Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lake's toxic algae might be killing pets in Ohio, other states affected by blue green algae too

At least 3 dogs dead, 9 humans ill

Thursday, July 29, 2010 09:44 PM
www.dispatch.com The Columbus Dispatch
By Caitlin McGlade and Spencer Hunt

State and local health officials are investigating reports that at least nine people have become ill and at least three dogs have died after coming in contact with the toxic blue-green algae choking Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio.

Dan Jenkins, 43, was hospitalized last Thursday through Sunday and is still recovering at his Celina home, family members said today. Laura Jenkins said her husband started complaining of fatigue and numbness after he found the family Labrador retriever, Casey, swimming in the lake on July 15.

Mr. Jenkins washed a "thick, green sludge" off the dog's fur.

Casey died Sunday and was buried before a necropsy could be performed to determine a specific cause of death. Officials are awaiting toxicology results for another dog, a 16-year-old rat terrier named Kenzie.

The dog washed up on a Grand Lake St. Marys beach early yesterday evening.

Brian Bowling said Kenzie went missing Monday and that his girlfriend discovered the dog.

"It was just terrible," Bowling said.

The news of the illnesses came as state officials are preparing to announce short-term and long-term plans to clean up Grand Lake St. Marys. Gov. Ted Strickland and directors of the state health, natural resources, agriculture and environmental agencies will make the announcement Friday morning at the Wright State University campus in Celina.

Similar algae problems are popping up in public and private lakes across the state, including Burr Oak, Indian and Buckeye lakes.

The 13,000-acre Grand Lake St. Marys has long been considered one of Ohio's most polluted bodies of water, largely because of manure and fertilizer runoff from nearby farms. Cyanobacteria, more commonly called blue-green algae, feed off phosphorus in the manure and fertilizers.

Algae has grown so thick this summer that state officials have warned people not to touch the water, boat on the lake or eat any fish caught there. Another round of tests released today again found microcystin, a liver toxin, and a neurotoxin called anatoxin-a.

Pet deaths have been linked to blue-green algae in other states, including Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Vermont and Missouri, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. This includes 10 dogs and five cats that died from 1976 through 2007 from algae blooms in different lakes in Washington state.

There is no test that detects microcystin or other algae-related toxins in people, said Jen House, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health. House said that forces investigators to rule out other causes.

Jenkins, for example, has reported lingering memory loss and numbness.

House said Jenkins' case is the most severe of the illnesses involving four men and five women. The first was reported July 9. No information was available about the other eight or their symptoms.

House said microcystin can cause skin rashes in people who touch contaminated water, as well as stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea in people who swallow it. Neurotoxins can cause fatigue, dizziness, numbness and breathing difficulties.

Dr. Craig Miesse, a veterinarian at the Celina Animal Hospital, said the first dog he treated was Kasie, a 9-year-old golden retriever that died in his office on July 22. He said the dog had seizures and blood clots.

Miesse said he didn't consider the lake as a factor until Jenkins' dog, Casey, died.

He has collected tissue samples from Kenzie, the terrier that washed up on the lake's shore. He said the dog had been in the lake for at least a day and the condition of its body might cloud the test results.

Miesse said he also has fielded a call from the owner of a 2-year-old cairn terrier. The owner said the dog has been vomiting since it drank some lake water a couple days ago.

"It's going to be something we have to deal with for a while," Miesse said.

Paddington arrives at CP

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Paddington is a 7 year old cairn boy who has had his world all turned around and upside down. Sometimes there are family changes that affect everyone's life including that of the family pet. Due to these changes, Paddington needed the help of Col. Potter to find him a new home and family to call his very own.

Paddington knows many commands: sit, sit pretty, lay down, paw, high five, crate and come - if he really has to! He loves to play with tennis balls but don't count on him bringing it back to you. He wants to make sure you get exercise!

Please give a warm welcome to Paddington. May his Col. Potter experience put a smile on his face soon.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Trinket's video - so, you think you want a puppy?

Contributed by Trinket's foster mom



speed racer 7 29 10.MOV

Well, I actually ASKED for a puppy to foster...shoot me now and get it over with..you would think i would have learned with little buckeye (who i saw a week ago & is growing by leaps & bounds and still that gorgeous deep pure red-he really remembered me too) anyway, you need lots and lots of energy so you can help those little guys burn it off....i wanted a baby girl to see if it would bring my cammie/glamour a little further out of her shell and get her to play and run around so she can lose some of her "bodaciously BIG girl' look-she cant bite her back foot or tail her gut is so wide...(again its not the food-she sleeps pretty much 24/7)... its working..she doesn't especially like getting bulldozed from the side but she is moving around a little faster..and even my gimpy old man thinks Trinket is pretty much a good buddy to chase (except when she gets too close to humperdude-nobody gets the dude but him)

Everything either goes into her mouth-pinecones,flowers,bees, poop, my nose, envelopes, etc or it gets furiously barked at to get scared away...this dog has the BIGGEST bark i have ever heard in a cairn, bar none...geez...esp when you are fast asleep in a fully back recliner with your head back and your mouth open-you tend to fly forward in a huge bolt upright at her 'stranger stay away' bark.. holy cow-i think she made my ears bleed it was so loud...anyway here are her first pics from yest and this am...the videos make you tired just watching.

Trinket is being fostered in Michigan. She will be available for adoption soon so please continue to visit our website to check on our available cairns.

Friday Funnies

Raising Duncan
Originally published 7/15/2002




by Chris Browne

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Welcome Calla!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



This lovely little lady recently became a CP girl. She's just as beautiful as the Calla Lily she’s named after.

Calla is 10 years old and found herself in need of a new home when her owner could no longer care for her. Don’t worry, little girl, Col Potter will find a wonderful new home for you!

