August 25, 2007

 

HOMELAND SECURITY - Emergency Planning For Your Pet's Safety
Erin Streeter, Ready Campaign
The thought of losing a beloved pet is truly something no pet owner can comprehend. People rely on their pets for companionship and our pets in turn rely on us to take care of their everyday needs. That is why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign is urging pet owners to take action during National Preparedness Month, which is held annually in September, to plan for their pet's safety if an emergency strikes their community.

Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by The Advertising Council for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. As the Department encourages families to prepare for emergencies through Ready, we are regularly asked if there is information appropriate for pet owners. In response to these requests, Homeland Security has partnered with several national animal organizations to develop emergency preparedness information for owners of domestic pets.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security consulted with a number of organizations experienced in animal health and wellbeing to develop Ready information for pet owners. These organizations include American Kennel Club (AKC), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Included in this Ready Campaign information is a brochure and instructional video that highlight the key steps pet owners should take to prepare themselves and their animals. The brochure and video encourage pet owners to make an emergency supply kit including pet food and water, medications and medical records, leashes, ID tags and other appropriate supplies. The communication pieces also recommend pet owners have an emergency plan that considers their pets needs and that they learn more about the types of emergencies that can happen in their area and the appropriate responses.

Pet owners can download the free brochure and instructional video from the Ready Web site or request a copy of the brochure by calling 1-800-BE-READY.

Make a Disaster Plan that Includes Your Pets
Dr. Debbie White, Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
Current statistics cite that more than ever our pets are significant members of the family. In fact, according to an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) pet survey, 93% of pet owners would risk their own life for their pet. The figure demonstrates the strong emotional bond that people have with their pets. For many of us, we couldn't imagine leaving our pets behind in the face of an emergency. Unfortunately, that is exactly what so many hurricane evacuees were forced to do in 2005. We all can recall seeing the images of abandoned pets, forced separations and animals struggling to survive. There was no doubt a lot of human and animal tragedy during the hurricane season and many lessons were learned. The greatest lessons perhaps were that one cannot be too prepared and that we must also consider the need of pets and animals that we care for.

Recent legislation is under consideration within Congress that addresses this very issue. The Pet Evacuation and Transportation (PETS) Act would mandate that state and local authorities make preparedness steps for the evacuation, housing and care for animals that may be impacted by a major emergency. The PETS Act would help with large-scale emergency plans that affect an entire community, but what about your family and your pet? It is vital that disaster planning starts at the individual household level.

Think Ahead-Make a Plan
The first step in accounting for your pets during an emergency is to make a household disaster plan that includes the family pets. Sit down and write a list of all of the items you would need to care for your pet. These might include food, bottled water, feeding bowls, leashes, pet carrier or cage, litter pans, heartworm preventative, prescription medications and a copy of vaccinations.
Then you need to put all of these items together in an easy to grab bag or container. These items should be designated as "Pet Emergency Kit" and not for regular use. Supplies should meet your pet's needs for at least 72 hours.

Ensure Proper Identification
Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears identification tags. Other identification items to include in your pet emergency kit consist of a photo of your pet, copies of medical records and vaccination history.

Have an Alternate Plan
If there was no way to evacuate with your pet, then have alternate options for pet care away from home. Remember that there is limited capacity for pet housing at local animal shelters and veterinary hospitals. Keep a listing of pet-friendly hotels that will accept both you and your pets. Have contacts for both in-town and out-of-town family or friends that will take care of your pets in your absence.

Take Action
No one is immune to the possibility of a major disaster. Possible disasters that could impact your local community include floods, fires, earthquakes, chemical spills or terrorist events. The time is now to prepare for the unexpected emergency. Take steps today to prepare both your family and pet disaster kits. For more information on family disaster planning visit http://www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org and for pet disaster planning information visit http://www.AVMA.org/disaster.
http://www.LMAH.net


Testicular Implantation for Pets
Gregg Miller, Neuticles
The neutering procedure used today on family pets was developed in the early 1800's, with the first commercial implantation being performed on Dec. 20, 1995.

Since that time, over 60,000 canines, felines, horses and bulls have been "Neuticled" in all 50 states and 24 countries.

"We've even Neuticled a prairie dog in Kansas, two water buffalo in Colorado and a colony of rats in Louisiana," Miller said

Neuticles are providing a solid solution to the pet overpopulation crisis by encouraging thousands of caring pet owners to neuter that simply would not before.

The texture and firmness of NeuticleNaturals were crafted based on the firmness of actual animal testicles. Neuticles replicate the testicle in actual size, shape and weight and feel.

Loving pet owners are less 'neuter-hesitant' and their pet is unaware that he has, in fact, been altered. With Neuticles- its like nothing ever changed.
http://www.Neuticles.com

 

Kyle Orent Montage: A STORY IN THE MAKING
Listen in as we tell the story of Kyle Orent, an 8-year-old from Northport, New York who raised more than $20,000 selling lemonade and donated it to Canine Companions for Independence. When asked why he chose this charity, Kyle says he is a big animal lover and likes how these animals have been trained to assist their humans and wants to help.

Well, that wasn't enough for Kyle. His next endeavor was to raise an additional $10,000 by auctioning off autographed dog collars signed by celebs. Animal Radio, through the generous donation of 100 collars from Bamboo, has helped Kyle to reach his goal.

Some of the celebrities that have autographed these collars are Leslie Nielsen, Betty White, Sheena Easton, Joe Namath, Donald Trump, Billy Joel and Tatum O'Neal, to name a few.

