Dog Shot 40 Times, Buried Alive & Lives (Warning: Upsetting)

May 27, 2011

In what is being described as one of the most horrific acts of animal cruelty ever witnesses, the residents of Malta are calling on their government to implement tougher animal welfare laws after the discovery of a dog, buried alive up to her nose having been shot 40 times in the head.

Star, as she has been named, incredibly survived this horrendous ordeal and animal welfare teams are now investigating who carried out the cruelty.

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She was found after investigators heard whimpering coming from beneath a wooden board with a tree stump placed on top to weigh it down.

The animal welfare investigators were faced with the harrowing site of poor Star, still alive, having been shot and buried alive.

When rescuers removed her from the ground they discovered all her limbs had been tied together and she had suffered 40 shots to the head by a pellet gun.

Incredibly, Star survived the ordeal and the outrage in Malta has lead to calls for animal welfare laws to be toughened up as the purpetrator of this crime, if caught, would only face a maximum of 12-months in prison.

Animal lovers are holding a silent protest in Valetta next week to express their disgust.

Article source: http://www.dognews.co/dog-shot-40-times-buried-alive-lives-warning-upsetting/

Dog Owner Launches Charity Raising Awareness of Pedigree Dog Health Concerns

May 27, 2011

Dog owner Tania Ledger has set up a charity, Cavalier Matters, to raise awareness and campaign to improve the genetic health of pedigree dogs, in particular Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
 
Although the charity is currently focusing on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, in the long term it hopes to extend its scope to other breeds that are affected by genetic health problems.
 
Tania set up the charity with her husband Graham after two of their three Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs Molly and Dougall were diagnosed with Syringomyelia, an incurable neurological condition.


 
“When Molly and Dougall were diagnosed in December 2008 with Syringomyelia, I was devastated,” said Tania. “When I tried to read up on the condition, I was mystified by all the scientific jargon and couldn’t find any information online about how to look after a dog with Syringomyelia.”
 
“I decided to set up a charity to help other Cavalier owners deal with Syringomyelia and other genetic health issues. I hope the charity will enable people to improve the quality of their dogs’ lives by giving them the appropriate care and the best veterinary treatment available,” said Tania.
 
The charity has five main aims:
1) To support other Cavalier owners by providing easy to understand information about Cavalier health problems and advice on how to look after a dog affected by these problems.
2) Raising awareness of Cavalier health problems among the general public and encouraging them to only buy a puppy from a breeder who has carried out all the necessary health checks on the bitch and stud dog.
3) Campaigning to improve the health of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and animal welfare in general, for example, campaigning against irresponsible breeding and puppy farms.
4) Funding research into Cavalier illnesses, for example, the Rupert’s Fund project (http://www.rupertsfund.com) and the Collection Scheme (http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/collection.htm).
5) Funding the rescue and rehoming of Cavaliers.
 
Encouraging responsible breeding is a vital aspect of the charity’s work, according to Tania.
 
“I was shocked when I learnt that many irresponsible breeders continue to breed from dogs that have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia or do not follow the breeding guidelines for Syringomyelia. These breeders are condemning puppies to a life of pain and potentially contributing to the extinction of the breed,” said Tania.
 
Dog health campaigner Carol Fowler is also a trustee of the charity. Carol said: “Tania invited me to be a founding trustee of Cavalier Matters Charity and I was delighted to accept. Initially Cavalier Matters is all about the breed we are both passionate to help to save – the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We have started small but hope to build Cavalier Matters into something much bigger, extending its scope to helping other dog breeds which are in trouble, and campaigning for the reform of dog breeding in the UK through our political contacts and by working with other welfare organisations.”
 
None of the three Cavalier Matters trustees will be drawing any income or expenses from the charity, so all proceeds will be put towards the charity’s goals. So far the charity has raised £5,750 through the sale of items on its charitable shop (shop.cavaliermatters.org) and at pet shows (including the London Pet Show in May 2011).
 
For more information on Cavalier Matters, visit http://cavaliermatters.org/ or contact tania@cavaliermatters.org

Article source: http://www.dognews.co/dog-owner-launches-charity-raising-awareness-of-pedigree-dog-health-concerns/

Super Dog Grooming Tips

May 27, 2011

Check out these top dog grooming tips to help you get your pet in to tip top, glistening condition…

When we think about grooming dogs we often picture Poodles, Pomeranians and posh pooches. But grooming is essential for all dogs. Dogs skin and coats are a vital health concern for dog owners to consider.

