Lifestyles of Pets and their people.....



Anecdotal, Informative, Light Hearted and more......
the writing/s of local Animal Lovers.

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    Pets Do The Funniest Things

From dogs that open doors, cats intent on humiliating their owners and hamsters with a degree in escapology, ARGNCer's share their silly pet stories. Got a funny pet story to tell?
Share it with other ARGNCer's email your story to mypet@argnc.com

Soppy dog
My youngest daughter Anna started back to school last week. She and our 18-month-old Springer Spaniel are inseparable and great buddies. When Anna started putting on her school uniform the dog kept running back to her room and fetching her 'normal' clothes as he knew that seeing her in school uniform meant she'd have to leave him.
debs04

Embarrassing pussycat
Once the postman came to my front door to deliver a package that was too large to fit into our mailbox. We stood at the door chatting and I felt my cat Snoop brush past my leg. I looked down and discovered that she had thoughtfully brought a tampon in from the bathroom and was violently batting at it with her paw. The conversation ended rather abruptly.
sarahduran

Monster muncher
My hamster Taz is bonkers. While I was building his new space station house I sat him in a box on the wardrobe. Two minutes later I heard a thud. Yep you guessed it he fell off the wardrobe having successfully munched a big hole in the box, the next day I came home to find him sitting on the hall stairs cleaning himself; my daughter had left the cage open and he obviously fancied a walkI always blame my daughter when he escapes but I caught him the other night biting the lid, lifting it up and escaping. Ironically, he is so lazy I had to give up with his exercise ball because when you put him in it he rolls over to the nearest radiator and promptly falls asleep.
lorri531

Underwear conspiracy
One of our cats will drag pants, socks or bras around the house from the laundry basket or just after they've been washed. Her best time to do this is usually when we have guests!
iona_ivf

Retriever cat
My cat plays fetch with cotton buds. She loves it. She carries them round in her mouth and drops them for us to throw again! My husband is now teaching her to give him her paw when she brings a cotton bud back.
fiona81

Ganging up on the dog
One Christmas, Mum was visiting for the day and had brought the dog with her. Our little cat sat in various places during the day in view of the dog but always out of reach (you could almost see the smile on her face when the dog was told off for getting excited). When she got fed up with taunting the dog she slowly strolled upstairs where our larger cat was asleep. A few minutes after the door swung open and our larger cat was sitting slap bang in the middle of the doorway staring at the dog, who promptly jumped on to mum's lap shaking like a jelly. It was as if our two cats had been talking about the dog!
iona_ivf

Spider fan
Our cat used to have a toy spider that he carried everywhere in his mouth. Even when the legs (which were pipe cleaners) fell off, he'd just carry this bit of black fluff about. He doesn't like real spiders, though. He likes flies best - if there's one on the wall, window or ceiling where he can't reach it, he sits there miaowing softly to it as if encouraging it to come down to him.
Catswhiskers

Silent protest
My husband and I went on holiday to Prague for two weeks. Upon our return, we set our suitcases down and gleefully hugged all three cats. We then went outside to retrieve the rest of our luggage from the car. In that short amount of time, one of the cats (still not sure who was the guilty culprit) showed her displeasure with our absence by having a bowel movement directly on top of our suitcase. It was a silent but effective protest.
sarahduran

Share your funny pet stories with other ARGNCer's email your story to mypet@argnc.com

‘People foods’ that can kill your pet
From chocolate to raisins, here’s what not to feed Fido — even if he begs

By Sloan Barnett
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 5:07 p.m. ET, Fri., May. 9, 2008

It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.

In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items.

Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the most toxic foods that can harm your pet:

Bad news foods
Avocados
They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

Beer
Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Nuts
Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is exercising or overly active.

Candy
Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.

Caffeine
Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the animal consumes.

Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.

Onions
Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time.

Medicine
Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children. The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.

And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.

Good news foods
There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food item to your pet.

Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.

Lean meats
Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and they can splinter as well.

Vegetables
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are all OK. It's a jungle out there!

Fruit
Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!

Baked potatoes
Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked — no unripe potatoes or potato plants.

Bread
Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or raisins added.

Rice and pasta
Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal upset is present.

