Dog Poop Service

Eagles Sign Vick

It’s official, the Eagles have signed Vick to a two-year contract. I think Kate Woodviolet from the LA Pet Rescue Examiner sums it up best.

Philadelphia Eagles President Joe Banner announced Thursday night that the team has signed disgraced former Atlanta Falcon and admitted dog killer Michael Vick to a two-year contract.

It is unclear how Vick can be eligible to sign a two-year deal if his reinstatement is only conditional at this time. It also calls into question whether Goodell and the NFL, instead of determining Vick’s future based on his conduct during the initial six-week period, were simply waiting to see if any NFL team wanted Vick before committing the league to a full reinstatement.

The Eagles announced the move on the website via the column “On the Inside” written by Dave Spadaro, under the breathless headline “Yes, It’s True! Vick Is An Eagle.” The brief article contains few details on the deal, although Spadaro gushes that the news “certainly is exciting, thrilling, shocking.” Spadaro does not once mention Vick’s conviction, nor the specific crimes to which he pled guilty. Such omissions go far toward explaining why so many people across the nation are still unaware of the extent of Vick’s admitted brutality towards his own dogs, as well as to family pet dogs he and his friends placed in the ring with fighting dogs because, according to a 2008 USDA report, they “thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to [Vick's] Bad Newz Kennels injure or kill the other dogs.”

Also helping to promote widespread misconceptions that Vick only “fought a few dogs” is the fact that throughout his legal odyssey Vick himself has only publicly acknowledged committing “immature acts” and, more recently, “terrible mistakes.” Even today, comments left on the Eagles website by fans who support the Vick signing insist, incorrectly, that Vick only fought dogs, rather reflecting an understanding of the fact that in addition to putting pet dogs in the ring with trained fighters, Vick also both participated in killing and conspired to kill at least thirteen of his own dogs by various means including shooting, hanging, drowning, electrocution and, in one case, viciously slamming the dog’s body to the ground; acts that NFL Commissioner Goodell once characterized as “not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible.” Apparently Goodell’s opinion of killing dogs by various torturous means has changed.

Pictured above is Leo, a former Vick dog, now fully rehabilitated and a certified therapy dog.

* Pic courtesy msnbc.com

Is Your Dog Scared Of Thunder?

It’s summer and thunderstorms are a common occurrence, some dogs aren’t bothered and yet others are terrified. So, when I came across an article with some tips to help ease a dog’s anxiety I thought it would make a great post.

Here’s the scoop from Today at msnbc.com.

Dog owners who spend many a stormy night struggling to get some sleep while a panting, drooling, trembling pet climbs around on top of them know that the fear of thunder can be a tricky problem to solve.

Dogs with the condition often look to their owners for comfort, yet are in such a state of panic, they are inconsolable. And it can be hard to know how to soothe an upset dog without unwittingly reinforcing its anxiety.

Potential remedies include medication, desensitizing the dog to thunder and training it to retreat to a safe place when a storm hits.

But there seems to be no single cause for the fear of thunder, and there also isn’t any one guaranteed treatment, veterinarians who specialize in canine behavior say. Something that helps one dog might not help another; a method that works during one storm may not in another.

 Dodman suggests finding a safe place for the dog and training it to go there during storms, “almost like a bunker in a nuclear war.” It could be a spot in the basement with the curtains drawn and lights on to mask lightning, a kennel with an open door and a comfortable dog bed in it, or a makeshift den in a closet with no windows.
The owner should initially stay with the dog and offer treats and training to reinforce the idea that it’s a pleasant, safe place, Dodman said.

Swaddling a dog can also help, calming it like a baby wrapped in a blanket. It can be as simple as wrapping the dog in a light blanket or towel. For a snugger fit, an animal leotard called a sheep suit – typically used on show animals to keep the coat tidy before competition – is an inexpensive option. Shull and Fox recommended an item called an Anxiety Wrap that comes in standard and custom-made versions.

Other things to try include anti-anxiety medications, either alone or in combination. It’s becoming increasingly common for veterinarians to prescribe the generic version of drugs such as Xanax or Prozac for anxious dogs.

The natural herb valerian – the herbal form of Valium – can also be effective, Fox said.

“The trouble is that it takes a good 20 minutes before it has effect, so you’re going to be doping your animal before the big storm comes,” Fox added.

