a built in webcam so you can keep an eye on Fido while the feeder can be programmed to dispense food up to eight times a day, seven days a week. Setup is fairly straight forward as it plugs directly into a computer’s USB port. The Pet Feeder can be accessed via the Internet through the USB connection. The feed hopper is fairly large as well, being ideal for dogs over 15 pounds. And the feeder doesn’t just dump the food either, it parcels it out, slowly, over the course of several minutes with a slow-moving auger.

And the software will also email users periodical photos from the feeder at scheduled times so that users can check up on their pets eating habits.

Cost is a hefty $298 ($300 in disguise) and is available through Smart Home.

Speaking of Digital Catflaps...

2008-04-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Digital Catflap!

2008-04-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Your pet door gives you cat access to outdoors; but is it too much access? Think about getting a CatMate!

The CatMate is a catflap that uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to restrict your cat's movements in and out of the house. Plus, you have different settings for each of up to seven cats!

Greenpets Festival 2008

2008-04-03T13:13:00.001-07:00

Pet Tags- A Necessity

2008-04-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Recently my friend adopted a retired show dog from Schnauzer rescue. She came in to GreenPets to pick up the usuals prior to the dogs arrival; a bed, a crate, food, a leash, collar and toys. She had been warned that Schnauzers are notorious for running off to follow their tracking instincts, so when I reminded her that she should make a tag with his name and her phone numbers on it in case such an event occurred, she didn't think twice about it. This simple decision may have saved her a lot of heartache because just this weekend, while my friend was visiting friends in North Carolina; a young, adventurous Dallas, decided that exploration was part of his vacation trip.
Luckily Dallas only made it as far as the neighbors yard, where the neighbor promptly found the information attached to his collar and called for his retrieval .
This story had a happy ending, but I think of so many others that do not. The Washington Humane Society alone sees over 20,000 animals yearly! That is a staggering number and some of those numbers are certainly preventable with responsible pet ownership.
Even if you don't know what you are planning on naming your animal yet, or think you may change your number, or may move- it doesn't matter. When you are thinking of the necessities that you need for your new dog or cat, make sure a tag is at the top of that list. Come into GreenPets today to use our tag machine that engraves your tag for as little as $4.00 and it only takes two minutes!!

Sweets for Your Sweetie

2008-03-31T10:27:00.001-07:00

We now have dog cookies here at GreenPets created by our neighbors, the famous chocolatiers at ACKC Cocoa Gallery.

But don't panic! There's no cocoa on these cookies, because, as most everyone knows, cocoa is very poisonous to dogs. These cookies have only white chocolate which has NO cocoa, and is therefore safe for dogs.

Not only are these sweets human-grade (that is, appropriate for humans to eat), they're darned tasty, too (as tested by our own staff)! Come by and share some with your dog!

Who Says You Can't Train a Cat?

2008-03-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization

2008-03-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

You’ve heard of man’s best friend, the dog. This book spotlights 100 best friends for their feats of heroism, acts of love and contributions to the sciences and arts.

There’s Laika, a simple mutt from the streets of Moscow who became the first earthling in space. Her historic 1957 flight handed the Russians a major victory in the race to land a man on the moon. (Laika died several hours into her mission, however, possibly from fright.)

And there’s Ginny, a schnauzer/husky mix who was named “Cat of the Year” in New York because of her knack for finding and rescuing stray cats and kittens.

Not a dog person? Not to worry. Check out the author’s companion book, 100 Cats Who Changed Civilization.

Featured felines include Oscar, a shipboard cat who survived three sinkings in World War II, and Pulcinella, a composer’s cat who inspired an 18th-century harpsichord sonata by walking up and down the keyboard.

Peek-a-woof!

2008-03-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Have a backyard fence that blocks your dog's view? Consider giving him a window on the world with the Pet Peek.

The Pet Peek gives your doggy an acrylic plastic bubble, in a very 50s style sci-fi design, to stick his snout through and explore the unknown of your next door neighbors lawn. For $30, it’s not that much of a price to pay to give your doggy their dream.

