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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Shelter-animal seizure ban passes Michigan state House
I usually keep my posts about new pet legislation rulings limited to what's happening here in the Golden State. But since I spent some of my formative years growing up in Michigan and am still, in many ways, a Midwestern gal at heart, this story caught my eye...
Imagine having a family pet accidentally wind up in a shelter and then be legally sold to a dealer for use in scientific experiments before it can be picked up. Although this sounds like a nightmare, it's come true for more than a few folks living in Michigan. But hopefully not for much longer.
American Humane's proposed state legislation to stop shelter dogs and cats from being seized by Class B dealers for scientific experiments has passed the Michigan House of Representatives.
By a vote of 78 to 20 (I want to know who voted to keep this practice legal...?), Michigan's House of Representatives passed House Bill 4663 known as Koda's Law, which, if approved also by the Senate, would effectively end the 30-year practice of pet dealers taking shelter dogs and cats for sale to research facilities. Under current law, Class B dealers (named after their type of U.S. Department of Agriculture license) are free to take shelter animals around the nation and sell them to research laboratories for experimentation. There are currently nine Class B dealers that broker live animals for experimentation in the United States, with three being located in Michigan.
Previous efforts in Michigan to ban Class B dealers have gone county by county, and there are currently two remaining shelters in the state that practice pound seizure.
The bill will now move to the Michigan Senate for a vote.
| Jul 29 at 01:22 PM
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Most pet-friendly U.S. airlines
Some pet owners are content to check their furry friends into a kennel or hire a pet sitter when they take to the friendly skies, while others can't bear to leave them behind. If you fall into the latter camp, you you already know there's a lot to consider when flying with a pet.
blog.bookingbuddy.com
To help us make smarter choices while we prepare for more fun summer travels, today Petfinder.com released its annual list of the most pet-friendly airlines in the United States.
Last year, Petfinder.com and pet lovers everywhere were thrilled to see Pet Airways, the first-ever pet airline, take off. Dedicated exclusively to our four-legged friends, Pet Airways playfully refers to its furry clientele as "pawsengers" and offers pets a truly first-class travel experience. Here are a few of Pet Airways' high-flying pet policies:
Since Pet Airways only flies out of a limited number of cities, here are Petfinder.com's top 2010 picks for commercial U.S. airlines:
1. Best pet-friendly amenities: JetBlue's superior JetPaws program was specifically designed to help pet parents and their pets enjoy a smoother travel experience. The customer-focused airline provides pet-toting travelers with a pet carrier baggage tag, a travel "petiquette" guide and 300 TrueBlue points each way.
2. Best for budget-conscious consumers: AirTran tops this category, allowing small domesticated dogs, cats and birds to travel inside the cabin for $69 each way.
3. Best for transporting pet variety: Of all of the airlines researched in the 2010 Petfinder.com analysis, Frontier Airlines allows the most diverse variety of pets in-cabin, including domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small household birds.
4. Best for animal health and safety: Jet Blue's refusal to permit pet transport in cargo shows their strong dedication to our furry friends. Evidence supports this policy; from May 2009 to May 2010, the only airlines with zero reported pet deaths were those that required pets to travel inside the cabin.
Have you recently flown with a pet? Share your experience.
Related posts:
Tips for traveling with furry friends
Pets pose allergic hazard to plane passengers
Should pets be allowed on planes?
| Jul 27 at 04:43 PM
Pets get new pit stop at SFO's Terminal 2
Architects originally dogged the idea of adding a pet rest area to the design of the $383 million Terminal 2 — a 14-gate expansion for domestic flights that's currently under construction — simply because of space constraints.
silveradocontractors.com
But while reevaluating the two existing animal lavatories in Terminals 1 and 3 (built primarily for the airport's patrolling super-sniffer beagles), and considering possible overcrowding issues, not to mention the potentially messy repercussions of making service animals with full bladders walk a wee bit too far, the designers carved out an area where four-legged travelers can stretch their legs, grab a quick drink and pee to their hearts content.
The modified design features synthetic grass and possibly even a fake fire hydrant (or two).
When the expanded, 575,000-square-foot Terminal 2 reopens, it is expected to draw up to 5.5 million new passengers a year, including the furry variety.