To learn more about thunderphobia and read other ways to help calm your dog go to TODAY Pets & Animals.

* Kylie looking spiffy in her rain gear.

Lost Dog Saves A Life

Ever wonder if karma plays a role in life?  You know, do something bad and something bad will happen to you.

Take, for instance, yesterday. I knew I needed to clean out the turd-laden kitty litter box but put it off. Later, when it was time to feed the kids (Bo, Copper and Logan), I came upon a nice wet poo of the feline variety. Moose sat in the corner with a look that said, “Take that!”

When I went to throw the kitty litter box into the garbage bag, I misjudged it and dumped the whole shebang on the floor.  Hey, I had it coming.

So I was happy to see that it goes the other way too.

What follows is a touching tale of a lost dog, a found family and karmic payback.

PORT TAMPA, Fla. — Yolanda Segovia heard a knock on her door one morning, just before 8 a.m.

Her neighbor was on the porch, with a dog and a story.

Stacey Savige had found the little dog in front of an elementary school. He wasn’t very big, looked like some sort of terrier. Burrs clung to his belly. His honey fur was caked in mud.

He didn’t have a collar. Stacey had taken him to the vet and he didn’t have a chip, either.

Now Stacey had to go to work. Could Yolanda keep him?

“You can leave the dog here,” Yolanda told Stacey. “But just for today.”

They took photos of the dog and made a FOUND flier. Stacey ran off 4,000 color copies. She and Yolanda stuffed mailboxes, put ads on Craigslist.

Yolanda took her boys to the dollar store and bought a collar, leash, ball and brown bed. Her 10-year-old, Azaiah, decided to call the dog RaeLee, pronounced “Riley.” He said he had heard it on TV. All afternoon, he walked the dog, threw the ball, laughed while the dog licked his face.

“Don’t fall in love with him,” Yolanda kept warning.

Her elder son, Christian, 21, watched through the window. Christian has Down syndrome and an array of other ailments. He has had heart surgery, a kidney transplant. He can’t speak or bathe himself.

That night, when the boys climbed into their bunk beds, the dog dragged his new bed from Yolanda’s living room, down the long hall, into their room.

Four days later, they still had the dog. He was starting to answer to his new name.

He loved roughhousing with Azaiah, knew to be gentle with Christian. He almost never barked.

On Saturday, Azaiah went to his dad’s house. Christian retreated to his room to watch a Barney video. The dog dozed beside him.

Yolanda had just stepped onto her porch to water the plants when the dog flung himself into the screen door, barking madly.

As she opened the door, the dog sprinted across the living room, into the boys’ room.

Yolanda screamed. Christian was slumped over, his body writhing in a seizure, blood streaming from his nose and mouth.

The dog ran to the boy, still yelping. But as soon as Yolanda bent to cradle her son, the dog went silent.

“If he hadn’t come to get me,” Yolanda told Stacey later, “the neurologist said Christian would have choked on his own blood and died.”

Since no one had claimed the dog, Yolanda decided to keep him.

You’ll have to read the rest at this link to find out how this story ends. Let’s just say I could roast marshmallows on my heart right about now.

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

Hundreds Of Dogs Seized From Texas Puppy Mill

In Kaufman County Texas almost 600 dogs, along with some cats, were seized when the Humane Society and sheriff’s deputies raided a puppy mill.

The society said it started investigating the kennel, which is located near Prairieville just north of Mabank, when someone came to them asking for dog food donations. Representatives visited and found poor living conditions and malnourished dogs.

“If loving the animal is a criminal, then maybe I’m a criminal,” she said. “Because I work 6 o’clock in the morning until 11:30 at night taking care of these animals.

Representatives said most of the dogs were living in their own waste and many were under fed. Three dogs died after being rescued and several others have skin or foot conditions.

Watch FOX 4 reporter Fil Alvarado’s story.

If you can’t see the video click here.

Deputies said kennel owner, 72-year-old Margaret Boyd, faces animal cruelty charges.

Boyd told FOX 4 she is fighting to get the animals back. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday and both she and the Humane Society plan to ask for custody of the animals.

* Pic MyFOXDFW

Photo Contest Winner for 8/16/2009

Well, Dogsters, you’ve been busy coming up with great captions for the last contest during my week off. This week’s winner is Sampson, who gets props for managing to include a Jerry Lee Lewis reference in a photo of a Chihuahua. Sampson, those Zealies will be on their way soon.

