Signs An Animal Might Be Abused

This a great article from the  ASPCA:  Recognizing animal cruelty, aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse...  Paw Here

ASPCA List, Top Pet Toxins of 2012

   

The ASPCA  has published a great list for pet parents to read on what's poisoning our pets. A must read to keep our loving pets safe from things we may not know we're hurting them with. Paw Here For List!

Please Help Save A Shelter Dog

Support Your Local Animal Shelters

The beginning of the new year brings many challenges to local animal shelters. Help could come in the way of donations of office supplies to volunteering your time. So please help your local animal shelters in any way you can. Have a great Year! Save A Life Adopt A Pet! Love, Maxxamillion

Holiday Hazards - Keeping Your Pets Safe

The Holiday Season can be a dangerous time of the year for our pets. The ASPCA puts out a great list of all the hazards we may have in our homes and not know about. We want to wish all a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season from Maxxamillion.com.

Holiday Hazards

1. Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach. Electrical cords Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!) 
2. Batteries 
3. Glass ornaments 

Paw Here To Get Full List

Dangerous Halloween Dog Treats

Halloween could be a very fun time of the year but for our pets it could be a very dangerous time. Dogs love the flavor of chocolate, but chocolate in sufficient doses is lethally toxic to dogs. So please no chocolate for your furry friend. Below is a link to some great information about some of the most common foods found around our homes that may be very harmful to our pets. Grapes and its other form, raisins, are harmful to dogs. Below you could find more information on dangerous foods your dog should avoid. Paw Here

ASPCA’s Hurricane Rescue Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy one of the worst storms in U.S. history the ASPCA is offering assistance to families evacuated during the storm. Their responders are delivering supplies, crates and food to evacuation centers, where hundreds of animals are being housed, in the five boroughs. "ASPCA: For those evacuees who need to report pets left behind in the storm, please call the city’s 24-hour hotline at (347) 573-1561. This number has been set up specifically to check on missing pets. For reports of stray animals, please continue to call 311." Paw Here For More Information.

Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week

Big black dogs. FIV+ cats. Senior pets. Special-needs animals. Many factors can make a pet seem "less adoptable." To promote these unusual (or, in some cases, too common) animals, Petfinder has designated Sept. 17-23, 2012, as "Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week."

Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

Welcome, This lens is all about the wonderful Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. One of the most unusual breeds of dogs bred in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia around the beginning of the 20th Century. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is AKC's 150th breed. Paw Here For More

Dognapping On The Rise

ASPCA: Pet theft is on the rise. The American Kennel Club, which has been tracking pet thefts since 2007, reported a 32% increase in dog thefts last year. While some animals are snatched from their yards or during home invasions, Paw Here To Read More

ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge

ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge Kicks Off

Hot Weather - Keeping Your Pets Safe

Keeping your pets safe in this hot weather could be a matter of life or death.  "Check out the ASPCA for Hot Weather Tips. We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, ASPCA experts warn."  Paw Here...

Safe Car Travel With Your Pet

A must read from the ASPCA if your  planning a road trip with your pet this summer.   Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip.  Paw Here for full article. 