Do you fly the friendly skies with your pets in tow?
| Jul 27 at 03:17 PM
Friday, July 23, 2010
Breed of the week: the kinetic Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a low-riding, sturdy and intelligent herding breed said to have originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. These extremely obedient dogs are highly trainable and rank #11 in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs.
dogtastic.org
Share your cutest Corgi candids here in our gallery.
The Welsh Corgi has pointy, fox-like ears and a short or absent (docked) tail. Despite their small stature, Corgis possess a confident and athletic nature. These dogs were originally bred to herd sheep, horses and cattle by "nipping" at their heels, while their stubby little legs allowed potentially fatal kicks to pass safely overhead. (Corgis may sometimes attempt to herd people, but they can and should be trained not do this.)
These surprisingly athletic dogs are extremely active, hardworking and loyal. They are generally well-behaved with children and other family pets, but can exhibit dog aggression if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. Their protective and alert demeanor makes them natural guard dogs.
If they don't get enough exercise or if they are overfed, fun-loving Corgis can easily become obese. Since they are particularly prone to spinal disorders and osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to ensure that Corgis live long and healthy lives. These dogs are also at risk for developing hip dysplasia and Von Willebrand's disease (a clotting disorder).
There are two primary theories behind Pembroke Welsh Corgi origin:
- 1. Some Cardigan Welsh Corgis were crossed with Swedish Vallhund Dogs.
- 2. Some Pembrokes evolved from Cardigans and other dogs, such as Schipperke and Pomeranian, and other Spitz-type dogs.
Whatever the case may be, the Cardigan and the Pembroke Welsh Corgis were interbred and considered to be the same breed up until about 1934. After they were separated, the Pembroke gained in popularity and, to this day, is still favored over the Cardigan.
Corgis have been the chosen pet of British royalty for much of the last century and are famed for being Queen Elizabeth II's signature breed of choice. (She currently owns 16 of them.) The video below was made in her honor:
For more information about these kinetic cuties, visit the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America website or PetWave's breed center. You can also check out this entertaining video about Corgis from Animal Planet.
If you are a Corgi lover and are thinking of adding a pup to your pack, please make adoption from a local shelter or rescue group your first choice. Petfinder.com has many wonderful Welsh Corgis and Corgi mixes waiting to be placed in new, happy homes... maybe yours?
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Read about other breeds here and send your suggestions for future breed posts to pets@sfgate.com.
| Jul 23 at 02:42 PM
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Big bunny adoption event this Saturday!
A trio of Bay Area rabbit rescue groups, the House Rabbit Society, the Rabbit Haven and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, recently teamed up to rescue more than 100 baby bunnies from a hoarder in Pittsburg, California.
eastbayrabbit.petfinder.com
Just two of the 100+ rescued bunnies up for adoption this weekend.
The problem reportedly began about a year ago when a woman thought she had purchased a pair of male bunnies. She was surprised by the first litter and then let the rabbits breed...well, just like rabbits. It's true what they say, because a year later, that original pair had blossomed into an overwhelming herd of 120 bunnies!
Join your fellow bunny lovers from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, July 24 for a fun carnival and adoption event at the House Rabbit Society (148 Broadway, Richmond) to meet, celebrate and find homes for these adorable cotton tails, all of which have been spayed and neutered.
The event also aims to raise money for a new branch of the House Rabbit Society called SOS Rabbit, devoted to large-scale rescue efforts, which can cost as much as $7,000 to $10,000 in time and resources. Learn more about the event here.
To peruse additional pictures of some of the beautiful bunnies who will be hopping around Saturday's adoption event, visit eastbayrabbit.petfinder.com.
eastbayrabbit.petfinder.com
Is a new rabbit in your future?
Rabbits can certainly be cute and cuddly, but adopting one as a pet is a big decision. Please consider these helpful tips from Joan Wegner of East Bay Rabbit Rescue before taking the long-eared plunge:
- Rabbits can live up to 12 years, so keep in mind that your new fluffy friend will be with you for a long time.
- Indoor rabbits live healthier, longer lives. Heat related deaths and risk of disease are all significantly lower with indoor rabbits. Outdoor rabbits typically live only 2 to 3 years.
- Rabbits are easily litter-pan trained and make excellent house pets. They usually live in a large cage or exercise pen, but require daily "roam" time. Watching them run and jump is one of the delights of having a rabbit.