Wheelchairs Keep Disabled Pets Moving

2008-03-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass. (AP) -- When Gary Mikus learned that an incurable nerve disease was starting to paralyze the hind legs of his German shepherd, he immediately dismissed the idea of putting the dog to sleep. Then he spotted an ad in a pet food store: ''Eddie's Wheels For Pets. Help for Handicapped Pets.'' Now the dog named Bear, which has been Mikus' constant companion for a decade, has a lot of living left to do -- much of it in his new pet wheelchair.

''He's healthy in every other way,'' Mikus said. ''Until something tells me otherwise that he's failing, I'll do everything I can to keep him mobile and happy.''

A growing number of pet owners are turning to custom-built wheelchairs to restore mobility to furry friends whose legs, hips or backs don't work. The owners' goals are simple: to reward their pets' unconditional love with whatever it takes for the animals to live normally.

The two-wheel carts support the dog's midsection with a padded saddle, and are secured with a shoulder yoke and chest strap. Most dogs have rear-wheel carts to compensate for lame hind legs, though a growing number of front-wheel carts are being ordered for animals with front-leg problems.

Donna Blain's 7-year-old Maltese named Gizmo hopped and hobbled on his deformed front legs before she adopted him a year ago. She ordered his cart after learning the odd gait had damaged his spine and would have required surgery.

Now he wheels himself around for hours on sidewalks, in parks and anywhere he can find treats and praise.

''He's into everything,'' said Blain, of Woodstock, Conn. ''He just wants to live, after all those years of really hobbling and not being able to get where he wanted to be.''

Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, founders of Eddie's Wheels, built their first pet wheelchair in 1989 when their 10-year-old Doberman, Buddha, lost the use of her rear legs because of disc disease and spinal problems.

Their veterinarian, impressed by Buddha's revived mobility and vitality, started referring others to the Grinnells. In 1998, they started their own business.

Similar wheelchair makers can be found in Montana, Maryland, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere. Most dog carts start around $250 and can exceed $500 based on the size of the dog, while the cost of wheelchairs for other animals can vary depending on the type and size of animal.

Since launching the business, Eddie's Wheels has shipped carts worldwide -- the largest to a 220-pound Saint Bernard in Great Britain -- and has made wheelchairs for several cats, a ferret, alpacas, goats, sheep, a rabbit and a possum.

They even keep a supply of tiny wheels on hand for a gerbil or hamster.

Veterinarian Derek Fox, a University of Missouri professor specializing in orthopedic surgery for dogs, cats and other small animals, said pets that once would have been irreversibly crippled are benefiting from a variety of advancements: improved hip and joint replacements, better physical therapy and wheelchairs.

''Even if a treatment is expensive, these are people who say they'll do anything to keep their pet moving, to keep them happy, to keep their quality of life up,'' he said.

Many of the dogs who need the chairs become disabled from degenerative myelopathy, a neurological disease common in German shepherds, golden retrievers, Labradors and other large sporting breeds. Others, like Corgis and Daschunds, are vulnerable to disc and spine problems that eventually leave them lame.

''Dogs don't understand why this is going on, but they're very accepting: 'Oh, this is the way I am today.' So when we put them in the cart, they're like: 'Oh, now I'm back to normal. I can go where I want,'' Leslie Grinnell said.

That was the case with Max, an 8-year-old German shepherd whose owners, Gordon and Linda Landry of Granby, said his degenerative myelopathy left him dejected and hobbling behind their other dog, Molly.

As he tried his new cart for the first time, the dog whimpered at the door to go outside and promptly wheeled his way down the walkway, around the parking lot and past Molly as she peered at him from the Landrys' truck.

''This just amazes me,'' Linda Landry said as she watched him, laughing at his vigor. ''We never get to see him like this anymore. It's like having a younger Max back.''

------

On the Web: www.eddieswheels.com

Dogs Sniff Out Hypoglycemia

2008-03-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Already known for their capability of leading the blind, alerting the deaf, and helping the physically disabled with daily tasks, dogs may also prove helpful in maintaining the blood sugar levels of diabetics.

This suggestion comes from researchers at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who are looking for evidence to verify whether dogs can reliably detect dangerous blood sugar level drops in diabetics.

"Anecdotal reports suggest that some dogs can perform early warning of hypoglycemia by using their sense of smell to 'sniff out' if their owner's blood sugar levels are dropping," Live Science quoted lead researcher and psychology professor Deborah Wells as saying.