Big thanks to Marge T for going to extraordinary means to get this sweet girl for us.

Welcome Kajmir!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Kajmir is just a little thing. She is very thin and needs to put on a few pounds, but that shouldn't be a problem since she loves food. She is 20 months old and needs training. She can leap 3 ft. in the air! There is no keeping her behind a baby gate or in an expen, unless you have a top for it. She is getting to know what behavior isn't acceptable. Kajmir is learning what the ACK sound means and is responding very well.

A CP volunteer jumped into action to go pick this girl up as soon as I called her and she is keeping her for a few days. The volunteer says, "I know it is the honeymoon but she is just absolutely delightful!" Kajmir's adventure will be continuing as she is going to be staying with another volunteer starting for a few days until her journey starts to her foster home.

Thanks to Gail and Sheila for B&Bing her, to PK for being her foster mom, and to all the other great volunteers that are helping with Kajmir. CP can not help the cairns we do without our great volunteers.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Twist joins the CP family!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Today a cute, active 4 year old red head became a new Col. Potter kid!

Twist is taking all the changes to his life in stride and looking forward to the big adventure headed his way. He's a ball playing fanatic and will work out your arm muscles if you have an hour or two to spare.

Please say hello to Twist!!

Wacky Wednesday!


Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

A big shout out to Yogi (and his mom who sent us this picture) for being the Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Give a warm welcome to Griff!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Last Wednesday, Intakes was contacted by a Westie rescue friend who had been contacted directly by a shelter rescue coordinator about a cairn boy who is heartworm positive. Being heartworm positive is a death sentence in shelters if a rescue can’t be found. And many smaller rescue groups don’t have the resources to take in and treat these dogs. Thankfully, we got approval to bring him into the family!

Mary S. (Griff’s rescue angel) not only volunteered to pick him up from the shelter and deliver him to our vet, but she also offered to foster him and get him through his heartworm treatment.

Griff is estimated to be 3-4 years old, and Mary’s initial report is that he is very cute, active and friendly.

Please give Griff a big “Welcome to the CP Family” and a huge “thank you” to Mary for jumping through hoops to make this happen. And last but not least a big thank you to the entire CP organization for the support and donations that make it possible to save little cairns like Griff.

Pappy has arrived!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes




Most of the commercial breeding males that make their way to freedom have literally been "Pappy" to hundreds of puppies. Last week approximately 100 breeder dogs of different breeds were released by owners. This is how we got our little Cypress. At the last second, an almost 6 year old male was added to the list and we scrambled to make arrangements to get him picked up to make sure he wasn't left behind.

I'm quite certain this little guy has been "Pappy" to many a puppy! I've also said that there are different levels of commercial breeders, rating them on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. While I don't know wher this little one came from personally, it must be one on the higher end of the scale. He came in relatively clean and with a GREAT personality!! My thanks to Gina for making the trip to get him and the pictures.

So, why is this one for the men of CP? This commercial breeding facility daddy is being named in honor of all the dear husbands, Dads and Pops that gave up their Father's Day weekend to attend our CRAP.

Please help me say a hearty welcome to CP's Pappy!!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Please welcome Cypress!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes



A large group of furkids from many different commercial breeding facilities made their way to freedom this week including an adorable little, 8 month old black brindle female Cairn that is now a member of the CP family. My thanks to Stacey for making the drive yesterday to pick her up and get her settled in at the vet.

Her name comes from the Name a Mill Cairn Program and a special group of people in Canada who wrote:

In January of this year we decided to put spare coins aside to participate in the Name a Mill Cairn Program, it is amazing how quickly these coins add up. We also decided that since we all live on Vancouver Island, we would all choose a name that was a place on the Island, and each time we saved $100 a name would be drawn to name our Mill Cairn.

So we of the Vancouver Island Group would like to welcome our first Cairn: "Cypress" to the Col. Potter Family.

With our love, the "Vancouver Island Group"

Iris & Brian A, with Furkids Ceilidh & Betsy BJ Arberry
Geraldina S. and Furkid Maggie Mae
Allison S. and Furkid Rajaa
Iona and Jim T. with Furkids Danny & Piper
Mike L.


This is just so special and such a testament to what spare change can do. Thank you Vancouver Island Group!

Let's all give a big CP welcome to Cypress!

Please welcome Freeway to CP

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Freeway is his name and he is estimated to be 3 to 4 years old. This boy is cute! He was a stray that came into the shelter and he was labeled unadoptable. His time was up if a rescue did not step up to take him. So, in enters the wonderful volunteers of CP they jump into action and go get this little guy.

I called Ruby C. who did not hesitate to be willing to do whatever was needed to get him and even offered to foster him. It's great volunteers in CP that make the difference of living or dying for some of these cairns. We could not save the ones we do without all of you!

Freeway is now having his spa stay and will soon be with his foster mommy Ruby. I'm sure he will be finding his forever family very soon and a wonderful new beginning instead of an ending!!

Welcome to Freeway!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Portree docks at CP

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Again we find a little one who needs a port of sanctuary. This wheaten boy found himself with an owner who has become too sick to care for him. Portree is Scottish for King's Harbour.

Within CP this boy will find his safe harbour and be treated like a king (including lots of exercise and a diet). Please welcome Portree!

Sunday Sweets

Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. This week we are featuring senior sweeties. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)


Zander, 9 years old

Scarlett

Ally, 14 years old & Oscar, 10 years old

Macallan -link to Foster Spotlight

Bea, 10 years old

Charlotte, 14 years old

Sophie, 14 years old

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Check out cutie Trinket

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



MAJOR CUTIE ALERT!

A few hours ago this more than adorable, 7 month old cutie became a Col. Potter kid. She is a very happy, adorable, cute, wiggly little cairn girl. She has a coat of many colors but a beautiful platinum face. Please welcome the newest charmer - TRINKET!!!

