Happy Hooowlidays!
ASPCA: There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off this season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry friends... paw here for more

Our local news today had a report about Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack in Wisconsin closing down at the end of December 2009.  Their report said about 900 greyhounds would be up for adoption. For more information on this closing paw here Greyhounds Pets Of America or visit the Dairyland Website.

Four years ago our dog Maxxamillion of ten years got very ill just after he had fully recovered from a surgery that removed a cancerous tumor. Our vet told us that this was it and that it was only a matter of time that our boy would pass away, there is nothing I could do for him, we were told. Well we were absolutely not going to give up on our loving companion of ten years so easily.

Shortly thereafter disappointed and heart-broken we took our boy home, putting him down was not an option. He is family and we would not give up on him so easily, especially when we could see so much life and love in his sparkling eyes. My husband and I started researching on the internet for alternative medicines for dogs.

Fortunately, we found medicinal options that we felt would safely help Maxx get started on his way to getting well again. Many of these medicines we read about were holistic and although we live in a big metropolitan area, some were not locally available. However, we were fortunate to find that some of the holistic medicines we needed for Maxxamillion were sold on-line, while several others were available in stores a short distance away.

Over a short time of giving Maxxamillion these holistic medicines, his health began to steadily improve. Although Maxxamillion's overall health steadily improved, he still suffered from arthritis in the joint of his right front paw, which occasionally caused him to limp.

In addition to the holistic medicines we also found a great animal holistic rehabilitation center fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We also learned it provided acupuncture for pets. The center had multiple rehab equipment, one of them being an underwater treadmill which Maxx could use to rehab his rear legs without putting weight on them. We could also get his acupuncture treatments all in one visit. The staff was great, and made us feel right at home. The veterinarians had vast experience in animal rehabilitation as well as being well versed in Chinese and Western herbs. After a few months of taking Maxx to the clinic we were able to arrange for Maxxamillion to receive his acupuncture treatments at home twice a month.

We are so happy to say that these holistic medicines have turned our boy Maxxamillion's health completely around and we recently celebrated his twelfth birthday (10/07)! The holistic approach has let us enjoy Maxx for two more wonderful years and counting. Just like humans, always get a second opinion if in doubt.

Even though our fur kids can look smashing in a pumpkin or pirate costume specifically made for their four-legged frames, many pets can have adverse reactions to a constrictive outfit or its irritating materials. Remember, pet parents, animals are most comfortable hanging out in their birthday suits. But in the spirit of all that’s ghoulish, the ASPCA offers some helpful costume tips to keep you and your pet singing “trick-or-treat!” all the way to November 1... ASPCA

ASPCA: Whether your pet prefers squeaky rubber squirrels, stiff rawhide bones or fuzzy mice, he or she undoubtedly loves to play with toys. But is the source of your dog's or cat’s merriment safe? Many common household products—including toys for children and pets—may contain trace amounts of lead and other toxins. In most cases, however, the levels of these ingredients in toys don’t pose a significant threat to your furry friend.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reviewed 200,000 cases from the past two years and produced no examples of lead poisoning from pet toys. According to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, ASPCA Vice President and Medical Director of the APCC, younger dogs, just like children, are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, but most studies reveal only tiny amounts of lead in pet toys—not a grave risk for acute or chronic lead poisoning in dogs...Paw Here to Continue

I have recently wondered if dogs and cats are safe from the spread of Influenza viruses such as H1N1. ASPCA vets say it's important that pet parents keep watch over their animal companion’s health. Read what ASPCA veterinarians have to say about pets catching swine flu and how to keep them healthy during flu season...Paw Here To Read More.

Hooowl All! I just received an email from The Humane Society of the United States about their new campaign hitting the airways beginning today, several humorous, meaningful Public Service Announcements will be hitting the airwaves across the country. Why wait? You can you can watch the commercials now and even find a shelter pet of your own at The Shelter Pet Project's website. Paw Here