In case of emergency
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 — in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.

City dogs get to know their inner herder
Owners say the doggy dude ranches are an antidote to tighter leash laws
MSBNC

Kerry, a Bernese mountain dog, is trained to herd sheep at Drummond Ranch in Vincent, Calif. The 40-acre haven an hour outside Los Angeles allows city dogs to get in touch with their inner herder.
Reed Saxon / ASSOCIATED PRESS

updated 2:13 p.m. ET, Sun., April. 20, 2008
VINCENT, Calif. - The sun is shining, the fields are clear, and the sheep — a jittery trio of fluff — are just getting comfortable.

Suckers.

Selkie, a border collie recovering from a tennis ball addiction, gets her cue. She cuts a wide curve around the field, hunches low and creeps in. Bleats of protest are useless. The sheep stiffen and get moving.

It’s a good day to be a dog.

Selkie isn’t really a stock dog but she plays one at Drummond Ranch, which isn’t really a livestock ranch, but a 40-acre haven an hour outside Los Angeles. There, city dogs escape their leash-and-lounge existence and learn get in touch with their inner herder.

The ranch is part of a trend that mixes training techniques, a back-to-basics ethos and a hint of dog (and human) therapy.

“It really, really seems to center the dog and give the dog a sense of confidence and fulfillment, a good assertiveness, a good energy,” said ranch owner Janna Duncan, who has taught dozens of canines and their owners the art of moving livestock.

“It’s almost as if the dog needs a job. And when they discover, ‘This is what my job is supposed to be,’ then everything falls into place.”

The American Kennel Club says new herding clubs are popping up across the country, although it does not track exact numbers. Nearly 200 clubs held herding trials last year. More than 10,000 dogs competed, a roughly 10 percent increase over 2006.

Owners describe the practice as an antidote to tighter leash laws and disappearing dog-friendly spaces in U.S. cities. They talk of their dogs’ first time in the arena with the pride and amazement usually reserved for describing a child’s first day at kindergarten. Many also acknowledge that herding was a last resort.

Dog-owner mismatch
“I’d been through about three trainers and was getting nowhere,” said Ann Preston, patting her panting, post-workout Selkie. “I had two vets tell me she was stark-raging mad.”

Preston acknowledges Selkie’s problem was really an owner problem. As a border collie, she was bred to herd. She needed mental stimulation and as well as a physical workout. As a couch companion for Preston, a 65-year-old sculptor, she was a poor match.

“I’m gentle. I just want to play and cuddle my dog and scratch its tummy and, you know, have my face licked and maybe my feet licked on occasion,” she said.

Selkie wasn’t interested. She was sensitive to noise, pushy and obsessive. She wanted her ball thrown. All day. And tomorrow.

Experts say the dog-owner mismatch is common. People spend too little time researching a breed’s temperament and habits before choosing their family’s new addition. A fluffy Saint Bernard, for example, is a working breed that may protect your kids — against the letter carrier. Then you’ve got a lawsuit.

Preston said she’s lucky she found Drummond Ranch and Selkie found sheep. One look and the light bulb went on, Preston said.

Duncan’s clientele isn’t limited to the traditional herding breeds. She’s trained huskies, Labrador retrievers, even a four-pound Yorkie from Malibu.

On a recent morning, a hulking Bernese mountain dog named Kerry thumped around an arena cajoling the sheep on cue to Duncan’s screeching whistles and clipped calls.

Each breed, Duncan explained, has its own persuasion technique.

Referring to Kerry, she said, “The guardian dogs get to know their flock. They befriend the sheep and the sheep feel safe. They’ll follow them anywhere.”

Herders vs. non-herders
But not all breeds have such charisma.

Trainers use an instinct test to suss out the herders from the non-herders. Placed in a small pen with sheep and a trainer, the dogs’ reactions are evaluated for style, temperament, responsiveness to commands and use of force.

At Drummond Ranch, those deemed trainable continue with classes. A four-week series cost $165.

Carol Delsman oversees the American Kennel Club’s herding program from her cattle ranch in Baker City, in rural northeastern Oregon. Delsman is happy to see urbanites discovering their dogs’ hidden talents but considers her primary job preserving a lost art.

