Priority Pet Sitting

The Love on a Leash Blog: How to Pick a Dog at the SPCA

2011-04-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Love on a Leash Blog: How to Pick a Dog at the SPCA: "Every home really does need a Harvey! And as much as we love this video, even canine marketers less talented than Harvey will bring you so..."

Article on Pet Obesity

2011-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/Pet_Vet_Animal_Obesity_120537994.html

I'll miss my furry friend Snickers, her family is leaving Vegas for Texas!

2011-03-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

Although they have their own water bowl, the Peyton boys think the dogs water is just the best

2011-03-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Noel says "You can feed me, but no touching" !

2011-02-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

Dusty and his new friend

2011-02-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

Meet Murdock, my new Mon thru Fri lunchdate

2011-02-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

My favorite little dynamic duo Riley and his brother Ricky

2011-02-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hanging out with my girl Keiko while her mom is off exploring Egypt!

2011-01-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Sophie taking a break from her workout on the treadmill

2011-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Rolfe boys waiting for their sitter to put her camera down and fix them dinner!

2011-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Parker and Sophie volunteered to be the welcoming committee for the new fish

2011-01-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

The ever elusive Juliet

2011-01-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Sophie once again showing off the many ways to use the scratching post

2010-12-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

Fancy and her sister Sugar were happy to stay home over Thanksgiving while mom and dad were away!

2010-12-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Sofie's brother Tigger , gotta love the Hitler mustache

2010-12-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

My fluffy friend Sofie

2010-12-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Symptoms Of Heartworms In Dogs

2010-11-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

Symptoms Of Heartworms In Dogs

Dusty is excited to help his family hand out candy to all the kiddies

2010-10-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

A new addition to my gang of furry friends.... Tally

2010-10-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Argie and his sister Cashmere are sure happy to stay home and guard the house while mom is away.

2010-10-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

Cali enjoying some quality time in her backyard, under the supervision of her Pet Sitter/ Bodyguard

2010-10-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Kona and her sister Kilo, my new canine furry friends

2010-09-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Clyde says "Who are you, and what have you done with my family"

2010-09-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

My new furry friend Lunchmeat.

2010-09-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lunchmeat is a happy girl now that she gets to stay home when mom and dad go on vacation, instead of the dreaded kennel.

Two of my favorite pups to hang out with...Hunter and his sister Kelsey

2010-09-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Angus opening food dish

2010-09-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Angus showing that no self feeder is going to stop him from
his favorite meal

Monday morning walk with two of my favorites, George and Penny

2010-08-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

Zaney loves to play with her dog biscuit

2010-07-24T08:56:00.001-07:00

Chamise getting set for morning swim in the family pool.

2010-07-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Coco enjoying a little Rest and Relaxation while her family is on vacation.....with the dog

2010-07-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

A picture that says a thousand words

2010-06-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

My two favorite new guys.....Pepper and his brother Bugsy

2010-06-21T08:36:00.001-07:00

Roscoe and his cool wheels

2010-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

Haley likes hanging by the pool instead of the kennel while mom and dad are in Hawaii

2010-05-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Sale of 'Pet Postage' stamps begins

2010-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sale of 'pet postage' stamps begins in post offices

A new postage stamp dedicated to adopting pets went on sale on Monday.

It is part of the U.S. Postal Service's Adopt a Shelter Pet commemorative postage stamp campaign, with the theme "Stamps to the Rescue."

The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness about sheltered pets and to encourage pet adoption and promote humane and responsible pet care.

For more information about the stamp program, visit www.stampstotherescue.com.

Source: Robby Douglas Citrus Daily

Gunner will rule the world, or at least the dog show circuit

2010-04-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

I may be a little guy now, but one day I will rule the world...or at least the dog show circuit

Preparing for Emergencies

2010-04-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

Preparing for Emergencies

Posted using ShareThis

My handsome friend Rudy

2010-04-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

Mollie loves her big ball

2010-04-20T09:18:00.001-07:00

A kitty with a most unusal way of drinking water

2010-04-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

How to Help your dog weather a storm

2010-04-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've heard the stories about animals that signal the approach of a storm. Cows lie down. Crows fly low to the ground. Spiders leave their webs.

