More Vigilance -- and Cold Stuff

Hello everyone! Penny here again. Since I arfed at you last time about all the things I have to watch out for with my humans, I've found another. They call it "thunder". I call it a big booming noise that comes out of nowhere. Know what I did? I barked at it!! One of my very fiercest barking frenzies, if I do say so myself. Did the job and the thunder went away. My humans, however, were not as impressed. They kept muttering something about it being 4 in the morning. I don't care what time it was... I always have to be on guard!

I got to do something else new too. We had snow!!!Now, my humans tell me that for a lot of you, snow is no big deal. But I was born and raised in Georgia... right in the Atlanta area. And for us, it's really unusual to get the three inches of snow that we got. Why, it was right up to my chest!

My mommy was a little upset that I was out in the snow without my jacket... but I couldn't wait to get out to play in it and I was crying at the door!I ran and played... there was so much to sniff! I think I could have stayed outside all afternoon, but mommy was afraid my paws would get too cold. Hasn't she seen that I have a lot of fur on them??(I just know a squirrel had been somewhere around this tree. Cowardly devil wouldn't come out to face me!)

So, I had to come in, and mommy wrapped me up in a warm blankie, but I kept vigil at the window just in case something came within my line of sight that I thought was a threat. Ok I did fall asleep. A couple of times. Well, more than a couple of times. But I would have sprung into action at a moment's notice.

I hope we get more snow this winter. From what I hear, I'm the only one who hopes that.

Congratulations!

We would like to offer our congratulations to "Sadie" the Scottish Terrier for her Best in Show win, as well as all the dogs who placed in their Group category and Best in Breed. I for one know that my pups and I enjoyed watching the event unfold over the two night viewing. I think I would not make it as a judge as everyone would be going home with a big blue ribbon!

Another group that deserves a round of applause is Pedigree Foundation who were sponsors for the Westminster event. I know they paid for and got a lot of advertisement for their dog food but did you know they did a donation drive for shelters and raised $205,000 in donations during the event which they will match! Not to mention their adoption promotion through out the program. For more information on this 501(c)(3) organization go here.

If you are interested in viewing the dogs in your favorite breed competition you can go to Westminster's Kennel Club.

Happy Dog's On Thursday,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!

Pet Overpopulation

As a vet I see far too many unwanted, genetically disastrous, randomly bred dogs. I created this handout to help explain to people the merits of responsible breeding and why to consider adoption from a reputable shelter. Feel free to share this information with others!

The Truth About Dog Breeding and the Pet Overpopulation

There is a huge pet overpopulation problem in this country. Please consider the following statistics….

Every year 6-8 million pets enter animal shelters 25% of which are purebred dogs*
Every year 3-4 million of these pets are euthanized*
*Estimates from the Humane Society of the U.S.

Before you breed….

The purpose of dog breeding is to perpetuate the genetic characteristics of an individually defined breed. To achieve this only the animals that best represent the breed should be used in a breeding program. These animals should fit the breed standard, have a proven performance or show record, have a genetic background clear of diseases and also have a quality temperament.
If the above standards are followed then only dogs that can improve the overall quality of the breed will be used in breeding programs. A considerable investment in time and money on the breeder’s part is required to ensure that this takes place. The breeder must be familiar with the breed standard and potential health and behavioral problems associated with that breed. In addition a responsible breeder will screen buyers of their puppies to make sure that they go to a home that understands the breed and is willing and able to provide a proper home for the puppy. A responsible breeder will also be willing to take back any puppy at any time in the dog’s life if the buyer becomes unable to care for it. Done correctly dog breeding is likely to cost money-not make money and this should not be the motivation behind breeding dogs. The proper motivation for breeding is to continue to improve upon the breed and carry on the traits of that breed for others to enjoy.

Spaying and Neutering can prevent accidental litters as well as reduce the risk and incidence of certain medical conditions. It can also reduce aggression, marking, roaming and other unwanted behaviors.

Before you buy….

Consider adopting your next pet from an animal shelter or breed rescue.

Be sure to have your current pets spayed and neutered.

Avoid shopping at stores that sell puppies-most of these come from puppy mills and irresponsible breeders.

If you just can’t find the perfect pet in a shelter or rescue then be sure to do some research before buying from a breeder-don’t be afraid to ask questions and visit the kennel. You should be able to see the parents of your puppy!

Where to?

Things sure have changed in the last few years. Used to be if you saw a dog in a vehicle it was either the dog catcher's wagon or the bed of a farmer's pick-up. Now it is a common occurrence that our pals travel with us not just to the local dog park or hiking trail, but to work, vacation, etc. We want to have them with us and it's great for us and them.

Now at least one automobile manufacturer is starting to catch on and use this as a selling point, with "Dog Package" options available when you buy Honda Element.

Comes with: Rear car kennel, Kennel organizer, Pet bed, Stowable ramp, Dog-pattern seat covers, All-season “Dog-Bone” floor mats, Spill-resistant water bowl, Electric fan, Dog Friendly emblems (3)

Also included are these Dog Friendly Extras:Tote bag, Leash and collar in size small or large, Paw Print dog tag, and Bag dispenser.

One can only hope that this is the start of a trend so we dog lovers can have more options. As an owner of two bassets (and one of them having a little more junk in the trunk being a little more healthy then the other), my back I would really appreciate and utilize a ramp that was build in.

As for the picture above, technology has come a long way and while we aren't quite to the point of having our pups drive us about, I wouldn't rule it out!

Happy DOT's,
Tina, HoneyDew and Sampson too!