- Children love rabbits! However, they often make more suitable companions for adults. An adult must directly supervise all interaction by children younger than 8 years old. Rabbits have a more delicate structure than a dog or a cat and require greater care when handling.
- Rabbits are social animals, but because they are prey animals, not all rabbits like to be held. Many rabbits prefer to get attention while on the ground. Rabbits display affection by licking, nudging, looping and staying close by.
- Rabbits enjoy the company of other rabbits. If you are thinking about adopting a rabbit, consider taking home a pair. Rabbits keep each other company, groom each other and are often healthier and happier together. Rabbits share the same cage, litter pan, and pet sitter so the extra cost of having two is minimal. Because rabbits are territorial, the easiest time to bond them is when they are young.
- All rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Female rabbits have an 85% risk of reproductive cancer by the age of 3 if they are not spayed and males exhibit better household behavior when neutered.
- With proper supervision, most rabbits can coexist happily with well-behaved cats and dogs.
- Things you'll need to take care of your new rabbit include a carrier, X-pen or large cage, food and water bowls, hay, litter box, chew toys and food. (The financial requirements of owning a rabbit average approximately $400 annually).
Hope to see you on Saturday!
| Jul 22 at 09:38 AM
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Gulf Oil spill forces some families to part with pets
Over the past few months, we have all witnessed a stream of heartbreaking images of birds, turtles, fish and other Gulf Coast wildlife covered in oil. But some family pets are also becoming unlikely victims of the spill.
The economic impact of the oil disaster is forcing some families to give up the pets they can no longer afford to feed. One shelter reports receiving as many as 40 surrendered companion animals in a single day. Some of them are being transferred to the ASPCA in Houston to help with the overflow of cats and dogs they are currently experiencing in the Gulf.
The segment (below) aired on NBC Nightly News earlier this week on July 18th. Watch to find out ways you can help, including making monetary or in-kind donation to shelters and giving directly to the families so they can continue to count on their pets as a source of comfort and stability during these uncertain times.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And here is a follow-up segment that ran the following night:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
| Jul 21 at 11:17 AM
Furry firestarters?
An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by devastating house fires, but you might be surprised to learn that every year nearly 1,000 fires are accidentally started by curious cats and dexterous dogs, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
itchmo.com/
This Newfie survived a house fire in 2007 by hiding in the bathtub.
Chris and Kay Wardlow of Oklahoma know this fact all too well. Their sweet but opportunistic dog Lucy was home alone and spied a cake on the stove top. When she tried to steal a taste, her paw accidentally clicked on the gas burner that was under the cake pan. Within minutes, the house was filled with smoke, triggering the smoke detector. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene, and happily, both Lucy and the house were saved.
July 15th marked the third annual National Pet Fire Safety Day — we missed it. Whoops! But, luckily, we can all still adopt a few simple safety measures, such as switching to flameless candles and using stove-knob covers (and not leaving cakes on the stove), that can make a huge difference when it comes to fire prevention and protecting our furry friends.
The American Kennel Club and ADT offer these tips to help keep you and your pets safe:
- Remember: flames and fur don't mix - Pets tend to be curious creatures and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, and even fires in the fireplace. Never leave your pet unattended around an open flame.
- Pet-proof stove knobs - Protect all stove knobs with covers before leaving the house. A stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in fires caused by pets, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
- Swap wicks for rechargeables - They may not be as romantic as the real thing, but flameless candles (that contain a small lightbulb instead of an open flame) are certainly a lot safer. Cats are notorious for starting fires with just a flick of a poorly placed tail.
- Watch out for water bowls on wooden decks - When filtered through the glass, the sun's rays can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead if you are planning to leave them outdoors.
- Always use labels and leashes - When you are away from home, leave collars on all pets and be sure leashes are accessible and out in the open in case firefighters need to intervene. (Microchipping pets is also a smart idea in case your pet escapes a fire on his own and you are temporarily separated.)
- Consider using monitored smoke detectors - These systems, which are connected to a monitoring center, notify emergency responders when you're not home and provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
- Make it known that you have pets at home - Write down the number of pets you have (including their names and what kind they are) and attach a sticker to your front window. This information can save rescuers valuable time when it comes to saving your pets lives. (You can request free window clings here.)
| Jul 21 at 10:19 AM
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Top 10 most unusual pet names for 2010
Are you a purest when it comes to picking pet names, where only Rex or Fido will do? Or do you agonize over creating a one-of-a-kind moniker that will be sure to turn heads at the dog park?
petinsurance.com
Meet the fluffy Chenoa Azure Marshmellow-Puff...