Herding breeds have spent centuries as companions for shepherds and ranchers. In Scotland and England, border collies are revered for their ability to disappear into the hills and come back with a herd unharmed.

“But as people decide not to have kids but to have dogs, breeds actually get altered. If we alter a breed too much, it can’t do what it was bred to do,” Delsman said.

The challenge is less about training dogs to handle sheep than about coaching humans to properly handle their dogs, she says. The dogs already know how to herd, they just need to learn to do it on command.

The new communication can be transformative for dogs and humans.

Preston says Selkie is a different dog — though it took work and weekly visits. She also says she’s a different human, with a new understanding of obedience and control, and an appreciation for the power of finding a calling.

Selkie, of course, just pants. Her tail flaps furiously. Preston can guess the thought inside that black-and-white head: This is too good to be true.

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Zeke and Eli

His name was Zeke, but he didn’t know it yet.  What he did know was they called him “Snickers and wanted to be loved.  Her name was Shadow.  She didn’t know how her owner would go on without her, so she hung in there until she moved on.  What she did know was her life of satin pillows, crystal dishes, and gourmet doggie treats was one of bliss and joy. 

Their names were Mr. and Ms. Dog Lover.  What she didn’t know was her best friends were still right around the corner.  She did know that she wanted another puppy.  What Mr. Doggie Lover didn’t know was his life was about to improve.  What he did know was he wanted a new pup as well.  “Honey,” his voice was filled with excitement, “you gotta meet me at the pound after work.  There’s a little cutie pie you have to meet!”

Her heart raced as she walked down the narrow aisles of the pound.  “Where is Snickers?” she asked Linda.  But all they could do was walk, look, and sigh.  Soon Mr. DL was calling from the lobby.  “I don’t see him,” said Ms. DL.  They went to the lobby together and there they were, “Snickers” and Mr. DL.  “What a pretty sit!” she said.  The three walked together as if they had just won “best in show.”  They went back to the lobby and sat down, Snickers sitting in front of Mr. DL staring intently.

“Well, what do you think honey?  You’re gonna be with him the most?”  The dog looked at Mr. DL as if he understood.  Immediately, he shifted to sit perfectly in front of Ms. DL.  “Oh my – how cute!  Do you want to be my new baby?” she asked.  He placed his paw on her knee and the family was formed.  “He’ll have his vet visit and you can pick him up Monday,” Linda added.  “Great,” said Ms. DL, “and the first thing we’re gonna do is change his name!”  Mr. DL’s sister suggested, “Ezekiel, so he’ll live to be an old man.”

His name was Domino.  What he didn’t know was why he was why he was in the pound at all.   What he did know was he was scared and cold and very hungry.  “Two are better than one, “said Ms. DL.  Now Ezekiel and Elijah, “Zeke” and “Eli” know that they are safe.  They know how to sit, stay, come, and go on “walkies.”  Zeke has continued his pursuit of being bilingual (speaking English and Doglish) while Eli enjoys frolicking in the big back yard and lying on his “mommy’s” lap.  Mr. & Ms. DL think the dogs adopted them.  What they all know now is that they will continue to live happily, ever after.

By Janice Jeffries

Pet Tips

How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs

Exercise and play are important parts of a dog's life. Beyond the physical health benefits, it's also a great way to bond with your dog. But have you ever wondered how much exercise your dog actually needs? Here are some tips:

Age and Health Factors: A young adult dog needs about 30 minutes of active exercise daily. If you haven't been exercising your dog regularly, then start slowly. Older dogs or dogs with special health problems will need to be exercised at a different pace. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's general health before starting an exercise program.

Types of Exercise: Walking is a good choice for older dogs, because it's easier on their paws and joints. If you regularly walk your dog on asphalt, keep a check on his paw pads to ensure there are no cuts or abrasions. For younger or high-energy dogs, 15 minutes of fetch with a ball or flying disc is a fun and challenging workout, and provides an outlet for your dog's excess energy. Water-loving breeds such as Labradors and other Retrievers will also enjoy a good swim-just make sure to supervise them closely to avoid mishaps.