Diabetics have to test their blood glucose levels on a regular basis to avoid the peaks and valleys that can result in organ failure.

Some organizations in the US train dogs to detect low glucose levels. Mark Ruefenacht, the founder of Dogs for Diabetics in Concord, California, says that dogs that successfully complete training can detect low glucose levels with 90 per cent accuracy.

However, it is still unclear what the canines notice when a person experiences a blood sugar low is still a mystery, Ruefenacht admits.

"We just haven't come up with the right answers. Every time we think we have the answer, we find that we don't," he said.

Larry Myers, a veterinarian and professor at Auburn University in Alabama, says that scientists are still investigating whether dogs can truly detect low blood sugar levels. He, however, agrees that it is a possibility worth exploring.

The expert, who has trained dogs to detect everything from drugs to agricultural pests for 25 years, points out that dogs olfactory ability are not universally sensitive to all chemicals.

"Do hypoglycemic individuals, in fact, emit an odor that is characteristic? I don't know, and I don't think anybody does know right now," he said.

Myers suggests that a possibility other than scent may perhaps be an ability in dogs to notice extremely subtle physiological changes in their human companion, which the canines are believed to use for seizure detection.

"It turns out what the dogs are really sensitive to is subtle changes in behavior of the individuals just prior to seizing. It's more of a fact that dogs are very, very, very observant of human behaviour," Myers said.

Viagra Saves Dog's Life

2008-03-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

The anti-impotence drug Viagra has been credited with saving the life of a down-and-out dog in England. Talisker, a three-year-old border collie, developed heart problems after suffering a lung infection.

The dog would lose consciousness when he got excited because his blood could not pump fast enough. Vets warned Talisker would die from the condition but suggested his owner give the dog Viagra, as the sex pill improves blood flow to the heart.

Lesley Strong, a former pub landlady, of Yardley Hastings, Northants, said she was "shocked" by the vet's advice but the little blue pills had given Talisker a "new lease of life".

She said the prescription - labelled Talisker: Strong - had taken the local chemist a little by surprise.

She added that Talisker received his medicine in his food.

"I was shocked when the vet recommended Viagra and it raised a few eyebrows when I first collected the prescription. But it's given Talisker a new lease of life," she told the newspaper.

Viagra, normally associated with middle-aged male impotency, has also been used to treat humans with the rare disease pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In 2007, researchers suggested Viagra could be used to help people recover from jetlag.

Fat Brits = Fat Dogs

2008-03-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

Nearly two million dogs in Britain are overweight as obesity levels soar in our pets, a leading charity has warned

Many animals are experiencing problems such as heart disease, breathing difficulties, diabetes and arthritis which is causing their quality of life to be drastically reduced.


	Many people believe their pets to be healthy when they are actually overweight

A report by PDSA, the veterinary charity, found that almost one in three dogs is currently overweight, an increase of nine per cent over the last year.

Owners have been blamed for taking their dogs for fewer walks and for giving them treats when they want attention rather than playing with them.

Many people have a distorted image of what their pet should look like and believe their animal to be of healthy size when it is actually much larger than average, vets have said.

The charity has drawn up a map to show the levels of canine obesity in Britain and it coincides with obesity problems in humans and the areas with most overweight people have the most overweight pets. This would suggest that owners' lifestyle habits are affecting their pets although a direct study linking the two has not yet been carried out.

The north-west of England was found to have the worst problem with 31 per cent of dogs classified as overweight shortly followed by the Midlands at 29 per cent.

A recent study on obesity in men and women by Portsmouth University found that the West Midlands had the highest figures with up to 22 per cent in some areas. London has the slimmest dogs, according to the PDSA report, with just 19 per cent classified as overweight.

The report was based on 9,000 dogs that were assessed at voluntary pet health checks across the country in 2007 and 2006. A total of 30 per cent of the animals were found to be overweight, the equivalent of 1.95 million when this figure is applied to the 6.5 million dogs living in Britain.

Elaine Pendlebury, senior veterinary surgeon at PDSA, said: "Levels of dog obesity have risen greatly in the past few years. "If a dog wants attention, owners should be taking it out for a walk or playing with it rather than throwing them a bit of food from their plate.