Bark In The Park 2012

PR:  The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Bark in the Park Brings Thousands of Dogs to Montrose Harbor
18th Annual Fundraiser Makes Noise on May 5, 2012
CHICAGO—Dogs are leading their owners to their favorite canine event of the year—The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Bark
in the Park. On May 5, 2012 at 9 a.m., rain or shine, thousands of dogs and their owners are scheduled to congregate at
Montrose Harbor for a morning of fun and an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for The Anti-Cruelty Society’s
programs and services.
Thousands of humans and their dogs are expected to attend this year’s event creating a great day of camaraderie amongst
animal lovers. Emcees, ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Roz Varon, will be on site kicking off the walk and keeping everyone
energized throughout the morning. Cat owners are welcome as well and given the opportunity to make a pin in honor of
the feline friends that are not able to attend the dog-friendly event.
Activities include agility courses, demonstrations, product samples from small business sponsors, Animal Intuitive Denise
Zak, a family fun tent—plus free snacks, souvenir photos, 50/50 cash raffle, and much more.
Bark in the Park is made possible by our generous sponsors: ABC7, Hill’s Science Diet, BMO/Harris Investments,
PetSmart, and many more corporate and individual supporters.
Advance registration is $35 for adults, $30 for children under 13, and dogs and children under 3 are free. Walkers may
register and raise funds online. Pick up registration packets at participating PetSmart locations, at the Society’s Education
& Training Center (169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago) on Friday, April 27 from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 from 10
a.m. to noon, or the morning of the event at 7 a.m. at the red tents.
For a look at last year’s walk, to register and pledge, and to find sponsors information visit www.barkinthepark.org. For
more information call the Bark in the Park hotline at 312-329-8726 or email events@anticruelty.org.
About The Anti-Cruelty Society
The Anti-Cruelty Society is Chicago’s oldest and largest, private, open-admission, unlimited stay humane society. With a
mission of building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people, its comprehensive programs and
services help over 50,000 animals and humans every year and include: adoption, charity veterinary clinic, low or no-cost
spay/neuter clinic, cruelty investigations and rescue, humane education & community outreach, a free behavior hotline,
dog training classes, S.A.F.E. program (short-term accommodations for emergencies), The Bruckner Rehabilitation &
Treatment Center, the Virginia Butts Berger Cat Clinic, and the Dog Rehabilitation Center. For more information, visit
www.anticruelty.org or call (312) 644-8338.

Flea & Tick Season Starting Early IN 2012

"CVA: Warmer Winter Season and Above-Average Temperatures Bring Out Insects Earlier. Central Veterinary Associates urges all pet owners to keep their pets safe from fleas and ticks year round and especially during the spring season. The warmer weather provides a great opportunity for your pets to go outside for a walk or to run around, but it also means that they will be exposed to these insects. It will be much easier and healthier for your pet to prevent these infestations from occurring than having to treat them.  Paw Here To Visit CVA"

Make Your Own Dog Biscuits

 These wholesome biscuits are so tasty and fill the house with such a wonderful aroma. Several minutes after the first batch is baking in the oven, our dog Maxxamillion will suddenly stop playing, sniff the air, and walk over to his favorite spot in the kitchen to wait for them. He recognizes the delicious aroma of these biscuits every single time. Paw Here For Recipes

Traveling With Your Dog Tips

 Shortly after  Maxxamillion came home we decided we were not going to leave him behind anymore after one bad experience with a pet-sitter. We did not want to put him in an airplane either because of the high risk of death. So we decided to take our vacations by auto. Problem was twelve years ago there wasn't as much information on traveling with your dog as there is today... Paw Here To Continue

Foster Dogs in NYC: Judd's Success Story

Foster Dogs in NYC: Judd's Success Story: From his adopter Charissa: I adopted Judd from a rescue that is located in Fort Collins, Colorado called A Puppy’s Voice . This organizat...

Happy Valentines Day, Love Maxxamillion

Wishing all a very Happy Valentine's Day!  Please be aware that although we canines give you unconditional love, chocolates and other foods our humans enjoy  on this holiday are very bad for us.  Paw Here  to continue...

Make Pet Adoption Your First Choice

Not only does Pet adoption save lives, but it's a great way to give an animal a second chance at life.  Pet finder is a great website to find your perfect forever friend. They support multiple shelters throughout the country, so finding a pet to adopt could be very close to your home. Check out their list of things you should know before adopting a pet page.  Paw Here 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! May you all have a spectacular 2012. Thank you for your support throughout the years. Love Maxxamillion

Happy Hooowlidays, Love Maxxamillion

Wishing all my friends a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.  May you adopt a new pet and truly enjoy the love and happiness an adopted pet brings to your life. Happy Hooowlidays To All, Love Maxxamillion

Thanksgiving Pet Safty Tips

Keeping your pets safe this Thanksgiving. Did you know that some of the foods and decorations used on Thanksgiving  can hurt your pets? The ASPCA puts out a great list of items and foods to avoid this holiday season. So if you have any questions about what to feed your furry friend Paw Here For List

Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween

Attention, pet parents, Halloween could be a very fun and exiting time for humans, but your pets face a lot of dangers you may not even know.  The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween a  great resource for all the dangers your pet  may face.  Maxxamillion always goes as himself every Halloween. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!  The ASPCA, Halloween

Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Check out ASPCA for a great article regarding how to ease dog separation anxiety. If your dog uses his time alone in the house to bark endlessly, pee on the carpet, or tear up the sofa—and those behaviors are accompanied by depression or stress your pooch may be suffering from separation anxiety, a very common doggy behavior problem. Paw Here -- http://www.aspca.org

Heat Stroke Can Be Fatal To Your Dog

Never leave your dog locked in a car on a hot day.  Even with the windows rolled down a little, the temperatures can soar and cause heat stroke within minutes.  Heat stroke can be fatal to your dog if not treated promptly.  Please keep in mind that a dog's body is more susceptible to heat stroke, especially long haired, double fur, and short snouted dogs. 

Although Chicago's cold weather is Maxxamillions favorite time of the year, Summer is our family's favorite time of year because we get to spend a lot of time with him outdoors.  As many fun things as there are to do with our dogs outdoors, we must also take greater precautions with them on very hot days.

On very hot days, we're very careful not to take Maxxamillion on long walks.  We prefer to walk Maxxamillion in the early morning hours during the summertime so that he can enjoy his walks before the temperature starts to rise.  Also when we walk Maxxamillion in the park, we make sure we keep him hydrated by giving him water and on occasion, even soaking him to cool him off, which, by the way, he loves and which causes him to get frisky and wild every single time.

Maxxamillion loves his car rides with us, but if we are going to run errands to places he cannot go with us on very hot days, we prefer to leave Maxxamillion cool and comfortable at home. By following a few common safety tips, you and your furry child can enjoy the outdoors in the summertime.

"Download the ASPCA's PetWeather iPhone and Android App for Free
The ASPCA's PetWeather App lets you know at a glance what kind of weather your furry friend can expect for your location, and will alert you if weather conditions make it uncomfortable or even dangerous for your pets to be outside." Paw Here For the ASPCA's Know the Warning Signs

Maxxamillion's Favorite Dog Toys

Always beware when buying toys for your pets. All toys are not equal. Some pet toys may have loose parts which can cut your pet's mouth. The squeaky toys may have loose components that when chewed on may come out or fall off, which can cause choking or be swallowed and cause intestinal problems. A toy's eyes, nose or ears may come off and also be harmful and cause choking when swallowed.

Overall, most dog toys are easy to gauge for safety, but some can be deceiving so if you're not certain, read the toy's tag for any warnings and to learn about what the toy is made of. Also, if the toy's tag has very little information, make sure that the toy's material is not harmful to your pet(s).

You can also go on-line to read about any possible alert or warnings.

Joplin Adoption Event

ASPCA: The tornado that hit Joplin on May 22 left nearly 600 animals—Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, tiny kittens and more—without homes. These wonderful dogs and cats are counting on kind-hearted families to visit our adoption event at the Joplin Humane Society on June 25 and 26. Paw Here For Details ASPCA 

Garden Plants Harmful To Dogs

As we get into the full spring season there are some precautions we have to take as furry child parents.

There are a lot of common plants that we may take for granted that could be harmful to many pets, such as pesticides and fertilizers we buy at our local box stores. Always be cautious and carefully read labels for ingredients that could seriously harm or even kill your beloved pet. Although sometimes a little more expensive, there are a lot of holistic and natural products on the market today that are safe and effective. For a full list of poisonous plants and ingredients, please paw this link to the ASPCA's Poison Control Center. 

Love Maxxamillion

Brushing Your Dogs Teeth

Oral Hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for humans.  Recently, I was watching one of the morning news shows and they had a segment about how important it is to  brush your dog's teeth to prevent diseases and how it could extend your dog's life by two years. 

They featured three dogs from a local shelter as examples of how to properly brush your dog's teeth.  The dogs were not very receptive because they were not used to the routine of having their teeth brushed.   It made us laugh because it brought back memories of when we started to try brushing Maxxamillion's teeth.  He would bark at the toothbrush, grab it from our hands and take off with it as if it was one of his many toys. 
One of the things we did with Maxxamillion in the beginning was to start him out slowly by letting him lick the toothpaste on the tooth brush.  Of all the popular flavored dog toothpastes on the market, we quickly found out that beef flavor was his favorite.   We did that for a couple of days, and on the third day we were able to brush his teeth and he was more receptive to it.
 