PET INSURANCE: How to pick the Best Insurance to Protect Your Pets

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 30 /PRNewswire/

Guinness (fka Foster BG) and Neha

Summer is here, and that means longer days, better weather and the chance to be outdoors. But it's not just you and your family who are spending more time in the sun. It's likely the family pets want to spend more time outdoors after being cooped up all winter. But being outside more often can also expose your four-legged loved ones to illness or injury.

In a recent Associated Press/Petside.com survey, more than 40% of pet owners surveyed said they are worried they wouldn't be able to afford health care for a sick dog or cat. You may be considering pet insurance to help with veterinary expenses. Before you make your choice, here is some information from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to help you get smart about your pet insurance choices.

Your Choices

Just like health insurance for you or a family member, there are several types of pet insurance policies. A pet health insurance policy reimburses the pet owner for covered veterinary care. As with your health insurance policy, these policies typically itemize covered treatments, deductibles (the amount you're responsible to pay) and lifetime or per illness maximums. The cost of a pet health insurance policy will vary based on the amount of coverage, the type of coverage, the species and age of the pet, and even what breed of animal.

A pet life insurance policy covers end of life costs for your animal. This can include burial or cremation expenses and even bereavement counseling for you and your family.

Pet injury coverage is a new type of coverage that may be part of your auto insurance policy. It covers the treatment of a pet injured in a car accident up to a set limit. Generally, this coverage is automatically part of your auto insurance policy. Check with your insurance agent or company to determine if your auto policy includes coverage for a pet traveling in the car with you.

What to Compare When Reviewing Your Options

Covered conditions – Some pet health insurance policies may reimburse covered medical expenses for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, X-rays, prescriptions, hospitalizations, emergencies or cancer treatments. Other pet insurance plans may only cover accident and illness after a waiting period.

Pre-existing Conditions – Hereditary conditions and certain medical conditions are considered pre-existing conditions. Ask about pre-existing conditions and review the policy to see if they are covered. Look to see if the conditions are considered curable (stable or controlled pre-existing conditions) or incurable (terminal pre-existing conditions). For pre-existing conditions considered curable, the company may choose to enforce a waiting period before coverage kicks in. Conditions considered incurable such as diabetes or cancer may be excluded entirely or may be covered on a limited basis. A vet may have to examine your pet to certify its health before it can be insured.

Renewable Benefits – If your pet is treated for a covered condition during the policy term, some companies will then consider that condition a pre-existing condition when the policy renews and will exclude coverage for that condition in the renewal policy.

Exclusions – Treatments not covered by pet insurance can vary by type of pet or breed. Not all pet insurance plans cover preventative care, dental care not associated with an accident or injury, treatment of behavioral problems, breed-specific hereditary conditions or elective procedures. Treatment of congenital conditions (a condition your pet is born with) or hereditary conditions may have a limited benefit.

Reimbursement – What the insurance company will pay per treatment is explained in a benefits schedule. This list outlines how much by percentage of cost or dollar amount the company will pay for treatments. You may also be responsible for co-payments or deductibles. Make sure you understand how the policy makes payments. Some companies will pay the vet for services, but often you'll be responsible for the full amount at the time of treatment and then the company will reimburse you for the covered amount.

Veterinarian Networks – Some pet health insurance policies will require you to use a specific network of vets. Check to make sure there is a vet in your area or that your family vet is in your network if you don't want to change.

What to Consider and Questions to Ask

Begin by considering if you need pet health insurance. Add up the costs of the policy for the expected life of your animal. Take into consideration how much you could afford to pay for emergency treatment or a long illness.

Shop around, comparing the policy benefits, deductibles, limits and exclusions.

If you choose to purchase pet health insurance, take the time to read the terms and conditions including co-pays, deductibles, limits and exclusions, and double-check the amount of coverage shown in your insurance policy.

Questions to ask the insurance agent or company:


Can I choose any vet?
Does the policy cover annual wellness exams?
Is there a dollar limit for vet office fees?
Are prescription drugs covered?
What about spaying or neutering charges?
Does the policy have renewable benefits?
Is there a waiting period before coverage becomes effective?
Does my pet need a health exam to get the policy?
If my pet has a pre-existing condition or chronic condition, how is that covered or excluded?
How long do you take to pay claims?
Does this plan cover advertising costs and rewards if my pet is lost or stolen?
Does this plan have end of life benefits?




More Information

If you have questions about pet insurance available in your state, contact your insurance department.

Don't be a victim of insurance fraud! Before you sign a contract or write a check for coverage, STOP. CALL your state insurance department and CONFIRM that the agent and company you are working with are licensed to do business in your state. You'll find a link to your state department's website at http://map.naic.org.

About the NAIC

Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City. The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more consumer information, visit insureUonline.org.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Saved from the jaws of death--Austin Blu

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Please help me welcome Austin Blu, a little one who was on the top of the shelters euthanasia list for last Monday.

A huge component of the "Rescue Team" part of Col. Potter is a small group of women who work behind the scenes every single day scanning shelter listings for cairns in need. They make contact with shelters by email and phone to check on those cairns they find. They field emails sent into the rescue email box and follow up on all Cairn In Need forms we receive. Daily they see heartbreaking listings, dogs we can not save, dogs that will not live another day. Yet they trudge on, knowing that while we can not save every one, we work very hard to help those we can. Each 'save' is celebrated.

In Austin Blu's case, one of our team called the shelter to follow up on him. She was told that he was slated for euthanasia THAT morning. For some reason, there was a delay and he was still alive. She asked if she could have time to try to rescue him--either through CP or another group. Very often in these cases, we are told there is no more time. She was told they would hold him until 5pm the next day. Immediately she notified the Intakes part of the team, and at the same time started emailing and calling other rescue groups. Our team prides itself on always working Plan A and Plan B at the same time--leaving nothing to chance.