When it comes time to brush up on your dog's grooming, here are some helpful hints.

1. Select a brush that is intended for your dog's hair type. Brushes with bristles that are farther apart, such as pin brushes, are useful on dogs with longer, thicker hair, while brushes with shorter, harder bristles are useful on shorthaired dogs.

2. If you've purchased your dog from a breeder, ask the breeder what kind of brush is best to use on your breed.

3. Wire brushes and slicker brushes help remove dry, dead skin from your dog's coat along with the excess hair. Getting the hair out of the wire brushes and slickers once you've groomed your dog can be difficult if not impossible. To help remove the hair deposits on the wire brush, use a toothpick between the bristles.

4. An alternative to a brush is a grooming glove that you wear on your hand. The tiny prongs on the glove's surface remove dead hair as you gently stroke your dog. Pull the hair off for disposal in the trash.

5. An undercoat rake will help remove the undercoat of hair on your pet that typically knots up. Note: If you are showing your dog, make certain that removing the undercoat of your dog's coat is acceptable for the show ring.

6. To remove excess loose hair from your dog, wrap masking tape around your hand and run the tape lightly over his coat.

7. Massage your dog with dampened hands after you take a shower or bath to remove excess hair.

8. A damp rubber glove will help remove excess hair from your dog as well as your furniture.

9. If your dog enjoys being massaged, purchase a battery-operated massager or one that also functions as a brush and a way to collect loose hair. The gentle sound relaxes tension and the massage soothes sore muscles as you groom your dog.

10. Vacuuming hair from your dog helps when shedding season arrives and prevents some of it from attaching itself to your furniture. Some dogs like the vacuum cleaner; others don't. To accustom your dog to the vacuum being gently run over his coat, begin using it when he is a puppy.

11. If burrs have become tangled in your dog's hair, crush them with a pair of pliers before brushing them out. Another method of removing burrs is to first saturate them with white petroleum jelly or mineral oil, then work them out of your dog's hair with your hands.

Resources:

Hero Dog Saves Owner

May 24, 2011

A golden retriever that saved the life of its master after the man fell from his mountain bike is being honored Tuesday with a crystal likeness of himself and customized silver dog tags.

A feel good dog story emerges as The Humane Society of the United States will award the Austin pooch Yogi its 2011 Valor Dog of the Year award for saving Paul Horton. The 58-year-old retired mechanical engineer and Yogi have been together for about five years, since Yogi was a pup.

Last October, Yogi was out for a jog while Horton was riding his bike near Lake Travis when he jumped a curb on his bicycle.

“I’m sure I’ve done it 100 times, but this time my front wheel stopped and I went over the handlebars and landed on my head,” Horton told the Austin American-Statesman.

The helmetless Horton was knocked unconscious. When he came to, he couldn’t move and was bleeding from his nose and mouth. Yogi was at his side.

Horton could not yell, so he pleaded with Yogi for 45 minutes to go and get help. Finally, Yogi went back to the road and encountered Horton’s neighbors, Bruce and Maggie Tate. Normally mild mannered, Yogi barked at the Tates frantically. Realizing something was wrong, they followed him back to Horton.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7578444.html#ixzz1NITY52ia

Article source: http://www.dognews.co/hero-dog-saves-owner/

Gum Disease in Dogs Prevention Tips

May 24, 2011

Gum disease in dogs is preventable and easily avoidable.

It's also a potentially fatal oversight for dog owners to miss the tell tale signs that their dog may be suffering with some form of gum disease.

Take a look at DogTips.co – Guide to Gum disease in dogs.

It really could save your dog's life!

If You Could Ask Your Pet One Question, What Would It Be?

May 23, 2011

As a loving pet owner, you'll no doubt have spent countless hours wondering if your dog is happy and questioning if you are doing everything they need, just as they need, such as the right amount of walks, the right amount of food, the right grooming routine.
A recent study by K9 Magazine shows that these are infact the most commonly thought questions that we have about our pets.