And dogs, apparently, go flat-out berserk.

"I've heard of dogs that have actually jumped through screen doors," said Deb Boswell, a dog behavior therapist in West Des Moines. "Their first response to a storm is fight or flight. They don't really understand that they can't get away from it."

Research indicates that dogs are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and even electrical charges in the air, which often go haywire before the onset of the storms that roll across Iowa about this time every year. Some animals respond in mild ways, such as pacing or panting, while others become more destructive.

Quantcast

Fortunately, there are ways to help dogs (and to a lesser extent, cats) overcome their fears. We asked Boswell, who works with the dog-training company Bark Busters (barkbusters.com), and a few other experts for their best advice.

— Make sure your dog has an ID tag or an implanted microchip. It's important Fido can be identified if he makes a mad dash out of the house or yard. Along those lines, keep him away from any doors or gates where he could escape.

— Create a safe place. Sometimes dogs will seek out a safe place on their own, but if they need a little guidance, section off a quiet den-like area where they can feel secure. Close any windows and curtains, and lead the dog to the space before the storm arrives.

Keep in mind that some dogs relax more easily after discharging the static build-up that accompanies the electrical imbalance in the atmosphere, so they'll seek out electrically grounded locations, such as pipes, a toilet or bathtub in the basement.

(Just as Register reporter Mike Kilen, whose 80-pound boxer-Lab mix made a beeline for the bathroom during a storm last week.) Boswell suggests setting out a natural rubber mat to ease a dog's stressful reaction to an approaching storm.

If your dog must remain outside, cover the doghouse or kennel with cardboard or a light-weight blanket to block out bursts of lightning.

— Put your dog in a crate. Since dogs can become destructive when they're scared, a crate is the best way to keep them safe and your belongings intact. If you don't use a crate, remove any items that your dog could damage or that could hurt your dog if he chewed them.

— Remain calm. Dogs can pick up on human behavior. If you remain calm, they might follow your lead. If you go bonkers, so will they.

Mick McAuliffe, an animal behavior specialist with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, knows of a woman who suffered from a fear of storms (technically, keraunophobia) and crawled under a table whenever one approached. Her dog did the same.

— Set up distractions. Give your dog a good rub down or toss around a chew toy. Turn on the TV or quiet music on the radio. Boswell says harp music is particularly effective.

"I tell you, I put it on once and thought 'Oh my gosh, I'm about to fall asleep,' " she said.

She also recommends music produced by "Through A Dog's Ear" (throughadogsear.com), which develops music specifically for dogs and donates free CDs to animal shelters.

— Wrap your dog in a blanket. Bianca Zaffarano, a clinician at the primary care department of Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests wrapping your dog securely in a blanket or a jacket.

There are specially designed anti-anxiety blankets with metallic linings to neutralize electrical imbalances (anxietywrap.com), but plain old bedspreads usually do the trick.

— Expect piddle. Extreme fear can make some dogs incontinent. Just be prepared and try not to react if they make a mess.

— Condition your dog to get used to noise. To give your dog some practice, play a recording of a thunderstorm and gradually increase the volume.

Boswell, who lives near Jordan Creek Town Center, cooked up a similar trick to help her dogs prepare for the fireworks displays at Christmas and the Fourth of July: She tosses a clunky object — a brush works well — into the dryer about an hour before the fireworks begin. The irregular clanks and bangs help Lucy and Paddy get used to the outdoor noise that follows.

— Consider "doggy downers." In extreme cases, sedatives may be the best way to help your dog — but only temporarily.

"You're basically just putting out fires," Zaffarano said. "You can pop them with drugs, but the drugs themselves don't work that well unless you start them with some kind of desensitization protocol" — such as the thunderstorm recording or the brush-in-the-dryer trick — "before storm season arrives."