Intakes got the case and approval to pull him. He was assigned an Intakes Coordinator to work his case. A local volunteer was called- our own Kim - who as always said "YES, I can help", and by the next morning - Austin Blu was a free man!!

He is about 1 year old, and full of energy - as most boys would be after spending a month in a kennel at a shelter! He is getting his spa treatment, and will move to his foster home shortly.

Thank you CP (a group with the best volunteers ever!), and Kim, and a STANDING OVATION to our Rescue Team women ~ who do their very emotional job daily without complaint!

Welcome Austin Blu, we are thrilled to have you as part of the family.

Friday's Funnies


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Petron joins CP!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Please help me welcome CPs new boy, Petron. He is a 7 year old handsome black brindle boy. His family was hit with great sadness after two unexpected deaths. The emotional toll was too great and Petron needed to find a new home. CP was contacted, and we were able to help. Petron is now at his foster home, and will be given time to relax and adjust and feel safe. Thanks CP - you did it once again!

Welcome Petron!

The Importance of Proper Dog Behavior


When you feel frustrated with your dog's behavior, remember that someone must teach a dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not. A dog that has not been given any instructions, training orboundaries can't possibly know what you expect of him. By teaching your dog how you want him to behave, you will not only have a saner household, but a healthier and happier dog as well.

Zander

An Educated Dog:
Allows you to handle every part of his body, to check for injury or illness and to give him medication.

Has good manners, so he can spend most of his time indoors with his people, which means more supervision, less boredom and fewer opportunities for mischief. The more time you spend with your dog, the more likely you will be to notice when something is wrong with him, such as a limp, a cough, a sensitive area or loss of appetite. By recognizing such irregularities early, you can seek medical attention immediately and, hopefully, prevent more serious problems.

Wants to stay near you, listening for instructions (and praise). This means he will have less opportunity to get into trouble.

Will walk or run beside you on a leash without pulling, dragging or strangling, so you and your dog can get more exercise and spend more time together.

Knows that "drop it" and "leave it alone" are phrases that mean business, so he will have fewer opportunities to swallow dangerous objects. He also can be taught what things and places are out of bounds, like hot stoves, heaters or anxious cats. However, you will still need to limit his access to dangerous places when you cannot supervise or instruct him.

Will "sit" immediately, simply because you say so. No matter what danger may be imminent, a dog that is suddenly still is suddenly safe. And a dog that will "stay" in that position is even safer.
Understands his boundaries, knows what's expected of him and has few anxieties. Less stress means a healthier dog.

By training your dog, you can help prevent tragedy and develop a better relationship with him. Keep in mind, however, that even an educated dog needs supervision, instruction and boundaries – sometimes even physical boundaries. Allowing your dog, no matter how educated he may be, to walk, run or roam outside of a fenced area or off of a leash, is putting him in danger.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Pet owners left in a bind by Gulf of Mexico oil spill to get help

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10:00 AM
Times-Picayune Staff


Responding to the burdens the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has placed on pet owners and animal shelters in coastal communities, the Louisiana SPCA is offering free veterinary care to dog and cat owners in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Terrebonne and Jefferson parishes.

Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune archive. These puppies awaiting adoption at the St. Bernard Animal Shelter in Violet were photographed on July 6.

The Gulf Coast Companion Relief Program, established by the SPCA with assistance from several organizations, also will help out-of-work fishers feed their pets rather than give them up.

Animal shelters in coastal parishes are packed with pets being dropped off by owners who say they cannot afford to care for them any longer.

"The coastal parish animal shelters have experienced 2-3 times the number of pets being relinquished than last summer," said Ana Zorrilla, chief executive officer of the Louisiana SPCA. "Studies have shown pets reduce stress, aid in overcoming depression and loss, and provide comfort in times of need. Knowing how bonded people are with their pets, it's heartbreaking to hear of families having to make this kind of decision. The pets have become innocent victims of this disaster."

The free pet care includes vaccinations, microchipping, surgery and basic examinations for heartworms, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Services are provided at the Louisiana SPCA by licensed veterinarians. Appointments will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis through November.

To qualify for the program, pet owners must work in the fishing industry. Proof of eligibility can be a commercial fishing license, trip tickets, a check stub from the seafood-related industry, or a signed letter from a fishing boat captain.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has given the Louisiana SPCA a $100,000 grant to provide services. Best Friends Animal Society is assisting in the effort, as are Catholic Charities and Second Harvest Food Bank.

"We are hoping this collaborative effort will help keep pets in homes by providing pet owners with the support they need during this difficult time, including much-needed veterinary care, spay/neuter, and pet food," said Julie Morris, senior vice president of ASPCA's Community Outreach.

The ASPCA has had a long-term commitment to the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina and is looking to do whatever it can to lend its support once again, Morris said.

Shelter officials estimate that the free services could prevent more than 1,000 cats and dogs from being surrendered by their owners.

"We are hoping to keep pets in loving homes where they belong instead of being given up or relinquished to already overburdened animal shelters," Morris said.

Katherine LeBlanc, communications director of the Louisiana SPCA, said some families aren't able to adequately provide for their pets anymore because of financial stress. "Through this program and the grant we received from ASPCA, we are able to provide food and services for these families affected by the oil spill to help alleviate some of their hardships," LeBlanc said.

Pet owners can pick up donated food from St. Bernard Catholic Church and St. Thomas-Assumption Mission in St. Bernard Parish, St. Patrick Church in Plaquemines Parish and St. Anthony Church in Lafitte.

"We were able to respond quickly to the reports of increased pet relinquishment and solicited a very generous donation from Del Monte Foods of 41,000 pounds of Kibbles 'n Bits dog food," said Temma Martin, spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society.