One of the tricks that we developed was to use two toothbrushes.  First, we would brush one side of his rear and front teeth with one toothbrush, then show him the second toothbrush, and wait until his was through licking the toothpaste from his teeth.  Then he would usually give us a nudge letting us know he was ready for the second toothbrush and we would then brush the other side.  We would brush his teeth by preparing two toothbrushes with the beef flavored dogs toothpaste and this became a ritual every night before we all went to bed.
 
When we took Maxxamillion to the vet for his first teeth cleaning  we found out that vet dental care can be very expensive and like most pets, Maxxamillion had to be sedated, and we didn't like having Maxxamillion sedated.  It was after this visit that the vet suggested that we start brushing Maxxamillion's teeth at home.  So as always, its never too late to start a good oral hygiene routine on your furry loved one. 
 

On The Road With Your Dog

Traveling with your dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it also means added responsibility on you. The best advice for traveling with your dog is to plan your trip in advance. Make sure your dog is up to date on all his vaccinations, and get a copy of your dogs medical records from your vet. It is a good practice to always have the medical records when you travel in case of an emergency or an accident. Paw Here to read more...

National Poison Prevention Week

Spring is in the air and with it comes certain precautions that pet parents should take to prevent certain gardening products from hurting your furry friend. The ASPCA puts out their list every year. They are also a great resource for all things toxic and poisonous to your pet.  Paw Here For List.

Roll Back Of The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act

ASPCA: As we informed readers last week, Missouri state legislators are moving quickly to weaken or fully repeal the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act (PMCPA), which was passed in November by the majority of their constituents. Completely disregarding the will of the people, on Thursday, March 10, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill 113—a bill to roll back every humane provision of the PMCPA—by a vote of 20 to 14. To add insult to injury, earlier this week senators rejected an amendment that would have referred their new, weak commercial breeding law back to the ballot for Missouri voters to weigh in on. Paw Here To Continue

Dog Adoption PSA From Best Friend

Spay Day is Tuesday Feb. 22, 2011

HSUS: Spay Day an annual event of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animals' lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats. Spay Day officially takes place on the last Tuesday of February—but events will be running all through the month! The 17th annual Spay Day is Feb. 22, 2011. To support Spay Day, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International host the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest, presented by Zazzle—a great opportunity to celebrate our pets, raise funds for spaying and neutering, and win great prizes!

Things You Need to Know About Ice Melts

ASPCA:  Most of us know how to protect our pups in freezing temperatures (doggie sweaters, here we come!) but not everyone is aware of another winter danger for dogs: the ubiquitous rock salt used to melt ice. In the past five years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has received hundreds of calls about ice melt exposure. Here’s everything you need to know to keep Fido safe from salt melts till spring. Paw Here For Article

What Were Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010?

ASPCA: Human medications have topped the list of pet toxins for the third year in a row, according to a new list released by the ASPCA. In 2010, the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline fielded more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to common household toxins and other potentially poisonous substances... Paw Here

ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist

Wow, I cant believe another year has gone by.  Today I was checking out a new service from the ASPCA called "Virtual Pet Behaviorist" the service lets you get pet-behavior advice from ASPCA experts 24 hours a day, right from your computer. Their nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues at no charge. Simply type your pet's behavior problem into our easy-to-use database, and you'll receive step-by-step advice -- without leaving home.  Its a pretty cool tool!  Paw here to check it out.

President Signs New Crush Act into Law

On Thursday, December 9, at a ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama signed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 into law. The new law prohibits the creation and distribution of “crush videos” and establishes a penalty of up to seven years in prison. ASPCA | Victory: President Signs New Crush Act into Law

Cold Weather Tips For Dogs!