"Dogs should really be walked at least two times a day for between two or 10 miles, depending on the breed, but our increasingly inactive lifestyles mean that we are reluctant to do this.

"Many people seem to have a distorted image of what their pet should look like and believe that they should look like a plump, healthy Labrador even if their breed is much smaller."

Obesity is also likely to shorten a dog's life expectancy and studies have found that an obese Labrador would live two years less than average.

SSSpecial Petssssss

2008-03-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Owners of pet snakes don't expect a lot of sympathy from outsiders.

So when headlines like "Feds move to ban pythons and boas" started to show up on message boards and blogs, the hobbyist community caught fire. Hundreds rushed to post messages decrying the possibility of adding pythons and boas to the list of species that it's illegal to import or transport between states.

Snakes are more popular pets than you might believe. An estimated 4.8 million American households own one or more pet reptiles, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Although some special expertise is needed, the care of snakes is not time consuming, and for many who are fascinated by them, it's hard to stop at just one. Some species are even bred for special colors and patterns, like more familiar pets.

The Fish and Wildlife Service says it is just gathering information about which species might be of environmental concern at the moment, and what the economic impacts might be. No new rules have been proposed. The agency is accepting public comments until April 30, and if any new species end up being proposed to add to the regulated list, there will be another comment period at that point.

The inquiry began after Florida began coping with a growing number of released Burmese pythons.

Snake expert David Barker of Texas says that these snakes, which can grow to six meters long and more than 90 kilograms, are valuable when they're small and when very large. But in between, at about 2.5 to three meters in length, owners often find that they've become a handful, and are unable to sell them.

"They get irritable - they're teenagers," he says. "You can't get rid of one; you can't give it away."

This can lead irresponsible owners to release their pet into the wild.

Linda Friar of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Park says the problem there has been increasing: in 1993, they found only about 27 of these snakes, but in 2007 the number was 250, and the educated guess is that "for every one we find, there are 10 more."

Officials are concerned about possible effects of these snakes on native species.

Snake enthusiasts like Barker, author of two books and numerous scientific articles, don't discount environmental issues. In fact, he says he chose to focus on ball pythons back in the 1970s because he expected that they'd eventually need protection by captive breeding.

But it's somewhat understandable that snake owners react strongly to the threat of legislation, given the confusing patchwork of widely varying local and state laws that affect them. For example, conservation regulations in some states ban the keeping of native species-even individuals bred in captivity-to protect them from being collected from the wild. This worthy goal means it can be illegal to own, for example, a corn snake, which is a good first pet snake for children.

Reptiles may also fall under laws regulating dangerous animals, wildlife or exotic pets, which may ban or require permits for certain species. The logic behind the laws doesn't always make sense to snake enthusiasts.

For example, the city of Baltimore bans any snake longer than 1.5 meters. But there are 1.5-meter-long snakes that are not much thicker than your thumb, and are unlikely to endanger anything bigger than a mouse. And Delaware currently requires a permit for any non-native species of reptile, no matter how small and inoffensive.

Regulating snakes as "wildlife" also raises the question of how long an animal must be bred in captivity before it is no longer considered wild. Barker argues that his ball pythons now essentially are domesticated: "They're selected for their ease of feeding, their temperaments. They've been bred in captivity for 10 generations."

Of course, domestication doesn't mean no regulation - after all, in most places you have to license and vaccinate your dogs. Barker points approvingly to Florida's approach: new laws require the giant species of snakes to be microchipped so that, if released, the owner can be identified and penalized.

Florida legislation also treats captive-bred varieties differently in one case: regulations on red-eared slider turtles have an exception for those that have been bred in special colours.

But hobbyists are passionate in their defence of the rewards of keeping snakes - and the freedom for responsible owners to make their own choice about which animals share their lives. As one poster to the government website put it, "Not everyone is a puppy, kitten sort of person."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

The principal native Irish breeds of dog are

The gigantic Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Setter

The Irish Terrier

The Irish Water Spaniel

The Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Beagle

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

GreenPets Accepting Donations for Animals Affected by Fire

2008-03-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

D.C. Fire Forces About 200 From Homes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fire ravaged an apartment building overnight, forcing the evacuation of several neighboring buildings and damaging a church.