Safety First: Use a leash when walking or jogging with your dog. This gives you control and prevents your dog from running into traffic, or jumping up onto people and children. Always make sure your dog has current ID tags, and use reflective leashes or collars when walking after dark. Watch your dog for signs of fatigue, such as labored breathing, and if he needs to rest a moment, let him. And don't forget to take plenty of water along for longer walks.

Pet Supermarket has everything you'll need for your dog's exercise routine. We carry a wide range of leashes, collars, toys, and supplies to help you and your dog get the most from your exercise sessions. Still have questions? Ask the associates at Pet Supermarket-they're always ready to help!



Caring For a New Kitten

Do you have a new little bundle of fur in your household? Then you're in for a treat, because there's nothing more fun than kittens! Here are some tips on caring for your new kitten:

Getting Started: A kitten's body weight can double or even triple during the first few weeks of its life, so large amounts of protein are required to support this growth. A high-quality kitten food is essential, because they provide the correct balance of nutrients your kitten will need for healthy growth during its first year. At first, your kitten may prefer to play with her food instead of eating it, but don't worry-she'll learn quickly that food is for eating! Keep treats to a minimum in order to encourage regular feeding schedules.

Helping Them Learn: Most kittens are naturals when it comes to the litter box, but a few will need some encouragement. Start with a softer cat litter, such as Feline Pine(TM) or Yesterday's News(TM) (which is made from shredded paper). Clumping litters can stick to a kitten, which can be dangerous or discourage the kitten from using the box. Place the box in a quiet place, and place your kitten in it several times a day. You may even want to take her paw and make the necessary scratching motion. Before long, a cat's natural instinct to bury its waste will kick in, and your kitten will know exactly what the litter box is for.

Keeping Them Safe: The most fun part will be playing with your kitten. Just make sure that the toys you choose are safe. All her toys need to be large enough so that she can't swallow them, yet light enough for her to chase and bat around. Since kittens love to climb and explore, make sure your curtains and hanging window blind cords are secured-these can cause serious accidents. A great replacement is a kitty condo or climbing tree.

Activities such as bathing, nail clipping, and teaching your cat to stay away from certain items or furniture in your home are best learned at a young age, so start now to prevent future bad habits. Pet Supermarket has a large selection of kitten shampoos, nail clippers, repellants, toys, and everything else you'll need for a happy, healthy kitten. Have fun!




Controlling Algae In Aquariums

An important step in proper aquarium maintenance is controlling algae growth. When left unchecked, algae can quickly consume your tank. Here's more information:

What Causes Algae? Algae growth is common in almost every aquatic environment, feeding on nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. Water testing is essential to control nitrate and phosphate levels; by testing and regularly changing your water, you can eliminate some algae problems before they begin. It's also a good idea to keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight in order to control the light source for your tank, since algae can grow in almost any light.

How Do I Control Algae? One of the best ways to control algae is to add live plants to your aquarium. The nitrates and phosphates in your tank that algae feed on occur naturally from fish waste, and sometimes from the quality of the water used. Live plants will compete for these same nutrients, leaving very little for algae to feed on.


Other solutions for algae control are filters and commercial phosphate and nitrate removers, such as Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nitra-Zorb(TM) and Phos-Zorb(TM). These products, combined with proper lighting, partial water changes, and regular tank maintenance will ensure that your aquarium stays crystal clear. For more information, ask the associates at Pet Supermarket. They can answer your questions and help you with everything you need for a beautiful and healthy tank environment.

Mon Mar 10, 7:36 PM ET

WEST MONROE, La. - A firefighter performed CPR on a dog, saving its life after responding to a mobile home fire. When firefighters arrived at the scene Friday, a resident of the house approached firefighter Stephen "Odie" Odom and told him two dogs were trapped inside the burning house.

Odom put on his air pack and headed for the room where the two small dogs were kept.

After searching through a smoke-filled bedroom, Odom located the two terrier dogs in carriers underneath some blankets and removed them from the burning home.

When Odom removed one of the dogs from the carrier, he noticed it was not breathing and his tongue was hanging out. The firefighter removed his face mask and placed the dog's head inside so the oxygen could blow in its face.

