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      

Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season

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

Greyhounds Up For Adoption At Dairyland

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.

When Putting Down Your Dog Is Not An Option!

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.

Halloween Costume Tips for Your Pets

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