No residents were injured as flames engulfed the four-story building in the city's Mount Pleasant neighborhood, but about 200 people were forced from their homes, authorities said.

Fire department spokesman Alan Etter said the fire broke out shortly before midnight Wednesday and destroyed at least half the building. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Some people climbed down fire ladders, while firefighters carried others out of the building, authorities said. Many people were loaded onto buses to stay warm.

"I only grabbed the children, who had no shoes, no anything, and we ran down the stairs," said building resident Abigail Escobar, who fled with her two young children.

Hundreds of firefighters from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia responded to the five-alarm blaze, which smoldered hours later Thursday morning, Etter said. One firefighter was treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.

Flames that erupted from the roof of the apartment building spread to the Meridian Hill Baptist Church, which suffered roof damage, Etter said. Other nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution but were not damaged.

The apartment building has been plagued with electrical, plumbing and infestation problems and has been fined by the city, D.C. Council member Jim Graham told WTOP radio.

The apartment building also served as one of the few remaining pet-friendly buildings in the area. At this time city councilmen are trying to gather information about who needs assistance for their pets. GreenPets, located at 1722 14th St. NW will be collecting donations and monetary contributions for these animals.

Dogs Helping Autistic Children

2008-03-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

Matthew Plunk pulls away from Ajax but can't go more than 2 1/2 feet, the length of the tethering strap securing him to the Great Pyrenees-boxer mix.

This, his parents say, is just one of the benefits of having an assistive dog to help their mildly autistic son navigate not just their Norcross home but the world outside.

Before they got Ajax, Jennifer Plunk said, Matthew was prone to darting away, especially if he became frightened or upset. And when he was in the middle of a meltdown, behavior common in children suffering from Asperger's syndrome such as Matthew, he was inconsolable.

Not with Ajax. He's trained to recognize the situation, and he moves in to nuzzle 7-year-old Matthew to avert the behavior.

Matthew was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 3. He was socially aloof and moved constantly, Plunk said. When the family ventured away from their home, people stared at him, and Plunk imagined they saw just another over-indulged brat — and a mother badly in need of parenting classes.

Now people see Ajax tethered to her son and are less judgmental and more empathetic, she said. When she saw a news special about assistive dogs, she knew then that "this could be something huge for Matthew."

Within months of receiving Ajax last year, Plunk said, Matthew started to change.

"He's more calm and comfortable in his skin," she said. "He's interested in what's going on around him, more in tune with people."

Kelly Martin hopes her son Carter can be so lucky. She believes an assistive dog could help him live a more regular life, too.

That freedom, however, comes with a $13,000 price tag, the price charged by 4 Paws for Ability. The Ohio-based nonprofit, where the Plunks got Ajax, trains service dogs for children and adults with various disabilities.

"It would be his own personal guide into this crazy world we live in," Martin said. "This dog will give Carter and my family back a lot of freedoms that we've had to forgo because it is too hard for Carter to do normal things."

Show You Care With Kuranda

2008-03-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Next door at our brother facility, Dogs By Day, they use lots of Kuranda beds for the dogs to relax on during the day and sleep on at night.

Check out the Kuranda Web site (www.kuranda.com); these dog beds are amazing! They are like cots, with material stretched across a tubular frame. The design is patented, very durable and comfortable for dogs because they don't have to sleep on a hard surface.

Kuranda beds are perfect for pets -- and for animal shelters. The company makes it very easy to donate a bed. Click on the "Donate a Bed" link and you can choose from a list, by state, of shelters that are hoping for donations.

Just select the shelter and follow the instructions to order a bed for donation. The retail price is reduced 30 percent to 35 percent for donated beds. The donation will be sent directly to the shelter in your name.

Kuranda USA is based in Annapolis, Md. Spokeswoman Carol Grandmougin, who sent the photo of a dog in a Kuranda bed, says that the company tracks all donations and posts the names of shelters with exceptional donation rates.

For more information, visit www.kuranda.com or call (800) 494-7122.

Masayan Blessing of the Dogs

2008-03-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

MASAYA, Nicaragua (Reuters) - Hundreds of dogs, many dressed as babies or clowns, were taken to celebrate mass in this Nicaraguan town on Sunday, an annual ritual where the owners pray for their pets to be cured or avoid falling ill.