And remember: If you do decide to sedate your dog, consult your veterinarian first and never (never!) give your dog human medications.

"The bottom line is: You gotta help the dog," Boswell said. "If you don't deal with the issue, the dog is never going to get over it on its own."

Source: By MICHAEL MORAIN • mmorain@dmreg.com • April 13, 2010

Gizmo giving a big smile for the camera

2010-03-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

One eyed Sofia taking time to smell the flowers

2010-03-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Gus enjoying an afternoon in Vegas

2010-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

14th Annual Wag-A-Tail walk-a-thon in Vegas April 18th

2010-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

14th Annual wag-A-tail walk-A-thon
April 18th
at Kellogg-Zaher Park (Summerlin Pkwy. /Durango.)
One Dapper Dog and Four Fido Finalists will be featured in the
April 27st Neighborhood Views, receive fabulous gift baskets

Gotta love Kittens

2010-03-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

My new favorite little guy Chance

2010-03-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Nikki and Rosie, my new furry friends

2010-03-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Nikki loves to play chase me and try and get my bone away, and Rosie loves to lounge
outside and enjoy the beautiful afternoon in Vegas

Parker showing off his new door opening skills

2010-02-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

How to give a cat a pill

2010-02-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

1) Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in right arm (To avoid wound on left arm) and repeat process.

3) Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4) Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in best arm, holding rear paws tightly with hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill, put down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8) Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow through straw.

9) Check label to make sure pill is not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10) Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard, and close door onto neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12) Call fire department to retrieve the f------ cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.

13) Tie the little bastard's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large of steak filet. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14) Consume remainder of Scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and remove pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15) Arrange for SPCA to collect the "cat from hell" and call local pet shop to see if they have any guinea pigs.

How to Give a Dog a Pill

1) Wrap it in bacon. Drop on the floor

Diary of a cat

2010-02-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.?

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ....

Diary of a Dog

2010-02-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!?
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Cruciate Ligament injury in Dogs

2010-01-25T05:13:00.000-08:00

The cruciate ligament is a major part of the canine knee. Cruciate injury is one of the most common orthopedic complications seen in dogs. Sometimes called ACL or CCL tear, a ruptured cruciate is often a painful and immobilizing injury. While not a serious or life-threatening injury, it is still one that must be addressed for the sake of your dog. As a dog owner, it is relatively likely you will eventually see this injury occur in one of your dogs. It is important to understand the signs and treatments of this injury, as well as know how to prevent it.
Brief Anatomy of the Canine Knee:
The knee, or stifle, is a complex joint comprised of the patella (kneecap), cartilage called the menisci, and a series of ligaments connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Together, these components enable the joint to function properly. The knee has two essential stabilizing ligaments that cross over one another inside the knee joint. They are called the cranial (or anterior) cruciate and the caudal (or posterior) cruciate. Malfunction of even one part of the knee can cause a great degree of discomfort and lameness. Of the many knee injuries that can occur, cruciate injury is the most common.
Causes of Cruciate Ligament Injury:
A cruciate ligament injury can occur in dogs for several reasons. In some cases, it is simply the result of an athletic injury in a healthy dog. This could even mean landing "wrong" when running or jumping. Overweight or obese dogs are definitely more prone to this type if injury, as they carry more weight and often have weakened joints. Additionally, some dog breeds are predisposed to cruciate ligament injuries.