For the third consecutive year, employees from the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) set out to discover what's in a name when it comes to our furry friends. The answer turned out to be a mix of puns, pop culture, and a little bit of poop.
They began by selecting 50 of the most "out-there" dog and cat names from the company's database of more than 485,000 insured pets and then slowly narrowed them down to their top 10 favorites. Here are their picks for the 10 most unique dog and cat names for 2010:
Dogs
- 1. Pickle Von Corndog
- 2. Lord Chubby Pruneface
- 3. Badonkadonk
- 4. Ninjastar Dangerrock
- 5. Molly Mcboozehound
- 6. Dog Vadar
- 7. Flospy Squeakerton
- 8. Bettie Poops
- 9. Geez Louise
- 10. Barnaby Bones
Cats
- 1. Purr Diem
- 2. Bing Clawsby
- 3. Cleocatra
- 4. Admiral Pancake
- 5. Optimus Pants
- 6. Chairman Meow
- 7. Boo Manchu
- 8. Watts in a Name
- 9. Chenoa Azure Marshmellow-Puff
- 10. Senor Nachos
petinsurance.com
...and bling-bling Badonkadonk.
When interviewed, many of the owners admitted to VPI that they had ruled out names they knew they'd be too embarrassed to shout in public. "When you think about the names they finally decided on — like 'Lord Chubby Pruneface' and 'Optimus Pants' — it really makes you wonder what didn't make the cut," said Curtis Steinhoff, director of corporate communications for VPI.
To view the original list of 50, plus pictures of pets who made the Top 10 and the stories behind their novel names, visit wackypetnames.com.
Can you compete with these creations? What inspired your pet's name?
| Jul 20 at 12:04 PM
Friday, July 16, 2010
Does your pet have shotgun status?
Lorna Doone and all of her adorable (but very hairy) "doggieness" was once relegated to the WAY back of my car. All I had to do was open my hatchback and give the command "load up" and she would eagerly leap in, ready for our next automobile adventure.
Lorna's days in the way back are numbered.
Fast forward a few years and now when I open the hatch she just sits down and stares at me until I hoist her in there myself. "Forget the way back," she seems to say with her doleful brown eyes. "I've got my eye on those cushy leather seats where I belong."
I'm not sure if The Doone's new attitude is a product of age and general creakiness or because she's witnessed one too many dogs sitting shotgun in passing cars. All I know is that a few weeks ago when I finally gave in and let her sprawl out on the back seat, she shot me a glace that clearly telegraphed a message: her days in the way back were numbered.
According to a recent Ford Motor Company survey of 2,232 adults, I'm not the only softie out there and, as a result, more and more dogs are claiming shotgun status. Nearly 90% of dog owners regularly invite their dogs to ride with them and over half (56%) of them said that they are more likely to grant their pooch shotgun status than to send them to the back of the bus. (Read about the hazard airbags can present to pets here.) Some pet owners even went so far as to say they sometimes give their canines precedence over their human passengers.
The survey also revealed that 19% have allowed their dog to ride on their lap while they're driving — definitely not the safest move!
As a result of The Doone's elevated position as a more "legitimate" passenger, she now has her very own Roadie Harness (about $45) that works with the seat belts in my car and keeps her safe in the event of an accident, but still gives her free range of the back seat. (It works well with her regular leashes too.) I am also awaiting the arrival of my new semi-custom Canine Cover (about $200) so that the Doone can have a comfy ride without drilling tiny holes into my car's upholstery.
Where does your pet ride on road trips?
| Jul 16 at 12:51 PM
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Video: the "Trololo" cat
This entertaining kitty video has been around the block a few times, but if you haven't yet had the pleasure, it's well worth a few minutes of procrastination:
(And to think that The Doone only jerks her hind leg up and down when her backside gets scritched...)
What does your pet do when you scratch her sweet spot?
| Jul 15 at 04:22 PM
Welcome to Tails of the City: A menagerie of stories about Bay Area pets and the people who love them.
By Amelia Glynn, Read Bio
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