12/31/09
12/30/09
Rescue dog
Rescued pet dog learns to care without training
A rescued dog has been documented helping her suffering owner with day-to-day living.
German shepherd Dakota has been talked about on the MSNBC's Today blog and correspondent Jill Rappaport commented that it was the nature of the relationship and Dakota's own back-story that made the partnership so touching.
Owner Fran suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, while the pooch still has respiratory problems that date back to when she was saved from a crate where she spent 18 hours a day confined.
Ms Rappaport said most touching of all was the gratitude they seemed to express for each other.
"This relationship is the epitome of that commitment and reinforces that animals are not only our best friends but can be true soul mates for life," she wrote.
In the video documentary of the pair, Fran recounted the story of how when she was lying unresponsive in her wheelchair, Dakota activated the security alarm to call the ambulance and saved her life.
She explained she had taught the dog the basics but the pooch used its natural intelligence to go above and beyond in times of need.
A rescued dog has been documented helping her suffering owner with day-to-day living.
German shepherd Dakota has been talked about on the MSNBC's Today blog and correspondent Jill Rappaport commented that it was the nature of the relationship and Dakota's own back-story that made the partnership so touching.
Owner Fran suffers from multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair, while the pooch still has respiratory problems that date back to when she was saved from a crate where she spent 18 hours a day confined.
Ms Rappaport said most touching of all was the gratitude they seemed to express for each other.
"This relationship is the epitome of that commitment and reinforces that animals are not only our best friends but can be true soul mates for life," she wrote.
In the video documentary of the pair, Fran recounted the story of how when she was lying unresponsive in her wheelchair, Dakota activated the security alarm to call the ambulance and saved her life.
She explained she had taught the dog the basics but the pooch used its natural intelligence to go above and beyond in times of need.
12/27/09
Puppy Mills
The Canadian Kennel Club definition: The members of the National Companion Animal Coalition(NCAC),consisting of;the Ministry of Agriculture,Canadian Kennel Club,Canadian Veterinary Medical Association,Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council,Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the RCMP have developed the following agreed upon definition of a "puppymill".
...A puppymill has been defined by the NCAC as a high-volume, sub-standard dog breeding operation which sells purebred or mixed breed dogs, to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics common to puppymills are:
- a)Sub-standard health and/or environmental issues;
- b)Sub-standard animal care,treatment,and/or socialization;
- c)Sub-standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders;
- d)Erroneous or falsified certificates of registration,pedigrees,and/or genetic background.
Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single-breed establishments.
The AAS definition:
A puppymill is any place or person or business that:
- 1. Breeds more than one dog at a time;
- 2. Sells pups without screening of the purchaser;
- 3. Sells pups to retail pet stores and puppy resellers;
And/or keeps the dogs and pups:
- 1. Isolated from human interaction: i.e. exclusively in kennels, sheds, garages, trailers, pens, basements and closets;
- 2. In conditions generally accepted by the public to be dirty and unhealthy: in cages and buildings that lack light; outside in rain and cold; in mud; feces and urine;
- 3. In a condition generally accepted by veterinarians as unhealthy; skin, ear, eye, penis and vaginal/utereal infections; rotten and broken teeth; overgrown nails; parasitic infestations; and other disease and unhealthy conditions.
puppymills generally breed pure-breds or popular mixes and charge several hundred dollars to a thousand dollars per pup. Many puppymills are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club.
Stop Backyard Breeders
Backyard Breeders are a large part of the problem of abandoned and abused animals. Prevention is critical to end this kind of animal suffering..
http://www.animaladvocates.com/dog-breeding/definitions.php
A backyard breeder is a person who:
1. Breeds only one dog at a time;
2. May breed their dog just once, but for the purpose of making little money;
3. May repeat breed the same dog;
4. May dispose of one dog and obtain another (more lucrative) to breed;
5. Often keeps the dog and pups in a yard, garage, shed, basement, closet, or pen;
6. May sell puppies as young as four weeks, with no vaccinations, and for as little as $50, although some backyard breeders sell pups of more desirable breeds for several hundred dollars each.
7. Often breeds the pups that end up being KILLED in pounds when they are abandoned as unwanted adults: cross breeds of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Huskies, Pit Bulls, and other large breed dogs.
Bob Barker had it right when he ended his show with the message for his audience to spay and neuter thier pets. Yet as big an audience as he reached, and as often he repeated his message for 25 years, people do not get the message. Responsible people need to spread the word and prevent animal cruelty.
http://www.animaladvocates.com/dog-breeding/definitions.php
A backyard breeder is a person who:
1. Breeds only one dog at a time;
2. May breed their dog just once, but for the purpose of making little money;
3. May repeat breed the same dog;
4. May dispose of one dog and obtain another (more lucrative) to breed;
5. Often keeps the dog and pups in a yard, garage, shed, basement, closet, or pen;
6. May sell puppies as young as four weeks, with no vaccinations, and for as little as $50, although some backyard breeders sell pups of more desirable breeds for several hundred dollars each.
7. Often breeds the pups that end up being KILLED in pounds when they are abandoned as unwanted adults: cross breeds of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Huskies, Pit Bulls, and other large breed dogs.
12/24/09
12/23/09
12/22/09
12/19/09
Training
http://www.cesarsway.com/
Cesar has learned what makes dogs tick and passes his knowledge onto dog owners everywhere. His formula for a contented and balanced dog is: exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. He is very specific about the order in which you give affection, making the dog earn affection by behaving as it is told.
Bella's mother is an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and her paternity is unknown. Given the reputation of the breed APBT as a difficult dog, prevention is seen as the most sensible approach to dealing with any behavior problems. Do not let bad habits take hold.
Our home library includes several breed specific books, such as:
"An owner's Guide to American Pit Bull Terriers" (2003)by Todd Fenstermacher.
and a 1995 book about the APBT by Joe Stahlkuppe
These is are up-to-date books which will provide many pointers for Bella's early training. When you are the owner of such a powerful dog for its size, you must protect the dog and others around it by maintaining as much control as possible. The need to take responsibility for your dog's early training is apparent and remember that you and your dog will be ambassadors for the breed if you fulfill your responsibility admirably.
Dianne Jessup has a very complete Pit Bull Site: http://www.workingpitbull.com/index.htm
There are no bad dogs, only bad owners.
12/17/09
Now that we have been promised Bella, it is safe to tell you her rescuers' site:
CONTACT:
This is the "Yin and Yang of Pit Bulls" photo from the Respect-a-bull site family photos. These dog's know how to get comfortable.
Crating is recommended over allowing your new puppy to sleep on your bed.
There is disagreement around this topic
We have been approved as worthy guardians to this wonderful little creature.
Not without a caveat: Do not forget your role as pack leaders. This dog will feel secure knowing who is boss. Otherwise, she will compete to be the leader.
Well-adjusted dogs begin by knowing their place in the pack.
Well-adjusted dogs begin by knowing their place in the pack.
12/16/09
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