While cruciate rupture cannot always be prevented, keeping your dog at a healthy weight and providing plenty of exercise (not too strenuous) can minimize the risk.
When Cruciates Go Bad:
A cruciate ligament injury is the result of a partial or complete rupture (tear). The cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament is the one more commonly affected, though the caudal (posterior) can rupture as well. When the cruciate ligament tears, the tibia moves freely from under the femur, resulting in pain and abnormal gait. Sudden lameness in a rear leg is often the first sign of injury. If a the injury remains unaddressed, arthritic changes can begin quite quickly, causing long-term lameness and discomfort. If your dog shows signs of pain or lameness, it is best to have your vet do an exam within a couple of days.
Diagnosing Cruciate Ligament Rupture:
Your vet will perform an orthopedic examination, trying to isolate the pain to a specific area and ruling out injury to the foot, hock or hip. If a knee injury is suspected, your vet will check for a cranial drawer sign - this involves manipulating the femur and tibia to feel for instability. A positive drawer sign occurs when the tibia can be moved forward independent of the femur, mimicking the motion of opening a drawer. Stifle radiographs (x-rays) may also be performed to check for arthritis or fractures. In a few cases, a referral for more advanced diagnostics may be recommended, such as arthroscopy or MRI.
Conservative Management of Cruciate Ligament Rupture:
While most dogs with cruciate injuries require surgery, a small number will improve with conservative therapy. This mostly involves several weeks of cage rest, with very brief, calm leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Some vets will place knee braces or prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, but these methods are most often ineffective. A small percentage of dogs will eventually recover with cage rest, but typically these are dogs that weight less than 25 or 30 pounds. Even the dogs that do recover can re-injure the knee in the future, or even tear the cruciate ligament on the other knee.
Surgical Repair of Cruciate Ligament Rupture:
The preferred method of cruciate ligament repair is surgical. In general, prognosis is good. However, there are different surgical approaches, each with its pros and cons.

The traditional surgical procedure is often called the "extracapsular repair." In this method, the damaged ligament is removed and a very strong suture essentially replaces the function of the cruciate ligament. The tissue of the knee heals over several months and the suture eventually breaks, leaving the healed tissue to stabilize the knee. This is a relatively quick and uncomplicated procedure that can be successful in many dogs, especially medium and small dogs. It is less expensive than other methods, but long-term success is not excellent.

An increasingly popular surgical option is called the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). This is a significantly more complex procedure than the traditional extracapsular method, and must be performed by a specially trained veterinarian - specifically a board certified surgeon. The TPLO alters the mechanism of the knee joint, allowing it to function properly without a cruciate ligament. A cut is made into the top of the tibia (tibial plateau). Then, the tibial plateau is rotated to change the angle and a metal plate is affixed keep the bone in place. Over several months, the bone heals into its new position. Partial improvement can be seen within days. However, full recovery will take several months, so cage rest is essential. Generally, long term prognosis is very good, and re-injury is uncommon. The plate does not need to be removed unless problems occur later. As with any surgery, complications are possible. The TPLO is significantly more expensive than the traditional surgery.

A third and newer surgical method is called the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Like the TPLO, the TTA allows the knee to function without a cruciate ligament. The details of this method are slightly different, but the TTA still involves cutting of the tibia and placement of hardware. Some surgeons describe the TTA as a less invasive procedure than the TPLO - and with a faster recovery. However, other surgeons see little difference. The dog's anatomy is also a deciding factor. Cost of the TTA is comparable to the TPLO.

Regardless of the surgery type, a post operative resting period of eight weeks or more is crucial to the healing process. In addition, physical therapy is often recommended and can be extremely successful for long term recovery.

Source: Dogs.com

2010-01-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

2010-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

The Secret Life of the Dog is a BBC Horizon production that highlights recent research into a variety of issues relating to dogs and the dog-human bond.

For the last couple of weeks, this program has been all the buzz in dog training and dog club e-mail lists. Although the BBC blocked the program from viewers outside the United Kingdom, it is available on YouTube here in a six-part video, each part about 10 minutes in length.

The program addresses issues about how dogs were domesticated, and what their genetic history is - how they can read us and we them; how important they are for our health and well-being; how close they are genetically, but not behaviorally to wolves; how genetics controls aggression and nonaggression; how intelligent they are; and how their DNA holds great promise for treating many of the diseases that they have in common with humans.

At the end of the program, we know why the dog is "Man's Best Friend."

The program is well-made, full of information, and fascinating. Check it out.

Bruce and Tracy Willoughby have taught dog training for several years.