LeBlanc said the SPCA is working to get cat food and kitty litter soon and to provide transportation to residents who aren't able to travel to designated food locations.

For pet care, residents can begin scheduling appointments by calling the Louisiana SPCA at 504.363.1333 or 504.368.5191, ext. 141. To volunteer or donate to the program, visit http://la-spca.org/gulfcoastrelief.
Craig Malveaux wrote this report.

Wacky Wednesday


Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.) This week we're a day late but we hope the wait was worth it.

A big shout out to Rocky for being the Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Study: Aggressive Dogs May Be Depressed

Updated: Monday, 19 Jul 2010, 12:52 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 19 Jul 2010, 12:37 PM EDT


(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS)- Canine aggression is the most common behavioral problem that veterinarians see and now new research is finding that the aggressive behavior may be the result of depression, The Telegraphreported Sunday.

Researchers for the study, reported in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science , found that dogs who exhibited aggressive behavior had low levels of the "feel good" hormone serotonin in their bodies. This is also the case in people that are depressed and anxious.

According to The Telegraph , researchers from Zaragoza University in Spain took blood samples from 80 dogs that had been taken to a veterinarian for behavioral problems. These blood samples were then tested against samples taken from dogs that had normal behavior.

The journal reported that the non-aggressive dogs had 387.4 components of concentrated serotonin compared to only 278.5 for the aggressive dogs, with the lowest levels being in dogs that showed a defensive type of aggression.

Researchers of the study hope that these new findings will help in discovering new ways to treat aggression in dogs.

The spokesman for the British Small Animals Veterinary Association, Mark Johnston, told The Telegraph , "The ability to identify dogs with lower levels of serotonin may help in identifying those dogs who could benefit from the use of pharmacology."

TheDogBowl.com suggests some other ways to deal with a dog's depression before using medication. They say enrolling your pet in doggie day care can help ease separation anxiety as well as giving the dog extra attention by walking him or running him more.

Clomipramine is a medication on the market that has been approved for the use in dogs, according to the websitePetPlace.com . It's a prescription drug that is used along with behavior medication exercises to help dogs suffering from depression.

It is highly recommended to talk to a veterinarian before administering any medication to an animal.

Planning to ship your dog cargo by air? Some sobering statistics to consider.

Short-snouted dogs most likely to die on planes
Bulldogs, pugs, similar breeds made up about half of deaths in past 5 years

Associated Press www.msnbc.com
by SHARON THEIMER
Updated 7/16/2010 2:17:06 PM ET





WASHINGTON — Bulldog and pug owners, beware: Short-snouted breeds accounted for roughly half the purebred dog deaths on airplanes in the past five years, government data released Friday shows. That comes as no surprise to the owner of the University of Georgia's famous mascot, Uga, who gets the dog a special procedure before he flies.

Slideshow: America’s Top 10 dogs
Overall, at least 122 dog deaths were reported since May 2005, when U.S. airlines were required to start disclosing them, the department says. The dogs died while being shipped as cargo.

English bulldogs account for the single highest number of deaths among the 108 purebreds on the list: 25. Pugs were next, with 11 deaths, followed by golden retrievers and labradors, with seven deaths each, French bulldogs with six, and American Staffordshire terriers, four.

Boxers, cockapoos, Pekingese and Pomeranians accounted for two deaths each.

Owners should consult with veterinarians before putting their dogs on planes, the department said. It believes the deaths represent a tiny percentage of the pets shipped on airlines.

Short-nosed breeds — known as "brachycephalic" in the dog world — have a skull formation that affects their airways, said Dan Bandy of Shawnee, Okla., chairman of the Bulldog Club of America's health committee.

"The way all dogs cool themselves is basically through respiration, either just panting or the action of breathing in or out, is a method of heat exchange for them," Bandy said. "A dog that has a long snout or a long muzzle has more surface area within its nasal cavity for that heat exchange to take place. So breeds like labradors or collies or those types of dogs with the long muzzles have a more efficient cooling system."

Brachycephalic breeds tend to be heat-intolerant in general, Bandy said. They pretty much have the same amount of tissue and structures within their skulls as long-nosed dogs, but it's compressed, and that can contribute to encroachment on their airways, he said.

Sonny Seiler of Savannah, Ga., who owns the University of Georgia's mascot, Uga the bulldog, said people who fly English bulldogs are taking a risk. Seiler said that's why he takes precautions before flying his dogs. Before each Uga is a year old and flies for the first time, Seiler has a procedure done at the University of Georgia veterinary school to enlarge the dog's airways.

"They go into the nasal passage and clip muscles and tissue and in essence, what they do is they make a bigger air passage," Seiler said. "It's a quick procedure, and once you have it done it really eliminates a lot of the problems with the breathing."

Uga routinely flies to the football team's away games, often in the team's charter plane or the university's smaller plane, and is in the cabin or an air-conditioned cargo hold, said Seiler, who is now searching for the eighth Uga. The seventh died last football season, and his half-brother Russ, the backup, is the acting Uga during the quest for No. 8.

"It's just business as usual with us," Seiler said of Uga's air travel. "He goes with the team."

Related content Dog trapped in hot car honks horn again — and again
‘Marmaduke’ may spur surge of dog abandonments
Deep sea dog: Russian teaches dachshund to scuba
Ace in the hole: He saved dog trapped in canyon
..The bulldog club's Bandy said that in addition to trying to cool themselves, dogs may also pant excessively in the cargo hold due to stress or excitement.

Bandy said he has flown one puppy and one adult dog before, both in early spring with no issues. He advises against shipping dogs during hot months, and says owners should make sure the cargo hold is climate-controlled. If dogs are easily stressed or not well-socialized, they are probably not good candidates for air travel, Bandy added.