A long queue of Catholics, carrying their pets or leading them on leashes, waited their turn to pass by an image of a saint in a tiny church in this town 20 miles to the south of the Nicaragua capital, Managua.

The faithful thank the saint for curing their pets or ask for the dogs to be protected from illness. The town's priest always conducts a special canine mass.

"We brought him so he does not get sick," said local resident Nora Espinosa, talking about her six-month-old Basset Hound, dressed in a soccer outfit.

Locals say the tradition goes back to the colonial period after the Spanish conquest.

Xylitol is not for dogs!

2008-03-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

In the world of sugar substitutes, we have all been accustomed to products with Nutrasweet, Sweet N'Low (and other saccharins), Equal and Splenda.

However, research indicates dogs should avoid one sweetener in particular: xylitol, which according to a Veterinary Medicine article by veterinarian Eric Dunayer, could be toxic. Dunayer is a staff veterinarian for the ASPCA Animal Control Center in Urbana, Ill. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products, including sugar-free gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products and baked goods. Although xylitol consumption is considered safe in people, dogs can develop serious, even life-threatening signs from its ingestion. Ironically, the symptoms brought on by xylitol do not mimic hyperglycemia (as in diabetes), but rather the opposite effects (hypoglycemia).

Xylitol's popularity is based on the fact that on a measure-for-measure basis, it carries only two-thirds the calories of sugar and causes very little insulin-release in people. Therefore, xylitol is viewed as a solution in the diets of many sweet-craving Americans.

How does that work? In simple terms, xylitol doesn't require insulin to enter cells, and therefore blood-level concentrations of glucose are significantly lowered. The consequence in xylitol-sensitive dogs is that hypoglycemia can result from so much storage of glucose in the cells.

The sensitivity of xylitol in dogs has been documented by the ASPCA's Poison Control Center database from 2003 to 2006. Eight cases have illustrated that very small amounts (less than 0.1 gram per kilogram of body weight) can cause symptoms in dogs. Furthermore, it has been shown that serum glucose concentrations can dip in as soon as one to two hours after ingestion. Therefore, if symptoms of weakness and lack of energy are seen in your dog after sweet goodies are eaten, seek veterinary assistance.

Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Your Baby

2008-03-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

In a recent column, household tip columnist, Heloise, advised her readers on how to help a dog prepare for a new baby in the household:

Dear Heloise: I wanted to send in these helpful hints I thought were good ideas regarding bringing a new baby home to pets. I am a real pet lover, and if these hints would help with newborn/pet relationships, it would be a good idea if you printed them! — L.B., in Iowa

L.B., not only will I be glad to print the hints, but I'll also add a few from Heloise Central, so read on:

1. Tape-record a newborn crying and play the recording in your home as often as possible to familiarize your pets with the upcoming "new" noises.

2. Cradle, hold and carry a baby doll around your pets. Helping them learn how to "act" around the doll might make it an easier transition when mother and baby come home.

3. Use baby products such as powder or lotion ahead of time to help pets get familiar with the "smell" of a baby.

4. If you are going to change sleeping arrangements (e.g., taking pets out of your bedroom), do this at least a month before delivery so pets do not associate the "displacement" with the baby.

5. If you cannot get a tape recording of baby sounds, there are television shows devoted to newborn babies that you could leave on so your pets will get used to these sounds.

6. Temporarily replace a solid door into the baby's room with a screened or glass-type storm door. You can still see in, but pets stay out!

Popularity Contest

2008-03-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

According to AKC records, in 2007, the Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. were:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog

For the first time since 1935, the Bulldog has broken into the top 10. The organization says that this breed has recently gained appeal to a very wide range of dog lovers. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It's also one of the few dog breeds to be adopted as a mascot for some sports teams.

The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886, just two years after the organization's founding, and was most popular in 1915 when it peaked in 5th place. The breed's popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.

Cave canem!

2008-03-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

A man found himself cornered by the two Tibetan mastiffs he was trying to steal last Tuesday night in Tianjin.

The thief, Zhang, had heard about the valuable pedigree dogs several nights before he tried to steal them, when he dined with their owner's neighbor.

But the well-trained dogs would not be persuaded with the food he offered and rushed at him as he clambered into the backyard.