Tila and Jada are holding down the fort while their mom is in Florida playing with the Crocs

2010-01-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

Sebastian is super excited his family is coming home from Cancun today

2010-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Comedy Royalty Sammy Shore Hits a Funny Bone for Dog Rescue

2010-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Comedy Royalty Sammy Shore Hits a Funny Bone for Dog Rescue

Mutts On Main Street Pet Adoptions @ The District in Vegas

2009-12-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

Dec 12th 11am to 2pm, bring home a new furry family member.

Cold weather tips for keeping your pets safe

2009-11-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1.Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2.During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3.Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4.Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5.Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6.Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7.Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8.Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9.Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

Aspca website

Cisco says 1 week down 4 weeks to go before mom and dad come home from New Zealand

2009-11-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

good thing I'm crazy about my sitter

Sophie and her new friend the mouse

2009-11-12T08:48:00.001-08:00

Swine flu implications discussed involving cats

2009-11-09T05:09:00.000-08:00

We're not the only ones getting swine flu.

The H1N1 flu, a pandemic in humans, was diagnosed in an Iowa cat this week, and he's not the only domestic animal to come down with swine flu. A pet ferret in Oregon was found to have H1N1 last month after being exposed to ill humans, tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found. The virus has also been found in pigs and birds, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

But don't quarantine your pets just yet.

Dr. Ann Garvey, public health veterinarian for the Iowa Department of Public Health, cautioned that it is difficult to draw conclusions from the Iowa case because it is the first time a cat has been diagnosed with H1N1. But so far, she said, the virus appears to have spread from sick people to animals or between people, with no documented cases of the virus spreading from pets to humans. The Iowa cat, for example, was an indoor cat that became ill after two of the three people he lived with had flu-like illnesses.

Health experts do not yet know whether a cat that contracts the H1N1 virus can spread it to another cat.

"Far and away, this virus is absolutely spreading person to person," Garvey said.

Garvey urged pet owners to take a "common-sense approach" to keeping their animals safe from illness.

"If you're sick, keep in mind the same things that you would do to protect your family members, and consider them when you're dealing with your animals as well," she said.

Dr. Diana Lafer, a veterinarian at Cats Limited Veterinary Hospital in West Hartford, said the significance of the first feline H1N1 case is not yet clear.

"Just because they find a virus in an animal doesn't necessarily mean that that virus is then going to be passed to someone else," she said.

Lafer was anticipating a slew of phone calls from cat owners. Her advice?

"You do what you do with anything else, which is you wash your hands really well and you don't pet the cat and put your finger in your eye. The same way you prevent disease spread from person to person," she said.

Jumping Species
Many species can get flu, and most flu strains tend to exist within a particular species. But the virus can also jump between species.

The canine influenza virus that has been found in dogs since 2004, for example, appears to stem from a form of flu long found in horses. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the equine virus has now adapted to spread from dog to dog.

An animal with a flu virus can transmit the illness to other animals — in the same species or otherwise — if they are in close proximity, said Dr. Michael Cappello, an infectious diseases specialist and professor of pediatrics and public health at the Yale School of Medicine.

"You need to have some clear direct contact for that initial transmission to occur," he said.

Cappello said the Iowa cat's case underscores a global concern about the potential for viruses that circulate in animals to jump to humans, particularly in parts of the world where humans have close contact with animals and the public health infrastructure may not be adequate to handle an outbreak.

"Those viruses that are circulating, say, in animal populations may be viruses against which humans have relatively little prior exposure and hence little prior immunity, and so that can be a very dangerous phenomenon," he said.

Many of the avian flu cases in humans that prompted worldwide concern in recent years occurred in people who lived in close contact with birds, such as those raising chickens, Cappello said.

In the U.S., people don't live in such close contact with animals, and the risk that an individual house pet or person would get a flu virus from another species is probably very low, he said.

"The likelihood that the next great epidemic is going to occur in your living room or backyard is unlikely," Cappello said. "It's more on the global scale that you think about these things developing in parts of the world where people are living very closely in touch with animals, and that's a broader public health question."

Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said the fact that one cat has gotten the H1N1 virus should not cause alarm.