When this didn't work, Odom began performing CPR on the dog by "cupping my hands around the dog's snout and blowing until I could feel his chest expand," he said.

"I then did chest compressions similar to that of infant CPR. After approximately one minute of doggie CPR, I noticed the dog trying to breathe on its own."

Five minutes later the dog began looking around and was given to the owner of the house, Linda Lewis. An oxygen tank was left with the pup.

Fire Prevention Officer Curt Meachum said he is glad the dog's life was spared.

"We do not know the dog's name, but we could just call it 'Lucky,'" Meachum said.

AZUSA, Calif. - Doggone it, my truck's gone!

Police said Charles McCowan parked his pickup in front of a mini-mart Wednesday, leaving his 80-pound Boxer named Max in the passenger seat. When he came out, the truck and Max were gone.

McCowan called police, assuming the truck had been stolen. When officers arrived, they found the pickup across the street in a fast-food parking lot but had no idea how it got there.

In security video shown Thursday on KCAL-TV, the truck can be seen rolling backward out of the store lot and across the street, threading its way through traffic and out of view.

Police said that after McCowan left the truck, Max knocked the vehicle out of gear and sent it rolling backward.

Both Max and the truck emerged without a scratch

The crew tried jacking up the car and taking off a wheel, all for naught. The feline ducked out of reach at each attempt to grab it.

At some point, the cat escaped undetected, prompting the crew to spend another hour peering in bushes and scouring a Walgreens parking lot.

They finally gave up and headed back to the station, answering at least two more calls on their way.

Five hours after the saga began, the elusive cat reappeared: At the station, in their fire truck's rear wheel well.

This time, firefighters used chunks of meatloaf to try luring it out. It was unenticed, so the crew resorted to an ultimately successful three-pronged strategy: One firefighter poked the feline in the backside with a Slim Jim, another used a hose to force it into an open compartment so a third person could pull it out.

The feline was dirty but unharmed.

Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com

An 18-month-old Lancashire Heeler, missed his best friend so much that he dug up the late cat’s grave and brought the body back into the house to be reunited with him.

The dog saw his owner dig a grave in the garden for Arthur, the 17-year-old family cat, and put him in the hole. When Oscar’s owners woke up the next morning, they found Oscar curled up next to Arthur’s body in his bed.Oscar and Arthur were the best of friends and were inseparable, and Arthur, who was a larger cat, even used to help Oscar onto the sofa.

Oscar’s owners said, “He had managed to climb out through the cat flap in the night, obviously with the intent to get Arthur back. Bearing in mind that Arthur was a huge cat, Oscar must have used all the strength he could muster. Then he pulled him into the basket and went to sleep next to him. Arthur’s coat was gleaming white.

Oscar had obviously licked him clean. It must have taken him nearly all night.”

Source: The Times

Photo: Manchester Evening News

Vick's Fighters Now Cuddlers  

Vick's Fighters Now Cuddlers
Posted Jan 27, 08 2:32 PM CST in US, Culture & Society

Source: Associated Press (newser) – Many of the pit bulls Michael Vick illegally trained to fight have better days ahead, the AP reports. Experts have evaluated the more than 50 dogs taken from the quarterback’s property—and only one showed aggression. The rest were transported to rescue groups nationwide; 13 took an unlikely cross-country trip to Oakland to be groomed for eventual foster care. • The dogs’ good natures were “completely the opposite of what we were led to believe,” said one evaluator, and “much to our amazement,” said another, an assistant US attorney agreed to let the Oakland group handle the dogs. Now, scarred fighters are living lives of luxury. Said one caretaker of her new pet: “He’s turning out to be a man of high class.”

At her home in the San Francisco Bay Area, Leslie Nuccio holds Hector,
a pit bull that was seized from Michael Vick's property.

Saved from Michael Vick’s property, pit bulls now in loving homes.

At her home in the San Francisco Bay Area, Leslie Nuccio holds Hector, a pit bull that was seized from Michael Vick's property.

His back resting comfortably against her chest, Hector nestles his massive canine head into Leslie Nuccio’s shoulder, high-fiving pit bull paws against human hands.