Winter is Maxxamillion's favorite time of the year and when it snows, well, there is no getting him to come inside the house. But as pet parents we have to make sure we keep our pets safe through the brutal winter season. Make sure not to leave your pets outdoors for long periods of time, especially in sub-zero weather, which we're very prone to in the midwest. Short haired dogs are more susceptible to the cold weather than dogs with thick heavy fur. If you live in an area where salt is used on the sidewalks and streets, make sure to clean your dog's paws every time they are exposed to it. We use a small wet towel or baby wipes to clean Maxxamillion's paws. Maxxamillion always makes it into a game when we clean his paws with the towel by trying to play tug-of-war, and we of course cannot resist and always play his game.  For more information and cold weather pet tips, Paw on this link!

Save A Life Adopt A Pet!

Visit DogsInDanger.com

 Over 7 million cats and dogs are being killed in the U.S. each year. Please take a moment to see if you could help in any way the Animal Shelters in your local area.

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month! Senior pets have a lot of love and companionship ready to give us. Petfinder.com is highlighting older pets this month, they are a great resource for pet  adoption. Petfinder is also featuring  some great articles about adopting senior pets.  Paw Here To Vist Petfinder.com 

Baltimore's Anti-Animal Abuse Law

ASPCA: On November 3, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake signed legislation creating the Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission, a board that will support the city’s prevention and prosecution of animal cruelty, including dog fighting. The ASPCA is hopeful that this commission, which is the first of its kind, will serve as a model for other cities to follow. “The people of Baltimore have a strong and visceral reaction to news about animal abuse,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Abused animals cannot speak for themselves, and if those of us who care about the humane treatment of living beings don’t speak up on their behalf, no one will. This new commission will help give a voice to animals and make Baltimore better, safer and stronger.”  Paw Here For ASPCA Article

Animals Win Big in Missouri and Arizona!

HSUS: We have declared victory in Missouri on Prop B! We have prevailed with a 60,000 vote margin. What a night for the dogs! Missouri is the number one puppy mill state in America. We now have a pathway to turn this terrible situation around.  We also won in Arizona -- defeating Prop 109. We protected the right of Arizona citizens to make wildlife policy through the initiative process, and we turned back this terrible power grab by the NRA and their politician allies. Unfortunately, North Dakota voters rejected Measure 2. Paw Here For Full Story

Halloween Safety Tips For Pet Parents

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.  Paw Here For ASPCA Tips

YES! on Prop B TV Ad - Tony La Russa

The passage of Prop B would be a major victory for dogs in Missouri.  Please show your support for Prop B by visiting www.yesonpropb.com and by helping the ASPCA spread the message of puppy mill reform. 

Autumn Safety Tips For Your Pets

Autumn and winter are Maxxamillion's favorite time of the year, but with all the the fun to be had there are a few precautions pet parents should take to protect your furry friends. The ASPCA has put out their list of Autumn Safety Tips. Paw Here

Paws 10th annual Run for Their Lives

Adopt a dog at Paws 10th annual Run for" Their Lives", the 8K Run/4K Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Sep. 26 at Montrose Harbor, along Lake Michigan, east of the Montrose Harbor & Simonds intersection.  At Montrose Harbor, Chicago.  Paw Here for their site

This Is National Dog Week

National Dog Week was created in 1928 by Captain Will Judy, a dog fancier, judge and former publisher of Dog World Magazine. Paw Here to read article.

Shelter Pet Project PSA

This Shelter Pet Project PSA features characters from Patrick McDonnell's endearing comic strip, "MUTTS," and has been animated by award winning animator Paul Fierlinger. The series of PSAs give shelter pets a voice to explain that it's not their fault that they ended up in shelters and that, "There's nothing wrong with shelter pets." The campaign encourages everyone - dog people, cat people, pro-adoption advocates - to visit The Shelter Pet Project website (www.theshelterpetproject.org) to learn more about adopting a shelter pet, and possibly even find their perfect pet.

Dog Days On The Green - Chicago

Today the  City Clerk’s office is celebrating their 2nd Annual Dog Day on the Green Aug. 29 at Montrose Harbor from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.! The free family-friendly festival is a great way to spend the day learning all the latest in caring for your dog!   Bring Your Dog, or Adopt one at the event!

The festival features vendors and a variety of dog services demonstrating the latest in dog care or listen to experts talk about pet issues in our education tent. You’ll even have the chance to adopt a dog!