Now, it is up to you. The auction begins August 30th. Please visit Kyle's Charity Auction on eBay and let the bidding begin! Not only will you receive a great collar autographed by a celeb, but also 100% of the proceeds goes to a great cause, Canine Companions for Independence. Everyone wins!

NEWS UPDATE: Michael Vick Pleads Guilty
Guardian Unlimited by Paolo Bandini
Six years on from being selected as the first pick in the 2001 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick should have been looking forward to the best years of his career. Instead, after announcing he would plead guilty to federal dog-fighting charges yesterday afternoon, he is facing a likely sentence of 12 to 18 months behind bars. Whether or not he will ever play professional gridiron again remains to be seen.

Vick, along with co-defendants Quanis Phillips, of Atlanta, Purnell Peace, of Virginia Beach, and Tony Taylor, of Hampton, Virginia, stands accused of operating a dog-fighting ring named Bad Newz Kennels out of a property he owns in Surry County, Virginia. Already banned by the NFL from attending the Falcons' pre-season training camp, Vick had previously denied all charges, but his position was undermined after all three co-defendants pleaded guilty last month and said they would testify against him should the case reach trial.

NEWS UPDATE Brought To You By Simple Solution Natural Line Of Products

 


Hollywood Pigeons Go on "The Pill"
Laura Dodson, Argyle Civic Association
Research shows that pigeon flocks cannot be eliminated through methods such as trapping, poisoning or other conventional means. The flock will grow back to the same size or larger as their numbers are removed. The birds mate for life in the same home and live for up to 15 years.

After months of research, investigation and meetings with City of Los Angeles officials, the Argyle Civic Association contacted PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for assistance with the pigeon problem. PETA, the world's largest and most important animal rights group, strongly advises against the feeding of pigeons and other wild animals.

PETA provided the resources on using advanced new methods of reducing the size of the flock. One method in particular looked promising: OvoControl™

OvoControl™ is a birth control method for birds and was registered with the United States EPA in May of 2007. The technology has been developed by Innolytics LLC, a hatch-control company based in Rancho Santa Fe, California. OvoContol™ is administered to the birds via a special "treat" which is distributed to the pigeons from rooftop dispensers. The active ingredient, nicarbazin, interferes with the development of the vitaline layer separating the egg white and yolk. This membrane is vital to the viability of the egg and without it the egg cannot develop or hatch. Originally developed to control populations of resident Canada geese, the method has also been successfully tested on feral pigeons under the guidance of the USDA Experiment Station in Gainesville, FL.
http://argylecivic.org

 

Flying Dog is Grounded
Vladae, The Dog Wizard
Molly, the flying dog, has been grounded since the death of her guardian, Craig Smith. Craig was a helicopter pilot whose helicopter collided with another news helicopter in Arizona while covering a news story. Molly had become a television personality by riding along with Craig to cover the news.

Vladae recalls fondly his tales of working with Craig and "Molly the terror!" in training her to become the worlds first flying dog with unofficial permission from the Aviation Department.

Also, listen in for some great tips on training your dog. For instance, did you know that you should always eat first and then feed your dog? And look for Vladae the Dog Wizard's syndicated problem solving segments. The first one discusses the problem of dogs taking over the bed!
http://www.911DogWizard.com


Man Smuggles Geckos ­ in Socks!
Britt Savage
During a search of his car, a man was caught with three native geckos in Australia. The marble-velvet gecko, the eastern spiny-tailed gecko and the three-spot gecko were stashed in his socks and were believed to have been stolen from the wild in New South Wales.

Some species of geckos could fetch big money on the black market and then sold as pets. But this is not the only concern of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). Removing any kind of wildlife like these can heavily affect the local population.


Rabies ­ Still Exists and Still Kills!
Dr. Charles Rupprecht, Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The Stephen King movie Cujo popularized rabies, when a St. Bernard terrorized a mother and her son. The film also created a catchphrase of sorts ­ wild or crazy dogs are often sarcastically referred to as 'Cujo.' The King film is fiction of course, but the rabies virus is alive and well and, if proper steps aren't taken, can still be deadly for humans and animals.

In fact, there were nearly 7,000 cases of animal rabies reported in the U.S. in 2006. Thankfully, rabies is 100 percent preventable. However, prevention, which consists of vaccinating animals, is neglected in many parts of world.

That's why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have teamed up with veterinary and public health officials around the globe to sponsor World Rabies Day, September 8, 2007.

Dr. Charles Rupprecht, Chief, Rabies Officer, CDC, says rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal.

"Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal," says Dr. Rupprecht. "This is why it is so important for the world to work together to make rabies history by promoting the need for pets to be current on their rabies vaccines."

Dr. Rupprecht offers some simple tips to help prevent rabies, including:

For more information on World Rabies Day, log on to www.avma.org or www.worldrabiesday.org and the Centers for Disease Control.

 

Why Do Dogs Yawn?
Mike Fry, Animal Ark Animal Shelter and Host of Animal Wise Radio with Dr. Linda Wolf
Somebody asked me one why their dog yawned so much. Well, people usually yawn when they are tired or bored. But among dogs, yawning is often a signal that they are feeling stressed. A good yawn briefly lowers their blood pressure and helps them to stay calm. So next time you see your dog yawn, realize that he might be in a stressful situation and help him out.
http://www.AnimalWiseRadio.com

http://www.AnimalArkShelter.org

 

The Great Chimp Event
Rae Ann Kumelos, Voice of the Animal
What do 266 chimpanzees and 57 fourth to eighth graders have in common? Each other. Compassion, action, a great plan and an island sanctuary in Florida all combine to create a very happy ending for these former laboratory chimpanzees.
http://www.VoiceOfTheAnimal.org

 

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