Pit Bulls Are Inherently Dangerous Ruling

A long-favored destination for pet-loving vacationers in the Northwest, Lincoln City provides excellent opportunities for families with canine to play, stay and thoroughly enjoy themselves in and around this central coast region.  For those who love sand and surf, there are nearly eight great miles of it in which to romp, roll, dig and revel.

Ah, Spring . . . when flowers burst forth and trees swell with buds . . . when we celebrate the earth’s lush fertility with images of bunnies and lambs . . . when a young man’s fancy turns to love.  Given the season, you’ll forgive us for being so forward, won’t you?  Because today we’re going to talk about humping.

Actually, we want to talk about your dog’s humping — your leg, the chair, another dog, your cat, a teddy bear, a shrub.  Just what is that about?  And what can you do to help your embarrassingly humping horndog become more socially appropriate?

These young bonded mini Lops were rescued after being dumped at a Beaverton park.  They are both social with calm children and adults, tolerant of being picked up, and Lily especially likes being petted.  They are “fixed” and are thought to be 6-7 months old.  Bob and Lily currently live indoors but love hopping outside in a safe, enclosed area with cardboard boxes for hiding and playing in and plenty of company with their human companions.  To meet them or learn more, contact their Rabbit Advocate at zenrabbit@inbox.com.

This young, friendly Border Collie/Pittie Mix has lots of playful energy.  He has been working on his manners at LCAS and has learned to sit calmly for attention and toys.  He loves to go on car rides and has even proved great at running alongside a bicycle!  He will do well with dogs that can handle a bit of rowdy play or older dogs who can help with his manners.  Highway is house- and crate-trained but should be in a cat-free home.  Contact Lane County Animal Services at 541-682-3645.

This handsome young hound mix is tad shy, but is truly wonderful once he gets acquainted.  Merle will thrive with a family who can take him to training classes — not just for commands, but also to boost his confidence.  Meet Merle at the Clackamas County Dog Services shelter.  Details 503-722-6519. 

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Breed Overview

Size:   small
Grooming:   undemanding
Exercise:     undemanding
Environment:   an apartment will do, with sufficient exercise
Temperament:  brave and friendly

Interesting fact:  The Scottish Terrier has won more “Best in Show” titles at Westminster’s Kennel Club Dog Show than any other breed.  In 2010, Sadie (AKA Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot) was the eighth Scottie to win that title.

Nature's Variety now offers Raw Boost Bites treats and the raw powder supplement Daily Boost, both intended for occasional feeding.  I gave the Boost Bites to two picky dogs I know.  They tried the chicken flavor and seemed to really like it.  These dogs are on a partially raw diet already and are in great health for their respective ages. 

Since its first public appearance at the Saturday Market in downtown Eugene, Oregon, local pet product manufacturer Mad About Organics has grown by leaps and bounds.  Now approaching its fourth year in business, the company has grown to distribute product lines to over 200 stores nationally and internationally. 

Guests invited to join Oregon Zoo experts for evening of fine dining, wine

PORTLAND, Ore. — On April 14, 1962, Portland was thrust into the international spotlight when Packy became the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in nearly 44 years. On the eve of the famous elephant’s 50th birthday, Packy fans can relive that excitement and enjoy a fine meal at the Oregon Zoo’s Dine & Discover event, Friday, April 13, beginning at 6 p.m.  

How the NW Pet & Companion Fair Was Saved 

In 2011 the Northwest Pet and Companion Fair nearly died a quiet death.  The show’s owner had pocketed 30 exhibitors’ fees and decided to cancel.  No space had been rented, no contracts drawn up, no entertainment scheduled.

Enter two young trade show professionals, Amy Johnson and Vanessa Wright.

In 2002, a group of Oregon Humane Society volunteers branched off to create a rescue and shelter solely for the many abandoned or neglected rabbits who found their way through the doors at OHS.  Ten years later, Rabbit Advocates continues to educate the public about living with and caring for rabbits, to operate an adoption and foster network for local bunnies, and to present monthly outreaches related to both and including light grooms for visiting bunnies.

With the steady stream of Easter bunny images hopping around this time of year it’s no surprise that many young children are asking for a bunny of their very own.  Who doesn’t love the thought of a soft, cuddly friend with a twinkling velvet nose and whirring whiskers!  Unfortunately, many parents succumb to the idea and present a live bunny in their kids’ Easter baskets – only to soon discover that rabbits really aren’t little kid-friendly.  The result?  Thousands of rabbits end up neglected or dumped at overflowing shelters, parks and greenspaces.  No happy ever-afters there.