Dog Day on the Green is the result of a collaborative effort between the City Clerk’s office, Animal Care & Control, the Chicago Park District and a number of Chicago nonprofit animal groups.
For more information or visit the event website at www.dogdayonthegreen.com.

Help The ASPCA Win A Pepsi Refresh Project Grant

The ASPCA has been accepted into the Pepsi Refresh Project, an exciting campaign launched in January whereby Pepsi awards up to $1.3 million per month in grants to people, businesses and non-profits for those ideas that will have a positive impact in communities around the United States. The ASPCA has applied for a $250,000 grant which, if secured, would afford us the opportunity to further support the incredible work of our Field Investigations and Response team in rescuing animals from disasters, cruelty and neglect.

Is Your Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?

Maxxamillion was not afraid of thunderstorms throughout his younger years. It wasn't until he turned about six years old that he started to develop anxiety during thunderstorms. What he usually did was jump on the couch next to me and put his head on my lap. I would pet him for the entire time and turned up the TV volume on high and that usually calmed him down. This week the ASPCA has a great article titled "Is Your Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?" Paw Here For ASPCA Article

Sheryl Crow Making A Difference

 This video from The HSUS features Sherly Crow behind the scenes at her farm in Nashville, Tennessee where she filmed a new tv ad for the HSUS to help spread the word about animal cruelty. Paw Here to Visit HSUS

Keeping Your Dog Safe In Hot Weather

Some great tips from the ASPCA on keeping your dogs safe in this hot weather. "Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time—even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke," Paw Here To Visit ASPCA"

Facts About Spaying and Neutering

Complete Dog Care Manual (Aspca)

Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Shortly after we first got Maxxamillion we decided we were not going to leave him behind anymore after one bad experience with a pet-sitter. We did not want to put him in an airplane either because of the high risk of death. So we decided to take our vacations by auto. Problem was twelve years ago there wasn't as much information on traveling with your dog as there is today. Back then we would route our trip and then start calling hotels to see which ones accepted dogs. A lot of hotels accept dogs under a certain weight like fifty pounds, problem was Maxxamillion was over 100 pounds of love. Some hotels would charge us extra for his stay because of the weight, but it was worth every penny! Having him with us gave us peace of mind and we were able to enjoy our vacations without worries. Paw Here For Article

Gulf Coast Animal Responders Receive $15,000 Grant from ASPCA

In the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill, the ASPCA has donated $15,000 to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) in Austin, TX, to develop a detailed curriculum and training program for emergency animal responders in the Texas Gulf region. Established in 1978, TVMF is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of animals through owner education programs, veterinary student scholarships and emergency funds, and continuing education programs...Paw Here for full story

Crew Battles Toxic Flood Waters in Tennessee

ASPCA News Alert: When disaster strikes, it is the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team’s first priority to get to the scene to save as many animals as possible. At the height of the recent flooding in Tennessee, the team navigated swift water currents to pull struggling animals from floodwaters, out of trees and from dilapidated homes... Paw Here

Why Bones Are Unsafe For Your Dog

FDA: The idea that it’s natural for dogs to chew on bones is a popular one. However, it’s a dangerous practice and can cause serious injury to your pet.

“Some people think it’s safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast,” says Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration. “Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death.”

“Make sure you throw out bones from your own meals in a way that your dog can’t get to them,” adds Stamper, who suggests taking the trash out right away or putting the bones up high and out of your dog’s reach until you have a chance to dispose of them. “And pay attention to where your dog’s nose is when you walk him around the neighborhood—steer him away from any objects lying in the grass.”
Paw Here to read 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone.

Home Made Dog Biscuits Recipes

What dog could resist a tasty crunchy dog biscuit. One of Maxxamillion's favorite treats. Home made means healthier fresher treats for your loving canine companion.Paw Here

Take the ASPCA $100K Challenge

Ready to get active for animals? On April 8, the ASPCA launched a friendly competition to help raise awareness about pet homelessness and encourage community engagement. The ASPCA $100K Challenge will award a total of $125,000 to shelter contestants that exceed their own adoption numbers from the same three-month period in 2009. Find out how you can help your local shelter win the grand prize and save more animals’ lives!