The Transportation Department said mixed breeds accounted for four airline deaths and a dozen dogs who died were of unknown breed.

In all, 144 pet deaths were reported by airlines over the past five years, along with 55 injuries and 33 lost pets.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Nell's Potty Song

Contributed by Nell's mom

Horray! Nell is four weeks with all potties outside! This is huge.
I really thought that this would never happen. She was pretty good when she first came and then she back slid. We kept at it and eventually things improved. I am so proud of us both. She knows now when we go out in the morning and I sing the potty song what she has to do.

I am so happy with her progress. She turns and looks at me and smiles and well I don't have to spell it out for everyone here you all know that feeling and that's what makes sharing this news all the more sweet.


I realize that this is more like a limerick than an actual song.
It goes something like this..


Let's go Potty outside like the big doggies do!
We'll potty on the town and potty all around

We'll potty over there and we'll wear some underwear
And we'll do a little dance and wear some purple pants.

I add rhymes as it comes to me.

Each dog I have had has always had their own made up songs.

Nell doesn't sing. She looks at me like I have lost my mind. Each dog is so
different which is always a wonder. Lucky was a great singer from day one I put him in the car and sang him a song and he threw his head back sang right back to me. He is singing now at the bridge.

Note from CP Blogger: do you have a favorite 'potty song'? or a trick to help housetrain your pups? We'd love to hear about it. Just email us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com

Low Cost Elevated Dog Beds You can Make yourself! Columbus Dog Connection Makes and Donates these to shelters.


The inspiration for our beds: Dogs in rural shelters sleeping on wet kennel floors. Notice the dog in the white container above ?

Columbus Dog Connection was moved to create a low cost elevated dog bed. A few Doggedly Dedicated Dogmanity Do'ers, pulled their creative talents and came up with an easy and inexpensive way for anyone to build an elevated dog bed. Follow the link to their website below, and you will see simple, inexpensive plans to help dogs in shelters who must sleep on wet concrete kennel floors. We estimate the cost for you to build a bed to be $12.

As of May, of this year, 2010, Columbus Dog Connection has received donations for, paid for, made and donated 779 to shelters in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky.Counties in Orange also have received beds.

If you would like to learn more about this program, view the plans to make your own elevated dog bed or make a donation, please visit their website.

Note from CP Blogger: Thank you Columbus Dog Connection for caring about these dogs in rural shelters!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Vacation Checklist for Your Pet Sitter

www.petid.homegain.com
July Newsletter

Charlie Brown and Snoopy by Charles Schultz



Going on a trip can be complicated when you have pets, especially if you can’t take them with you. You typically have three options—board them, leave them with a relative, or hire a pet sitter (or ask a neighbor, relative, or friend to act as the pet sitter). Some pet sitters will live in the house with your pets, and others will come by several times a day to feed and entertain them. Here’s a checklist to leave for the sitter:


1. Make sure that the sitter has the proper keys and remember to leave her with all the information about your security system, including all codes. You can change the codes when you return.

2. Show the sitter where the circuit breakers are and how to turn off the gas and water supply to the house in case of an emergency.

3. Type out your itinerary and all of your contact information, including your cell phone number and the numbers to the hotels or homes where you will be staying.

4. Leave the sitter with the name and phone number of your pets’ regular veterinarian, as well as the name and number of an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic.

5. Write down the names and dosage information for all of your pets’ medications and show the sitter how to administer them.

6. Write down your pets’ microchip numbers and HomeAgain telephone number, 1-888-HOMEAGAIN (1-888-466-3242) in case your sitter needs it. When you get home, change your registration password. Make sure your pets have collar tags, too, so if they do get out, people can see they belong to someone right away. Order a HomeAgain collar tag today to prepare for your trip! Don't forget Col. Potter's tag program either, you can use our lost dog number as your primary number and keep your information updated through CP.

7. Let the sitter know how many times to visit and set expectations for each visit. Be sure that you are both clear about feeding, walking, and playtime schedules.

8.Leave all food and medication in clear view and label it clearly.

9. Leave cleaning supplies in clear view, including an enzymatic deodorizer and paper towels.

10. Make sure that the sitter has a partner or a backup plan in case she can’t complete the duties.

11. Also, make sure that you have a friend or relative that can watch your pet in case of an extreme emergency. If possible, introduce the sitter to this person before you leave, and make sure to leave all contact information with the sitter.

12. Let the sitter know about the areas of your home where pets are allowed or not allowed. Close off any areas of the house where you don’t want your pets or the sitter to be.

For safety's sake, lock up all valuables—don’t tell the sitter where they are, of course! If you choose to hire a professional sitter, make sure that the company is bonded in case there’s a problem or loss of personal property.

To be nice, buy the sitter some beverages and snacks, so she can nosh while she’s playing with your pets—this might actually keep her there longer, and will certainly put you and your pets at the top of her list of favorites.


Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a dog trainer, bird care and behavior consultant, and a freelance writer in New York City. She is the author of more than 26 books on pet care and training and is the host of www.dogfessions.com.

Sunday Sweets

Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

Sydney, Riley, McKinley

Cabot

Billy and Lani

Eva

Sydney, Jamey, Darcy, McKinley, Molly and Riley

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Vancouver on a Hot July Day

Vannie has decided toys are important treasures. She likes to choose her favorites and put them in her crate. Foster brother Mac thinks if Vannie likes the toy, then they must be good(even toys he never played with in 5 yrs), so he steals them. Vannie watches for her chance the steals them back again. And so the toy wars go here.



Vancouver on a Hot July Day


Vancouver is available for adoption. Please go to our website to find our more about her. She is being fostered in Arkansas.