Celebrities taking part in K9 Magazine's interviews such America's Dance Crew co-presenter, Layla Kayleigh and UK dog behaviourist and presenter of 'It's Me or The Dog', Victoria Stilwell have all commented that if they could ask their pet one question, these would appear at the top of their wish list.

Other popular questions from dog owners relate to health and wellbeing, such as 'do I walk you enough' or those lucky enough to be walked by pet care service providers, 'are you happy with your pet carer' and 'would you like to be pampered more at the groomers'.

K9 Magazine associate publisher, Charles Vincent commented on the results discovered:

"Our study shows that the relationship between celebrities and their dogs is the same as it is for you or I. Their happiness is paramount and that's our main priority as our recent survey shows. The mind of the dog is still a mystery and fascinating to us, which is why so much time and thought goes into every aspect of 'is my pet happy'."

Mr Vincent continued, "Our survey also shows that pet care services, such as pet care London, are benefiting from our care and attention given to the happiness or our pets. One a more serious note, ongoing healthcare was noted as a serious concern. All parasites are of course preventable with treatment and with grooming advice, dry and itchy skin can be avoided and easily combated through special dog shampoo for itchy skin."

K9 Magazine teamed with DogTips.co have prepared free advice guides for owners with concerns whether parasite related or longer term health problems, such as Cushing's disease or Liver problems in dogs.


Distributed by petbuzz by Mick Mansier

Children Victims of Most Dog Attacks

May 18, 2011

According to new figures, children are the most common victims of attacks by dogs in the United States.

The statistics showed that there are on average 4.5m dog attacks each year in the US, but that figure doesn’t account for incidents where people have felt threatened by a dog.

The numbers come as the US postal service workers rally for more responsible pet ownership to avoid needless dog attack incidents.

Nationally, the number of carriers bitten by dogs has declined over the years. This is because of greater cooperation from dog owners, stricter leash laws, and stepped-up efforts to educate letter carriers and the public about dealing with the problem.

Our letter carriers are vigilant and dedicated, but they may be forced to stop mail delivery at an address if a letter carrier is threatened by a vicious dog.

In some instances, Postal Service employees have sued and collected damages for dog attack injuries.

While some attribute attacks on letter carriers to dogs’ inbred aversion to uniforms, experts say the psychology actually runs much deeper.

Every day that a letter carrier comes into a dog’s territory, the dog barks and the letter carrier leaves.

Read more….

Article source: http://www.dognews.co/children-victims-of-most-dog-attacks/

James Arguile Pet Portraits

May 17, 2011

Pet-portrait-collie

Ever thought about protecting your pet's memory for eternity by way of a beautiful pet portrait?

Then check out….

Pet Portraits by James Arguile 

Beautiful drawings and paintings made from photographs, by artist with over ten years' experience.

Ideal for a special gift: why not commission a unique portrait today? 

  • A4: £50 (Extra portraits within same sheet of paper: £20 extra per head)
  • A3: £70 (£30 per extra)
  • A2: £150 – £200 (£50 per extra) 

email jamesarguile@googlemail.com with any requirements and once your portrait is agreed, I will start work.

I also create custom family portraits.Or, you may telephone me, on (UK) 07816 124094

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Distributed by petbuzz by Arsenio Silva

Pet Friendly Howard Johnson Boutique Hotel British Columbia

May 13, 2011

In the latest of our pet friendly business profiles we take a look at Howard Johnson Boutique Hotel in British Columbia. 

An exquisite boutique hotel, located in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Howard Johnson Boutique Hotel has been completely and beautifully renovated, making it one of the best accommodation destinations in downtown Vancouver for travelers from all over the world where you and your dog will have a fantastic vacation.

Read more

Pet Friendly Sheraton Gateway Hotel Georgia

May 13, 2011

In the latest of our pet friendly business profiles we take a look at Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport in Georgia. 

Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport is conveniently (and quietly) situated a half-mile from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) and minutes from downtown Atlanta and the city's biggest attractions where you and your dog will  have a fantastic vacation.  As one of the premier ATL airport hotels, guests are welcome to enjoy a warm lobby, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center.  Plus, be sure to take advantage of our complimentary airport shuttle service.  The hotel is situated on extensive green space perfect to sit outside or take a walk with “man’s best friend”.

Read more

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