"Cat owners shouldn't be overly worried about this," he said.

The Cat's Tale
The 13-year-old cat was showing signs of malaise. He wasn't eating or drinking, and he wasn't very active.

So his owner took the cat to Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames on Oct. 27. Dr. Albert Jergens, a professor at the veterinary school, determined that the cat had a respiratory disease. A sample he took from the cat showed that the disease was a virus, said Brett Sponseller, a professor at the veterinary college who was involved in diagnosing the cat.

Sponseller said the recent flu-like illness in the cat's household suggested the possibility that it was flu. A test determined that the cat had influenza.

Two more tests at the veterinary college indicated that it was H1N1, a strain that had so far not been seen in felines.

Final confirmation came Monday from a national lab in Ames: It was H1N1.

The cat, whose name was not released, received care for his symptoms, Sponseller said. He was dehydrated, so he got fluids, and he was put on antibiotics for potential bacterial infections that could develop. He is now doing well, said Sponseller, who described the cat as having a "very nice disposition."

"He means the world to his owner and family," Sponseller said.

Like other experts, Sponseller recommended using the same practices to avoid spreading flu around cats as around people, methods like covering coughs and washing hands. If there are multiple cats in a household and one appears to have flu, he said, it would be ideal to isolate the sick cat in a single room.

Source: The Hartford Curant Nov 5 2009

Bella and Sam hanging out in Vegas on a Sat afternoon

2009-11-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

Shadowfax thinks she has the coolest name ever...

2009-11-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

In memory of Barrett, you were a special boy

2009-11-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Mutts on Main Street Pet Adoptions @ the District in Vegas

2009-11-02T15:59:00.001-08:00

Mutts on Main Street Pet Adoptions
Saturday Nov 14 th

The District at Green Valley Ranch

11 am till 2pm

Come have some fun, enjoy some good food and good company
and open your heart to a furry little one that needs a home.

Maximus in Vegas waiting for mom and baby sister to return from Boston

2009-10-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Psycho Kitty round 2

2009-10-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well another adventure with my friend Psycho Kitty
Goal is to feed her, medicate and not get smacked
Well at least I got the first 2 accomplished.

Dollars for Dogs Fund Drive in Vegas

2009-10-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

"Name of the Event : DOLLARS FOR DOGS FUND DRIVE~
DAY and TIME : Friday*November 13th~ from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Event Location: at The ONLY Organic Coffee house in Las VEGAS
** Sunrise Coffee
3130 E Sunset Rd Las Vegas, NV 89120 (702) 433-3304
E Sunset and S Eastern
Event is brought to You;
By Chef Mayra Productions, Henderson Library and Traders Joe's.

We are so happy to announce "All the Money " raised that night will be donated to : Dollars for Dogs Fund Drive
Founded in 2000, Adopt-A-Rescue-Pet, Inc. Is a 501c3 non-profit charitable corporation; donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Adopt-A-Rescue-Pet, Inc. (ARP), one of the largest no-kill rescue organizations in southern Nevada that rescues animals facing euthanasia, has launched an urgent fundraising appeal. Expansion of their dog rescue ranch and retirement sanctuary is on hold due to lack of finances and existing debt. ARP currently houses 350+ animals between facilities in Las Vegas and Amargosa Valley, Nevada. This year 1,329 dogs have been sterilized, of which 1,289 have been adopted.
Adopt A Rescue Pet is in dire need of financial assistance to cover existing and future veterinary bills, food costs, and rents. Building materials, chain link, fencing materials, dog houses, etc. are also needed to cope with the influx of animals expected to seek assistance in the coming months.

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
HEALTHY FOOD NEVER TASTED SO GOOD !
" Vegan Chef Mayra will be SERVING her YUMMY Healthy flavorful food"
Your flavorful Plate will Include a Bite of the Chef's Signature Brownie also available at Sunrise Coffee for sale
- Donation for the Food will be $20.00 CASH ONLY PLEASE *** will Include a Drink by Sunrise Coffee.