Cruelty Alert: Pets Suffering from Heatstroke in Parked Cars

from ASPCA July 16,2010 newsletter
www.aspca.org

As many parts of the country struggle with recent heat waves, we’ve all seen the disturbing news reports of pets, mostly dogs, dying from heatstroke as a result of being left in parked cars.

Just last week, a Bronx, NY, man left his Maltese in his van—with the windows cracked—while he went for a swim at a state park. The temperature inside the van climbed to 140 degrees and despite intervention by park police, the dog didn't survive.

Even on a relatively mild 85-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for the interior of a car to reach 102 degrees—and within 30 minutes, the inside of the car can be a staggering 120 degrees. Leaving windows open a few inches does not help.

Furthermore, when it comes to the body’s ability to cool itself, canine physiology is vastly different from ours. While humans have sweat glands all over our bodies that help regulate our body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain.

At least 14 states and many municipalities have enacted laws to address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. Under these laws, police, animal control agents, peace officers and others may be authorized to enter a vehicle by whatever means necessary to remove an animal. “I would recommend that if your state doesn't have a specific law addressing animals left in hot cars that you still call law enforcement, because it may be considered animal cruelty under your state or local laws,” says Jill Buckley, Senior Director of ASPCA Government Relations & Mediation.

If you’re out and about on a hot day and see an animal alone in a car, you should immediately try to find the car’s owner. If you have no luck, or if the owner refuses to act, contact local law enforcement and/or animal control.

“The important thing is to get the dog out of the car, keeping in mind that you shouldn’t put your life in danger, either!” says Buckley, who keeps a few copies of the ASPCA’s Pets in Hot Cars flyer (pdf) in her glovebox to give out when appropriate. Please print and distribute these flyers (pdf) in your neighborhood to help educate people about the danger of leaving pets in hot cars.

Friday, July 16, 2010

ASPCA Provides Critical Funding for Pets Affected by Oil Spill

from July 16, 2010 ASPCA newsletter
www.aspca.org

In response to the economic hardships that continue to mount for families living along the Gulf Coast, the ASPCA, the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA), Best Friends Animal Society and several local organizations have launched the Gulf Coast Companion Animal Relief Program to provide free pet care for residents of Southern Louisiana. The group's initial contribution will prevent an estimated 1,000 pets from facing relinquishment by their families.

"The oil spill has had major repercussions for families in the lower Louisiana parishes, including pet parents connected with the seafood, tourism and oil production industries," says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Community Outreach.

Animal shelters in the affected communities report two to three times the number of relinquished pets over last summer. The Animal Relief Program’s free services, provided by licensed veterinarians at the Louisiana SPCA, will include:

Basic exams, including tests for feline leukemia and FIV in cats as well as heartworm in dogs;
Vaccinations;

Microchipping and registration; and Spay/neuter surgeries.

Special thanks to the following organizations for making this program a reality: Del Monte Foods, Best Friends Animal Society, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter, Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society, Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter, Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter and the Louisiana SPCA.

For more information about the free services or to schedule an appointment for your pet, please visit the Louisiana SPCA.

Friday's Funnies



Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dog trapped in hot car honks horn again — and again

Chocolate Labrador retriever took action to alert owner on 90-degree day

Associated Press
updated 7/13/2010 9:14:22 PM ET


MACUNGIE, Pa. — A veterinarian said a dog trapped in a car on a 90-degree day in eastern Pennsylvania honked the horn until he was rescued. Nancy Soares said the chocolate Labrador was brought to her Macungie Animal Hospital last month after he had been in the car for about an hour.

She said Max's owner had gone shopping and was unloading packages when she returned but forgot that Max was still in the car. She later heard the horn honking and looked outside several times but saw nothing amiss. Finally, she went outside and saw Max sitting in the driver's seat, honking the horn.

Soares said the owner immediately gave Max cold water to drink and wet him down with towels before rushing him to the clinic.

Note from CP Blogger: Please be a responsible pet owner and either leave your dog at home on a hot day or put something valuable near your animal so that you will need to get it and it will remind you to remember him. Dogs die in hot cars more often than most people know.

Wacky Wednesday - one day late!

Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.) This week we're a day late but we hope the wait was worth it.



A big shout out to Joey for being the Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Prepare for Summer Storms

from www.petid.homeagain.com Newsletter




With storm season here, it’s important for cat and dog owners to realize that storm safety involves additional planning. When you have a pet, emergency preparedness becomes a great deal more complex.

Whether you live in a place where hurricanes are the danger, or you’re more at risk from tornadoes and wildfires, the principals of pet emergency preparedness are basically the same:

1. Make a pet evacuation plan. If you have to leave home, you’ll want your pets to go with you. If you don’t have a car, find out if local emergency services will help transport your pet.

2. Research which evacuation shelters allow pets, and find additional pet-friendly shelters outside the immediate area in case you have to flee further afield.
Keep a full list of animal shelters, boarding facilities, and even hotels that accept pets during emergency evacuations. Think ahead and make contact with these places before disaster strikes so that you understand their emergency protocol.

3. Remember that disasters are busy times for animal shelters. Having a complete list of emergency resources is a smart way to protect your pet. This way, you’ll have different options for places that can help your pet when you need it most!
Identify your pet clearly. Make certain your pet’s tags are up to date, and be prepared with medical tape and a permanent marker to label your pet’s collar with the location of your emergency shelter.

4. Pets should also be microchipped, and make sure your contact information is up to date: current address, phone number, and a reliable alternate contact in case you can’t be reached. Login and update your information now! Microchips, in contrast to tags, never fall off or become scuffed, marred, or otherwise unreadable. Any animal shelter or veterinarian with a scanner can identify your pet and get in touch with you!

5. Put together a pet emergency preparedness kit. This should not only include food, water, dishes, medication, and necessary supplies, such as leashes and litter, but also your pet’s medical records.