The next contest is on its way tomorrow.

flower winner

Photograph© 2009 MarkRogersPhotography.com all rights reserved.

Anyone Need A Buddy?

If you’ve been looking for a Buddy I have the perfect match for you. He’s located in Dacula, Georgia.

Hello, My Name is Shannon and I am reaching out to you in hopes that you can help me find a foster/adoptive home for Buddy our 3 yr old lab.

Though he is an all black lab mix, he looks like a full-lab. He was given to us by a friend when he was a puppy. He is the most awesome dog, ever. He is loving, obedient, and so eager to please. He loves to play, especially with tennis balls. He loves kids ( my children are 7 and 9). He is not aggressive. He is house trained. I am not current on his shots and he has not been neutered. He has been kennel trained since a pup, and still sleeps in his kennel at night. He is scared of thunder. I am working on getting photos.

We had to foreclose on our home and are moving in 6 days. Where we are moving to, will not allow pets. I will have to take him to a shelter if I can’t find a home for him. I have posted ads on Craigslist as well as sought friends and family. I have had no success. I would be able to contribute $25 a month for one year, if this will help to get Buddy adopted, and saved from being put to sleep. We are devastated that we cannot take him with us. This is a loss on top of a loss and it pains me to see my children so hurt. I pray that you will be able to help rescue Buddy.

My contact information:
Shannon @
678-985-3899
678-698-6188
or via email.

Start Your Engines…Win NASCAR Tickets!

On July 23rd I posted the first of four contests to win NASCAR tickets. Congrats to our 2nd and 3rd winners, Melissa and Ryan.

Now, on to the final race. This time the tickets up for grabs are for the Sharpie 500 on Saturday, August 22nd at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

Here’s a recap of the contest…

Over the next four weeks we are having an amazing contest thanks to the folks from Pedigree.

They’re currently running “The Luckiest Dog” of NASCAR and I was lucky enough to team up with Pedigree to come up with a very special contest just for Dogsters.

We are going to be giving away four prize packs, each valued at $500, over the next four weeks. Each week I will be asking a NASCAR related trivia question, just answer the question correctly and you will be entered to win.

Prize Pack:
• Flip Cam handheld digital video camera (to capture their NASCAR experience)

• Race Day Ticket (2)

• Dogs Rule T shirt (2)

Tickets will be pre-purchased and mailed to the appropriate winner as determined by the ‘For The Love Of Dog’ blog. Each winner will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the race track. Please only enter if you are going to be able to attend the race.

The final contest for tickets to the August 22nd race at the Bristol Motor Speedway in CT. starts now, the question is….

Q: Kurt Busch, the older brother of Kyle Busch, driver of the Pedigree #18 Toyota Camry, is also the proud parent of two dogs; what are their names?

If you know the answer leave it in the comment section. I will randomly choose the winner from the correct entries at 8 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, August 20th. Check your email and your spam box because if I don’t hear back within 6 hours I must choose another name, time is of the essence because the prize must be sent out that day.

Again, only enter if you are able to attend the race on August 22nd. I must be able to get a hold of the winner quickly to get the prizes out in time.

*Pic courtesy Getty Images

Bi Bi’s Big Adventure

I want to thank Vicki for barking this harrowing story to me.

It was a close call for Bi Bi, a Maltese-shitzu mix, who was blown off a pier in Australia.

Owner Sue Drummond looked on helplessly as Bi Bi was tossed into the surging waves.

“I thought he was going to sink and then maybe I wouldn’t be able to find him,” she said.

“But I didn’t really want to hop in the water either because I wasn’t quite sure if I could make it to shore with a struggling dog.”

Luckily for Bi Bi, Raden Soemawinata stripped down to shirt, jocks and socks, and dived in after the dog, the Herald Sun reports.

Mr Soemawinata, 20, was on the pier for a family ceremony to scatter his grandmother’s ashes into the bay.

“It was pretty cold and windy, but it wasn’t such a hard decision to jump in, it wasn’t such a great feat,” the humble hero said after the rescue.

“I’m a part-time model, so getting into my jocks isn’t so different to what I do for work.”

Bi Bi is one lucky pup, things may have ended tragically if Soemawinata wasn’t around. He definitely deserves a good Samaritan award.