The Chef will be serving Her Signature Jazmin- Sage-Dill Lavender- Brown Rice
And Mango Chutney and Tamarid baked tofu- The porous tofu soaks up the tamarind's bittersweet flavor and forms a caramelized crust around each bite with the tamari, ginger and garlic. The crunchy roasted sunflower seeds add contrasting texture. These are excellent hot from the oven or chilled.

**The Chef Famous Brownie Bites will be serve with you Delicious Fusion Cuisine By Chef Mayra
***All serving plates will be Eco Friendly ***
The Chef Yummy Moist Carrot Cake will also be available for sale.

A Party with Delectable Food - Good Company, GREAT Organic Coffee & Tea
Sunrise Coffee have the best Customer Service IN town !!
Have you had a " Vegan Birthday Cake" come and have a slice!
Your Donation is very much appreciated.
Thank you in Advance

100% of the Sales will go to ARP- Caribbean & Southwest fusion Vegan Cuisine
Help us celebrate Sunrise Coffee First Anniversary!!!
Join us.. MUSIC--Surprises & MORE **Gifts + +++ Raffles *Great Gift Baskets DONATED BY_________

2nd Annual Halloween Howl Fundraiser in Vegas

2009-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

October 31st

7:30 to 11:00 pm

880 Rancho Circle
Las Vegas, Nevada

Admission 100/ticket

Couples 150

Children free with Adults

RSVP Melanie 702-384-3333 ext. 123

Costumes encouraged

The 2009 Halloween Howl Promises To Be A Night Of Spooky Good Fun.
There will be plenty of entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Come enjoy food and cocktails, a rocking DJ, palm reader, animal adoptions, an extraordinary silent auction and raffle.

The venue will be decorated to impress! So if you are looking for a safe and fun place to spend this Halloween, come join us for a yowling good time!

Animal Adoptions in Las Vegas Sept 09

2009-10-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Animals Adopted in Las Vegas September 2009

Dogs 509
Cats 180
Other Pets 66

Total animal adoptions 755

Teri and Teddy, to cute to be real.. well almost

2009-10-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Jake and Rocky think a day by the pool is better than any day at the kennel

2009-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Dexter the Boston, hanging out in Vegas

2009-10-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Riley thinks his dads putting green is good for other things than putting

2009-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sasha is dressing up as a white cat for Halloween this year

2009-10-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Selena and Rihanna waiting for mom and dad to come home

2009-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Casper showing his dad how smart he is

2009-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Casper showing his dad just how smart he really is...

Upcoming Events

2009-09-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

PetSmart Cat Adoptions (Daily)

PetSmart at N.Durango & I-215 (Kohl's Shopping Mall)
(See PetSmart Hours of operation)

October 1st (Thursday)

Desert Dawgs at Big Dogs Brewery
Adoption Event at Big Dogs Brewery
4543 N. Rancho Dr.

October 10th

Thunder from Down Under
Adoption Event at the main campus dog bungalows

October 24th

Mutts on Main Street
Adoption Event at The District at Green Valley Ranch

October 24th

Centennial Hills Day (10am to 2pm)
Centennial Hills Park (Buffalo and Elkhorn)
* No adoptions information booth only

August Adoptions

2009-09-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Animals Adopted in Las Vegas August 2009

Dogs adopted 593

Cats adopted 208

Other Pets 37

Total adoptions in the past 12 months 10,293

Source: Animal Foundation

Most Common Dog Toxicities

2009-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Chocolate
Insect bait stations
Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison)
Fertilizers
Sugar free gums and candies
Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin or generic form)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic form)
Silica gel packs
Amphetamines such as ADD/ADHD drugs
Household cleaners

Source: Pet Poison Helpline

The Most Common Cat Toxicities

2009-09-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Lilies
Topical flea and tick Medication for dogs
Household cleaners
Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison)
Paints and varnishes
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary prescribed medication (Deramaxx, Rimadyl)
Glow stick/ Glow jewelry
Amphetamines, such as ADD/ ADHD drugs
Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic medication)
Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin or generic medication.