Maybe you heard about me last year when the county came and got me and 50 of my roomies.  I spent almost 3 months at the county shelter where they cleaned off years of filth, fed me delicious food, got me neutered and had my teeth taken care of.  I've only got a couple teeth left, but no matter because now my mouth doesn't hurt and I can eat without pain!  I'm told I am a Chinese Crested Powderpuff mix.  Now that I've gotten several baths, I think I'm looking pretty good!

Hi!

Estacada, OR - Acting to save the lives of horses facing neglect, the Oregon Humane Society

On occasion, I’ve been known to drop an ibuprofen or one of those small red pseudoephedrine pills on the floor.  Being a neatnik, I immediately retrieve and toss it in the garbage.  Don’t want my cats playing with a stray pill.  I was not as concerned with my kitties licking or eating the pill as I was with them batting it under the stove to never be found.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Breed Overview

Size:   4.5 – 5.5 lbs.
Grooming:   Clip wings if keeping as pets
Exercise:      Needs at least 10'x10' waddling/living space per duck
Environment:   Usually happy in the yard with a garden and/or pond.
Diet:    Insects, Amphibians, Snails, Small Fish, Algae and Aquatic Plants, Lettuces, and Duck Feed
Temperament:  Calm and Placid

Holistic Therapies Give Ailing Poodle a Second Chance

A few years ago Sophie the Dog dreamed of a life without pain.

Now, at age nine, the intrepid Poodle cuts a mean swath around her backyard obstacle course, uses special stairs to get on the couch, and loves to play chase with her best Poodle buddy, Chloe.  A bystander would never guess that the eight-pound pooch could barely walk two years ago.

Pet first aid skills are the kind you hope you’ll never have to use, but acquiring them is so important . . . the confidence and preparation for things that can happen is something every pet parent should have.  And who better to educate than the pros who deal with life and death situations daily? 

A new app developed by a Portland publisher lets users play solitaire while raising funds for rescuing dogs, cats and other animals in need.

Top Dog Winner Lazy Dog Crazy Dog is reinventing doggie daycare and boarding in Portland.  Its owners, Pete and Jackie McClellan, are also inventing a new language for their industry.  For example, “tommy and taddy,” meaning “temporary mommy and daddy,” refers to them and their eight employees.  The McClellans maintain the philosophy that a dog “is more than a family member.”  Says Jackie, “We treat our dogs like they’re somebody’s kids.  Like they’re our kids.”

The Postal Service has unleashed a new series, “Dogs at Work,” highlighting four canine careers.  Created by Syracuse, NY artist John M. Thompson, the stamps depict four different dogs engaged in tracking (yellow Lab), guiding (black Lab), comforting (Welsh Springer Spaniel) and searching (a search and rescue German Shepherd). 

The new stamps run 65 cents and are good for mailing First-Class mail up to two ounces.  Learn more at USPS.com.

I have, many times.

And the cat in question was not my easygoing Tabby, Mack, or my “I’ll do anything because I am just so scared,” Clio. The cat who received so many baths was Snowball.  My fearless, outgoing, hate-everyone-but-you cat who passed many years ago.  Snowball would scare visitors with her “piss and vinegar” attitude, yowling if they got to close.  She was more talk than action — her vocalizations were more than enough to cause friends to give her a wide berth.

Staff and volunteers at the Oregon Humane Society start

We've Been Shopping!

Here’s what we love…

All of the following products are rated 5 out 5 paws — only the best for the holidays!

Founded in 2007, the nonprofit, foster-based ODR has placed more than 1,000 dogs in forever loving homes.  Sustained entirely by volunteers and donations, the group has utilized networking and Saturday adoption outreaches at Tualatin PetSmart to find loving homes for sweet adoptables . . .

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Interesting Fact:  The French name for Poodle, Caniche, means duck dog, which is indicative of this dog's original specialty as a duck retriever.

Entering a stranger’s home — especially at the emotionally charged time when they are facing the end of their beloved pet’s life — is always uncertain.  Most people are gracious, thankful, tearful. Some are speechless with grief.  Others are angry and ready to blame — as was one inebriated, distressed man I encountered on a late Thanksgiving night.  Arms around his dog yelling, “No, stay away from us!” when I arrived.  Later as I left though, he hugged me tightly, reminding me how powerful kind words and a gentle touch can be.

Solid Gold Northwest is known for high-quality holistic pet food and supplements made from natural, nutritious ingredients.  Recently the company also began distributing products by local company, Dale Edgar Brand, also known for high-quality canine and equine products.

DoveLewis’s largest annual event, the Wet Nose Soiree, raised $246,000 for the organization’s Unrestricted Funds.  During the popular bash Dove honored several DoveLewis supporters for outstanding contributions, including:

The grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (MAF), is used to sending care packages to people, but after sending over 200 tons of care packages, they’re trying something new:  sending care packages to dogs.