* Pic on news.com.au courtesy Sue Drummond/Chris Scott

Sunbear Squad Tip Of The Week

I want to thank our friends at Sunbear Squad for a great story to go along with this week’s tip.

Watch Tip Week of AUGUST 16:

Watch for dogs and cats that are near or on railroad tracks, which like roads are very dangerous to animals. They might not pay attention to oncoming trains and may be killed. Chase them or lure them away.

Passerby Saves Dog Frozen to Train Tracks

A construction worker driving to a Wisconsin restaurant on a sub-zero day noticed a dog sitting on train tracks, and noticed the dog hadn’t moved when he passed again an hour and a half later, so he pulled over.

Jeremy Majorowicz figured something was wrong. And he was right. As he approached, he noticed that the dog was shivering hard. He approached and offered a bite of muffin to the dog, which was refused. He tried to call the dog to him, but the dog didn’t attempt to move. So Majorowicz phoned law enforcement, and animal control was summoned as well. In the frigid afternoon air, a team of men puzzled over the dog.

Police officer Tim Strand guessed that the dog may be frozen to the train tracks, and he lifted up the tail. The dog was frozen fast. Strand freed the dog by yanking him by the tail, leaving a lot of hair in the ice. The dog yelped, but he was free. Ten minutes later, a train came through. The dog was taken to Chippewa County Humane Association, and was immediately treated for hypothermia and named “Ice Train.” He was later adopted. “I have two dogs myself, so I didn’t want to leave the dog if there was something wrong,” Majorowicz said.

Are you as alert as that construction worker? Would you have stopped on a frigid day like he did? He saved that dog’s life. How did the dog get there? Presumably the dog was wet when he sat down on the metal track. We’ll never know the beginning of the story, but it is the end that is most important.

On Aug. 14, 2002 Sunbear died, the dog who was the inspiration behind Sunbear Squad. Veterinarians and clinic staff had tried valiantly to save him from the effects of long dehydration and starvation. He was discovered on Aug. 11, after being trapped in the dark, lonely townhouse laundry room for about 6 weeks.

Please light a candle in memory of Sunbear this week, and say a prayer for all suffering animals alive today, that they will be helped before it is too late.

Learn how to become a good Samaritan to animals, read more inspirational stories, and order a neighborhood watch kit on the  Sunbear Squad site.

5 Tips To Improve Your Pet Photography

Other than baby photos, pictures of pets are among the most popular in any household. Unfortunately, they also tend to suffer the most from poor quality or, as we term it in the trade, snapshot-itis. You may have this problem if friends start walking away fast when you mention the latest photos of your cat or if your dog’s loving brown eyes end up glowing green like some malevolent demon in every shot you take.

Well, here are 5 surefire tips to help avoid snapshot-itis

1) Change angles

Most pet photos are taken from the perspective of a human being looking down while the pet looks up. Bor-rinnnnnng! Try something different and get down at their level or, if they’re moving, pan with them as you take the shot.

2) Stick with natural light. Turn off or cover the on-camera flash

On-camera flashes are evil. They flatten everything out, cast harsh shadows and are the source of the infamous glowing green pet eyes. If you have to use a flash go with an off-camera one and bounce the light off a ceiling or wall.

3) Stay out of direct sun and shoot in the morning or late afternoon

Contrary to popular belief, bright sunlight is not a photographers friend. It wreaks havoc with your exposure and you typically end up with lots of nasty shadows in places you don’t want them.  I avoid photographing subjects outside in direct light except first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon before sunset when the light is angled low.

4) Don’t wait for the perfect moment and don’t be afraid to take lots of shots but…

Most of us are shooting digital these days so you can essentially take as many pictures as you want. With pets, unpredictability is the rule of law. You never know how a shoot is going to go. All you can do is be there and hope you catch the moment. This requires taking a lot of shots in quick sequence and culling through them later for the best one.

5) …make sure you edit yourself

Some of the most important work happens after you shoot. It sounds cliche but less is more. It’s easy to become enamored of the 100 pictures you took of Spot playing with his new ball but chances are your friends won’t feel the same way. Limit what you show people to only the very best.

Mark Rogers is a San Francisco-based professional pet photographer. His most recent work can be seen on his Smile Like a Dog blog and you can also follow him on twitter.