New Regulations for Flea & Tick Meds

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced its support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plan to increase the safety of spot-on flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs.

Last summer, the EPA, which regulates topical pet treatments, reported a 50 percent increase in the number of adverse incidents from the use of spot-on flea and tick products. As a result, the agency is reviewing current labels to ensure that instructions are clear, and developing stronger evaluation procedures for existing and new products...Paw Here To Continue

Pet Flea and Tick Products Warning

There are many EPA-registered pesticide products on the market today to treat your pets for fleas and ticks. When used according to label instructions and precautions, pet products can be very effective, but when misapplied or not used according to directions, your pets may be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides and could become ill. Protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions. Paw Here For EPA Story.

Dog Food Salmonella Warning

This is a voluntary company recall of its chicken-flavored products because it could be contaminated with salmonella. Nature's Variety is announcing that out of an abundance of caution, they are voluntarily recalling all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11. Check out their website for full list...Nature's Variety News

Maxxamillion Enjoying The Snow

ASPCA Saves 26 Severely Neglected Dogs

The dogs, allegedly used for fighting and breeding, were found chained to tire axles and posts scattering the 25-acre property. Left to starve without sufficient food, water or adequate shelter from freezing temperatures, all were severely emaciated and suffering from obvious neglect, including broken bones, wounds and a variety of infections. An additional 27 dogs were found dead and in various stages of decomposition. Paw Here to continue

Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti

Our Hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. And with all the world organizations providing humanitarian relief, there is also the need to help the animal victims of Haiti. ARCH was created to address the needs of animals in Haiti in this time of crisis. The coalition is headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and in addition to the ASPCA, consists of a number of animal welfare groups including American Humane, Best Friends, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Paw Here to Continue

Animals Rescued from Mississippi Shelter

ASPCA:  On January 24, under the authority and request of the City of Clarksdale, MS, the ASPCA dispatched members of our Field Investigations and Response Team to assist in the removal of more than 400 cats and dogs from the City of Clarksdale Animal Shelter.
"We found more than 400 animals living in a space designed for about 60," reports Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. “Our goal is to export as many of the animals as possible to other agencies where they can be placed up for adoption.”
The animals were suffering from obvious neglect—including medical conditions such as mange, and injuries and bite wounds sustained as a result of living in overcrowded cages. A team of local veterinarians conducted exams on each animal and triaged any immediate concerns.  Paw here to continue

Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting

ASPCA: Attention, animal lovers! Tune in to Animal Planet on Monday, January 25, at 10:00 P.M. (ET/PT) for the world premiere of a documentary about organized dog fighting. In this special edition of Animal Planet Investigates, two undercover agents take you deep inside the disturbing subculture of dog fighting’s hardcore criminals and their four-legged victims. Using undercover and investigative footage, the show examines specific cases in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and New York to demonstrate the diversity and depravity of this cruel blood sport. Paw Here to Continue...

SeeThe Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009

ASPCA: With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2009, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top 10 pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2009.Paw Here For List

Maria Menounos Chocolate Warning

Maria Menounos has a warning for dog owners. Two days after Christmas TV personality Maria Menounos almost lost one of her dogs to dark chocolate. According to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, vice president and medical director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Center in Urbana, Ill., dark chocolate is the most toxic to dogs of all chocolates and needs immediate attention if eaten. Paw Here for full story...

New Years - Pet Safety Tips

We want to wish everyone a very safe and Happy New Year!  We also want to send along a few friendly dog reminders.  When walking your dogs in snowy areas, their paws might pick up some salt from the sidewalks, so please remember to lightly wipe their little paws with a baby wipe or damp cloth to remove the salt.  Also, please remember to keep small ornaments , chocolate treats, alcoholic beverages, and Pointsietta plants out of your dog's reach because they could be very hazardous to your dog.  The small ornaments could cause choking or bowel obstruction, chocolate treats, alcoholic beverages, and Pointsietta plants are toxic to dogs.  Please keep in mind that New Year celebrations may include fireworks, which may upset your dogs, if this is the case, please remember to keep your dogs safely indoors.   Have a very Happy New Year! Love Maxxamillion