“Military working dogs are extremely important to our missions in Afghanistan and Iraq,” says Danny Gonzalez, MAF’s Director of Communications.  “They help keep our troops alive and safe from threat of IEDs, which account for the majority of military and civilian injuries in Afghanistan.”

Excerpted from ACA's Sept. '11 newsletter

We have had many dogs over the years in our Breed who have left an impression.  Some in the obedience, rally or agility ring, others in therapy work. 

. . . Our dream ambassador might have a long and distinguished track record as a therapy dog, working at hospitals, children's camps or prisons.  Excelled in various competitions . . . winning awards from the AKC (ACE) and OHS (Diamond Collar Hero Award).

It’s Halloween again. Concerned parents know how to keep little trick-or-treaters safe. But Halloween can be a scary and dangerous time for pets. Here are some suggestions from the Oregon Humane Society:

Most agree on the problems with kitty litter.  It’s messy.  It smells.  It doesn’t clump.  The clumps fall apart when scooped.  It leaves kitty litter footprints.

And these are just layman’s complaints.  What about veterinary concerns?  Kitties in hospitals may have wounds vulnerable to infection or irritation by contact with traditional cat litters.  But what else is there?

We've Been Shopping!

Here’s what we love . . .

Neater Feeder: "Spoil the Pet, Spare the Floor"

The Neater Feeder is designed with protective walls to contain splashes and spills.  It holds spilled food in and flows spilled water down to a lower reservoir that can safely hold more than an entire bowlful, keeping water off the floor ‘til you dispose of it.

Pros:  I cannot say enough good things about this product!

Pets and their people entered Spot's Cover Model Search at events all last Spring and Summer. Winner Penny Love, graces this month's cover. All the other beauties are featured in the magazine and in our online photo album.

Meet Your 2011 Willamette Cover Model ~ Penny Love

Name: Penny Love's middle name was chosen in honor of the day she was adopted - Valentine's Day.

Age: 2 years in December

Stomping Grounds: Lives in Eugene, loves to play at Splash Dog Park.

Budget concerns prompt increased shelter collaborations 

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A recent, large-scale study on cat intestinal cancer has provided new insight into a common pet disease and its causes; the findings could ultimately benefit humans.

Two new clinics to help spay and neuter at great prices. Please note the new clinics in Salem and Newport. Yes, that's right - they now have a first clinic at the Oregon coast! Let's get busy and make sure that pet owners in those areas get referred to the new clinics right away.
 
Thank you for your support of the OS/NF program.

Celebrating its first year in business at Fremont Place, Dr.

Oregon Dog Rescue celebrated four years in action last month, issuing thanks to all of their volunteers, adoption partners, friends and supporters.  The note said in part, “Time after time we have been amazed at the generosity of time, talent and sheer hard work that you all step up and show us every day.  We can’t thank you enough.  We only hope that, like us, you feel that wonderful sense of accomplishment when each dog walks out the door to a new home and new life.”

42 Rules to Fight Canine Cancer

by Aimee Quemuel

Aimee Quemuel wrote this book to pool the collective knowledge of dog owners and provide hope.  The book is full of stories of dogs with cancer that lived well beyond their prognoses with the help of holistic and/or conventional treatments.  The author’s own beloved Golden Retriever, Cody, lived past his “few day” prognosis to 519 days and passed away at 12 years, 7 months, a ripe old age for a large dog.

Last week while reading before bedtime, I started to smell smoke.  You know, that dreadful house-on-fire smoke smell.  I didn’t hear any sirens, but it was obvious that somewhere nearby someone’s home was burning.  The next morning I read there were two home fires about a mile from me.  That gave me pause to think about what I would grab with just a few moments to get out.  Where were my cats?  Where was that emergency crate?

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Interesting Fact: Basset Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits by scent and their sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound.

Appearance: Bassets are large dogs with short legs, long ears and droopy skin.  They are most often tri-color: brown, black and white.  Their long ears and dewlap (loose skin around the neck) capture smells.

Made for Each Other

by Meg Daley Olmert

“The fact that wolves stopped stalking us and we took them into our caves proved to be a miraculous leap of faith that changed our world forever” reads the introduction.  Made for Each Other helps explain the biology of the human-animal bond, largely based on the idea that oxytocin has played a significant role in domesticating large mammals and connecting humans with wolves.  Also explored is how our evolution was shaped by these new relationships. 

What every adventurer needs to know about dogs in national parks

The early May day is a scorcher at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah.  Eighty-six degrees at 5pm.

Hikers straggle off the Devil’s Garden trail, a long, sun-drenched loop crossing slick rock fins and ledges.  At the trailhead, a young couple fills a water bowl for two white Labs dozing under the drinking fountain.