Zhang spent four hours with his back pressed to a wall, trying to fend off the dogs. Their owner found him the next morning.

Tibetan mastiffs are considered one of the oldest, rarest and fiercest dog breeds and were first tamed by humans 6,000 years ago.

"It's quite lucky he didn't try to move - I wouldn't like to imagine the results," Wang Jian, the dogs' owner, said.

Join GreenPets in Observing Earth Hour

2008-03-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour is catching on across America following the tremendous success of last year's event in Sydney, Australia. This global phenomenon will spread across six continents in 2008, including hundreds of U.S. cities.

Chicago will serve as the U.S. flagship city for Earth Hour in 2008, with Atlanta, Phoenix and San Francisco joining as leading partner cities. But everyone throughout the U.S. and around the world is invited and encouraged to turn off their lights for an hour on March 29 at 8 p.m. local time—whether at home or at work, with friends and family or solo, in a big city or a small town.

What will you do when the lights are off? Why not change out those old energy-wasting light bulbs to new, inexpensive and efficient compact fluorescents. Earth Hour is also a great time to consider what you and your family can do in the days and months to reduce emissions and live more sustainably.

To alter the course of climate change we must act now. The U.S. is the world's leading emitter of carbon dioxide—over 20 tons per person every year. One person committed to reducing energy consumption can make a difference, and millions of us working together can change the world.

GreenPets is part of the Earth Hour movement in Washington, D.C. this year. Won’t you join us?

Cats are Good for Your Heart?!

2008-02-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

Whether it's a frisky kitten or a tubby tabby, a cat at home could cut your heart attack risk by almost a third, a new study suggests.

The finding, from a 10-year study of more than 4,300 Americans, suggests that the stress relief pets provide humans is heart-healthy.

And dog lovers shouldn't feel left out: Although the study found no such benefit from "man's best friend," that's probably because there simply weren't enough dog owners in the study to draw firm conclusions, the researchers said.

"For years we have known that psychological stress and anxiety are related to cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks," noted study senior author Dr. Adnan Qureshi, executive director of the Minnesota Stroke Institute at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

According to Qureshi, the new research shows that "essentially there is a benefit in relieving those inciting factors from pets."

The stress-cardiovascular disease link is well-documented in scientific literature, and the affection and pleasure pets give humans is a known stress-buster. In fact, one study presented in 2005 at an American Heart Association meeting found that a single 12-minute visit with a dog improved the heart and lung function of people with heart failure.

In the new study, Qureshi's team analyzed data on 4,435 Americans, aged 30 to 75, who took part in the federal government's second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, which ran from 1976-1980. According to the data in the survey, 2,435 of the participants either owned a cat or had owned a cat in the past, while the remaining 2,000 had never done so.

Qureshi's team then tracked rates of death from all causes, including heart and stroke.

Cat owners "appeared to have a lower rate of dying from heart attacks" over 10 years of follow-up compared to feline-free folk, Qureshi said.

The magnitude of the effect -- a 30 percent reduction in heart attack risk -- "was a little bit surprising," he added. "We certainly expected an effect, because we thought that there was a biologically plausible mechanism at work. But the magnitude of the effect was hard to predict."

Qureshi -- proud owner of his own feline, Ninja -- stressed that dogs probably would bring people the same kind of benefit, but the numbers of dog owners in the study wasn't big enough to count statistically.

Kathie Cole, a clinical nurse at the UCLA Medical Center and School of Nursing and the lead author of the 2005 dog-and-heart-failure study, said she wasn't surprised by the Minnesota findings.

"I would be inclined to think that any animal that is perceived as meaningful to a person in a positive way would have health benefits," Cole said. She pointed to multiple studies that have found that animal companions "have a calming effect in regard to mental stressors."

Both researchers believe pet ownership should be perceived as a low-cost, low-risk medical intervention that can potentially save or extend lives, especially for the elderly. "The problem right now is that so many apartment buildings or nursing homes aren't allowing animals in," Cole said. "That's the problem I see from a community standpoint."

Qureshi agreed that cats, dogs or other pets may bring tangible medical benefits to owners.

"This opens a whole new avenue or intervention that we hadn't looked at before, one that can be made at the public level," he said. And unlike drugs or surgery, pet ownership "doesn't appear to have any risks to it," he added.