Source: Pet Poison Helpline

Belle and her bros on a Sunday in Vegas

2009-08-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

Belle and her brothers relaxing after breakfast on a Sunday morning in Vegas

Dewey

2009-08-12T09:14:00.001-07:00

Sandy and Duchess

2009-08-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Herd of Vegas Buffalo

2009-08-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

These guys were adopted by a family in Las Vegas and now live on a private estate

Canine Devocalization Ban in Massachusetts

2009-08-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

Boston, Mass. -- A proposed bill that threatens to ban canine devocalization in Massachusetts has veterinarians barking mad.
The bill, prompted by a teenage boy who found a dog that had been debarked, would make it a felony to perform the procedure unless a state-licensed veterinarian files a written certification with the town clerk or (in Boston) the police commissioner, stating that the surgical debarking or silencing "is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease or injury, or correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain."
The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) stance is that "canine devocalization should be performed only by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative after behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive vocalization have failed." The policy was approved in 2002 and reaffirmed in 2008.
While the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) is not in favor of devocalization either, it cannot get behind the proposal.
The MVMA "deplores devocalizing an animal to facilitate the animal's sale or for reasons of convenience, and encourages responsible pet ownership from the start, including selecting a breed and particular dog appropriate for the owner's living situation and foreseeable family circumstances," the association wrote in a statement to the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
But when behavior training fails and all other avenues have been exhausted, "we believe that surgical cordectomy needs to be available as a last resort," the group says.
But those aren't the only reasons the MVMA opposes the bill. It objects for these reasons as well: The bill requires that otherwise confidential information, such as the animal's identification and medical diagnosis and identification and location of the animal's owner, be made public. It provides too narrow an exception for performing devocalization, in that "medically necessary" is not the only legitimate reason for the procedure. And the bill "infringes upon a veterinarian's exercise of her or his professional judgment." If the bill passes, anyone in violation faces a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to five years in prison. Several states, including New Jersey and Ohio, have laws pertaining to devocalization surgery.
Breaking News

Rusty and Smokey

2009-08-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Rusty and his brother Smokey, Rusty is a brave boy when he gets his insulin injections.

Smokey is an old guy at 18 years old

Chamise and Squeaky

2009-08-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Chamise loves to swim in the pool, and Squeaky sits by the door wondering why the dog

is voluntarily getting wet.

Psyco Kitty and Cilla

2009-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Chloe hard at work

2009-07-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

My dog Chloe hard at work guarding the house, ...........ya right!

Cabo and Waffle

2009-07-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Cabo and Waffle were adopted from the animal shelter, they are loving their new home

and are taking swimming lessons, so they can use the family pool

Nubbs and Samantha

2009-07-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

These are my new friends, Nubbs and his sister Samantha

Nubbs got his name after an unfortunate incident as a kitten where he lost the tips of both

ears.

Brittany

2009-07-28T04:23:00.000-07:00

This is my girl Brittany, she's 16 years old, she is such a sweetie, she wasn't to happy with
Parker and Sophie coming to live with us, but she has taken on the role of mother and now
they are all best buddies.

Sheena Warrior Princess

2009-07-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

Sheena is a sweetie, but boy can she talk, from the moment I walk in the door, to the time I
leave, talk, talk, talk, and I have no clue what she's saying.
I don't think it really matters, she just wants to emote

Carmen

2009-07-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Carmen, she has been a little down lately, she just lost her big
sister Casey.
Her family has been giving her lots of tlc, and I've spent some extra time with
her to cheer her up. She loves to go for early morning walks to the park.

Buster and Daisey Mae

2009-07-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Buster and Daisy Mae, waiting patiently for their mom to return home from Hawaii, she promised to bring them home some really cool doggie gifts.

Echo

2009-07-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

This cutie is Echo, he's Maggie's brother, he is full of mischief, his favorite activity is taking all
his moms shoes out of the closet and hiding them.