6. If you need to be away from home for an extended period, and it becomes necessary to board your pets, having their medical records will help you find a place willing to take them.
Make certain you have secure transport. If a pet carrier is impractical, then a good leash and harness will do.

In an emergency, it will probably be harder to control your pet than usual. Animals may become frightened and aggressive, and could endanger both of you by panicking or running away.

Some people think that when disaster strikes, the best thing to do for their dog or cat is to turn them loose outside to take care of themselves. They’re wrong. Most pets are unable to survive on their own under such conditions, and even if they did, it might be impossible to find them again.

It is never a good idea to leave your pet at home during emergency evacuations. However, there are times when evacuation organizations mandate that you leave pets behind for safety reasons. In those circumstances, protect your pet by taking some basic precautions. Leave them in a safe area of the house and provide them with sufficient food and water to last twice as long as you think you might be gone. Prop open or remove the toilet seat and bathroom door, so pets will have a good source of clean water. Finally, post a notice on your doors that there are pets inside and include contact information for both you and your vet.

Having a pet as part of your family can be a wonderful experience, but it’s one that comes with a great deal of responsibility. Developing a pet emergency preparedness kit and a pet evacuation plan may seem like a lot of work, but in a disaster, it could save your beloved animal’s life.

Quick Tip: Call your local animal shelters to find out which ones might take your pet in an emergency. If you live in an area particularly prone to large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, consider finding an out-of-town friend who will take care of your pet if you face long-term displacement.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

2 new cairns join the CP family!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Two more little Cairns have found their way to the CP family! They come to us from a breeding operation who has released quite a few cairns to us the last few years. The furkids from here are generally well cared for, pretty friendly and socialized and adorable! These two are no exception!

They also have some pretty special names. Both of their names were donated through the Name a Mill Cairn Program. This program does so much to help the furkids, and at the same time it is a wonderful way to remember, honor or celebrate someone special in your life with a unique, memorable, living gift. This program is available year round and is truly the gift that keeps on giving. So, without further ado, please help me welcome Loebie and TJ!!

Loebie - Female, born 6/27/08, grey brindle - named in honor of Carol L. our Sister Bubbles, for all of her dedication of making blankies for the CP fosters through the CP Blanket Aunties.



TJ - Male, born 2/1/05, wheaten - donated by Geri & Joe P. in memory of their son who was 17 when he died in 1993.




WELCOME Loebie and TJ!!

Please welcome Hamby to CP!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



This little 9 1/2 year old senior cairn recently became a CP boy when his family could no longer care for him. He is VERY handsome, even while wearing his less than fashionable lampshade (aka e-collar).

Hamby is a very sweet and somewhat mellow little guy. Once we get his itchies under control, he will be ready for his forever family.

Welcome to your new life, Hamby!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Please Welcome Byrnes

Written by a CP Intakes Volunteer





(Pronounced Burns)


Please welcome this cute little boy to the CP family. He was rescued today from a shelter by one of our wonderful volunteers. He is estimated to be 1-2 years old and is described as a handsome and happy little cairn. He’s currently at the vet and will be heading to a foster home next weekend.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Saving Senior Dogs

Contributed by a CP Volunteer
Author Unknown

One by one they pass my cage,
A big old dog, arthritic with age,
Way past his prime, can’t run and can’t play.
They shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?

My family decided I didn’t belong.
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.

When I had come to the end of my rope,
You looked at my face, and I finally had hope,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow, with my poor tired head,
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low.
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And then I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.


Note from Col. Potter Blogger: Col. Potter rescues and places many senior dogs. Please go to our website to learn more about the many cairns that we have available for adoption. This blogger has personally adopted 3 cairns considered senior in age from CP and they have all been wonderful, loving additions to our household. Please consider opening your home and heart to a senior cairn - you won't have to run quite as fast to keep up with them!

Sunday Sweets

Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

Rocky & Wookie

Rebel, Callie & Roary

McKinley

Gabby fka Detroit

Chrissy (fka Naughty) & friend

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Foster Rye plays with her first Cicada - Video!

Sorry this is so dark, but foster Rye had the best time with the darn bug. We have August-like conditions here in Maryland and the cicadas are already coming out. I didn't know she had brought the present inside!




Rye is being fostered in Maryland. If you would like to learn more about her, please go to our website and check her out!

Why Own a Dog?

By Unknown Poet
Contributed by CP Volunteer

Why own a dog? There's a danger you know,
You can't own just one, for the craving will grow.
There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger.
While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.

One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny.
The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.
The fifth one's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,
You find you can live with a houseful of ease.

So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?
They're really quite easy but, oh, Lord the hair!
With dogs on the sofa and dogs on the bed,
And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother, you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.
What's one more dog and just one more crate?
The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,
The floor is all footprints, the furniture dusty.

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?
Who minds a few noseprints and a little more hair?
So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,
And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,
The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.
Each one is so special, so useful, so funny.
The vet and food bills grows larger, you owe BIG money.

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,
Except other "dog folks" who live the same way.
Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,
But your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots.
And entries and travel and motels which cost lots.
Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?
Then that favorite one comes and climbs in your lap.

His look says you're special and you know that you will
Keep all of the critters in spite of the bill.
Some just for showing and some just to breed.
And some just for loving, they all fill a need.

God, winter's a hassle, the dogs hate it too.
But they must have their walks though they're numb and your blue.
Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout
At the dogs on the sofa who refuse to go out.

The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills,
The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills.
The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life.
They're charming and funny and offset the strife.

Your life-style has changed. Things won't be the same.
Yes, those dogs are addictive and so is the dog game.


Note from Blogger: If you know the author of this poem, please email us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com and we will be happy to acknowledge them.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Friday's Funnies