The big dog — 52 pounds — is social, people-focused, happy now, it seems, wearing a rhinestone collar in his new home in sunny California.

But as Hector sits up, deep scars stand out on his chest, and his eyes are imploring.

“I wish he could let us know what happened to him,” says Nuccio, the big tan dog’s foster mother.

Hector ought to be dead, she knows — killed in one of his staged fights, or executed for not being “game” enough, not winning, or euthanized by those who see pit bulls seized in busts as “kennel trash,” unsuited to any kind of normal life.

Instead, Hector is learning how to be a pet.

After the hell of a fighting ring, he has reached a heaven of sorts: saved by a series of unlikely breaks, transported thousands of miles, along with other dogs rescued with him, by devoted strangers, and now nurtured by Nuccio, her roommate, Danielle White, and their three other dogs.

The animals barrel around the house, with 4-year-old Hector leading the puppy-like antics — stealth underwear grabs from the laundry basket, sprints across the living room, food heists from the coffee table — until it’s “love time” and he decelerates and engulfs the women in a hug.

Nuccio wishes he could let her know all that happened.

But what she does know is this: Hector has come such a long way since he was trapped in the horrors of Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels.

Inside Vick's dogfighting operation: Authorities descending last year on 1915 Moonlight Road in Smithfield, Va., found where Vick, the former NFL quarterback, and others staged pit bull fights in covered sheds, tested the animals’ fighting prowess and destroyed and disposed of dogs that weren’t good fighters.

Vick is serving a 23-month federal sentence after admitting that he bankrolled the dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs. Three co-defendants Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor also pleaded guilty and were sentenced, and the four now face state animal cruelty charges. Oscar Allen, who sold a champion pit bull to Vick’s dogfighting operation, was sentenced Friday on a federal dogfighting charge.

Officers who carried out the raid found dogs, some injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22 caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight.

A bewildered Hector and more than 50 other American Pit Bull Terriers or pit bull mixes were gathered up. So were “parting sticks” used to open fighting dogs’ mouths, treadmills to condition them, and a “rape stand” used to restrain female dogs that did not submit willingly to breeding.

The dogs, held as evidence in the criminal prosecutions, were taken to a half dozen city and county pounds and shelters in Virginia.

Hector was bunked in the Hanover pound in a cage below a dog named Uba who was smaller and more clearly showing anxiety.

Animal Miracle Foundation’s Hero Dog of 2008
January 24, 2008 | By Admin In Animal Advocacy, Article, Canine Delights, Canine Heros
|
Animal Miracle Foundation is a Washington state based foundation that aims to raise the awareness of about pet and wildlife issues. Sponsoring three special ‘dog’ awareness days, National Puppy Day on March 23, National Dog Day on Aug. 26 and National Mutt Day on Dec. 2 to highlight the high number of dogs in shelters that need homes, it has chosen it’s Hero Dog of 2008.

Maya, who in June of 2007, saved her human companion, Angela Marcelino, from a violent attack and rape at the hands of an intruder who stood in wait is the Animal Miracle Foundation’s Hero Dog of 2008.

Not only did Maya save Marcelino, she was also instrumental in the conviction of the attacker, Anthony Easley, 37, due to DNA from blood that was taken from Maya’s fur after she attacked the would-be attacker.

For Angela Marcelino, she’s proud of Maya receiving the honor but not surprised that the ever gentle and sweet Maya came to her rescue when she did. You see, Marcelino rescued Maya when the now 5 year old, 25 pound, pit bull mix was only 3 months old and they have been companions ever since.

So not only does this award honor Maya, it’s “a testament to the fact that the pit bull breed can be hero dogs just like any other breed,” Colleen Paige, founder of the group, said in a statement.

As part of the award, Marcelino agreed to write an account of the morning her Maya became a hero.

“I opened my front door and was about to walk inside when I saw someone’s shadow out of the corner of my eye,” she wrote. “I turned my head just as a man pushed me into my house. I screamed as loud as I could, but the man had slammed the door shut behind him.

” ‘Shut up’ were the only words he said to me. He was choking me with one hand. I was able to scream one last time. After I did, his grip tightened around my neck. That is when I saw a white streak run in from the other room. His grip was so tight that I could only gurgle the words ‘Maya, get him.’ He still had a grip on my throat, as his other hand was busy trying to fight off my angry dog.

“I don’t know how, but I managed to get on my feet. His attention turned away from Maya for a second so that he could push my front door open and she followed. At that point, I grabbed him in the groin as hard as I could. He doubled over and released the grip around my neck. I pushed him away and grabbed Maya by the collar. I like to think, at that moment, he told himself he had picked the wrong woman to mess with. He looked at me one last time, only for a second, and then simply walked away.”

Needless to say, Maya has no doubt been more pampered than usual by her ever grateful companion, Marcelino.

“I cry sometimes when I hug Maya and ask her, ‘What would I do without you?’ “

No doubt many of us feel the same about our beloved canine companions, I know that I do and sometimes the worst thing they have rescued us from is a bad day or loneliness but they are ever at our side giving love, loyalty and so much more. For me, my dogs are heroes everyday!

Source - San Jose Mercury News

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Some kitty math: How many lives did little tabby Gracie Mae use up when she crawled into her owner's suitcase, went through an airport X-ray machine, got loaded onto a plane, thrown onto a baggage belt and mistakenly picked up by a stranger far from home?

"She's got to be at four or five now," Seth Levy said after his 10-month-old pet was returned Sunday night by a kind stranger who went home to Fort Worth, Texas, with the wrong bag and Gracie inside to boot.

The last time Levy's wife, Kelly, saw Gracie was before she took her husband to the airport. The 24-year-old went back to her house in Palm Beach Gardens late Friday to find the bottom step, where Gracie would usually be waiting, empty.

She tore the house apart looking for the cat, who had been spayed just days before. She and her dad took out bathroom tiles and part of a cabinet to check a crawl space and papered the neighborhood with "lost cat" signs.

Then she got a phone call.

"Hi, you're not going to believe this, but I am calling from Fort Worth, Texas, and I accidentally picked up your husband's luggage. And when I opened the luggage, a cat jumped out," Kelly Levy quoted the caller saying.

Rob Carter said he made it home with the suitcase before realizing it wasn't his — and there was a big surprise inside.

"I went to unpack and saw some of the clothes and saw it wasn't my suitcase," he said. "I was going to close it, and a kitten jumped out and ran under the bed. I screamed like a little girl."

Carter said that he eventually was able to get the cat to come out from under the bed.

"In the morning, I got close enough to see its collar and the phone number on it," he said. "So I called the number and got a hold of the crying wife of the traveler."

The tabby made the 1,300-mile trip home on an $80 plane ticket. Carter said he considered keeping the cat before he knew she had a home.

"We were going to name it Suitcase," he said

Meet my newest foster, Delilah (who rumor has it is considering me for her new mommy...she talks in her sleep when she's snuggled up to me at night, and I swear I heard her say it!) She, like Riley who so many of you generously sponsored this Holiday Season, had been living on a chain without even the ability to see to relieve the daily boredom, loneliness, and yearly sojourn into Pennsylvania's winter cold. For she's blind.

Can you imagine even for a moment living your life on the end of a chain not able to see? How terrifying, and so helpless to even defend yourself against intruders.

Thanks to a network of Pennsylvania volunteers, Delilah is now free and loving her inside home and family here with me, even sharing in the Christmas joys with her siblings.

Sadly, her beagle friend remains on a chain at the home where she lived; he's a 'huntin' dog', and they would not release him. I have sent them a special letter offering fencing if he could come into the home to live with them, but have not heard back yet. He will be one of the 25 new addresses I am personally pledging for our 2008 Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Campaign. But I know there are hundreds of thousands more of them out there across America and Canada!

PLEASE Join Dogs Deserve Better today! We have a chance to change the future. With your help, we can let the world know animal abuse MUST be taken seriously. Don't sit back and let it happen. If we DON'T stand up, this practice WILL NOT END. Please get involved today.

Sincerely,

Tammy Grimes
Founder, Dogs Deserve Better

A  Dog's Prayer
by Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Seeing Eye Cat............
Submitted by Elizabeth

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