The Humane Society for SW Washington welcomed nearly 30 Clark County Sheriff officials, family and friends, as well as HSSW staff and board members, in a recent ceremony to accept a memorial plaque honoring the life of fallen K-9 Officer Kane.  Kane’s partner and companion of six years, Deputy Rick Osborn, was also in attendance.

Commissioned by the Clark County Sheriff Reserves, the plaque was presented to HSSW “to honor the life of Kane and all those before him.”

WCGHS no-kill shelter in Washougal/Camas is ‘working like a dawg’ to strengthen its base.  One volunteer shared, “We are an all-volunteer private shelter also serving Camas and Washougal animal control by housing and caring for abused, stray and surrendered dogs and cats.  We are tiny, funded mostly by fundraising and donations.  We have the ability to house 13 dogs and 80 some cats.”

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Interesting Fact: The origin of the breed’s name is uncertain.  Possibilities include derivation from the French begueule (“open throat”), from the Old English, Welsh or French beag (“small”); or the French beugler (“to bellow”).  After having a Beagle as a foster dog I tend to agree with the possibility of the breed name deriving from begele, which means to scold.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Trademark:  Around 2000 to 3000 years ago, the Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska (their namesakes) highly valued these dogs as their only form of transportation.

Personality: This dog is powerful and strong-willed but also loyal, family-oriented and fun-loving — with very high energy levels.  Some have a dominant personality toward other dogs, especially males.  Generally people lovers, some Malamutes’ owners say they would kiss an intruder.

After months of dark, cold, rainy days, Portlanders have finally begun to enjoy a little sunshine and the great outdoors, something we hold dear. 

I began a recent sunny Sunday with an early morning run at Powell Butte Nature Park.  I was thrilled to run in the cool morning air, enjoying the sight of Mt. Hood, Adams, and St. Helens.  While reveling in the view on my last trip down, my sense of peace was suddenly shattered. 

Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success

by Bella the Boxer with Ellen and Patrick Galvin

Secrets of a Working Dog is a fun, motivational book written from the perspective of a business Boxer, Bella.  The Director of Goodwill (D.O.G.) at her pet parents’ business, Bella uses examples from a dog’s lifestyle to teach humans how to live a successful, balanced life. 

Detox

Manmade chemicals are everywhere, and increasingly people are making a conscious effort to combat the negative effects to themselves and their pets through diet, using organic and chemical-free products, and more.In addition to everyday common sense choices that can really make a difference for our animals, an emerging therapy hit Spot’s radar recently:  detox.  While apparently not widely used (or even impressed upon the collective conscious yet), it’s here, so let’s learn about it, shall we?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to reduce the risk of accidental poisonings by moving to ban the sale of the most toxic rat and mouse poisons to residential customers, as well as loose bait and pellets. 

To really get a feel for Forbes’s standing in the pet world, click on the video at HarrisonForbes.com. 

Here is Forbes on Larry King Live . . . Regis & Kelly . . . CNN . . . on stage with Tim and Faith with all the fanfare of a major Nashville event.  This guy is big!

We've Been Shopping!

Milk Bone has introduced some new products and I’m so pleased that they have gone in a healthy direction.  I love the Mini’s Flavor Snacks because now you can give your dog a treat or two without giving him too much — plus the little bones are cute!  The Healthy Favorites line includes Chewy Treats (great for training) and Granola Biscuits — both have few ingredients that I can actually pronounce.

The Oregon Humane Society today commended Oregon lawmakers for their bi-partisan support of new legislation that will establish the nation’s first standard of care for egg-laying hens and end the use of inhumane battery cages.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Interesting Fact:  In Thailand, the Siamese is one of several native breeds of cat, and is called Wichien-maat which means “moon diamond.”  Siamese is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

How to adopt a cat?  Not literally, but how to choose?  To know, when examining the candidates in a shelter, who might best fit the family?  Most rescue and shelter staff are skilled, longtime matchmakers.  And given some basics about you, such as likes/dislikes, home atmosphere (and energy levels), and overall lifestyle, they’re usually good at identifying those in residence who would make a perfect companion.

The conditions of spring and summer promote the growth of harmful algae blooms in lakes and other standing bodies of water. 

Waters affected by blooms — which often look like scum or foam and not actual “blooms” — pose a serious risk to dogs, and in fact have taken canine lives in the Northwest every year since the first reported case in 2009.

A Dog’s Purpose  

by W. Bruce Cameron

A Dog’s Purpose, A Novel for Humans is unlike any dog novel I’ve read.  The story recounts multiple lives that a single dog experiences.  His reincarnations include life as a beloved family pet, a puppy in a breeder’s kennel, a service dog, and a feral puppy in a ramshackle rescue. 

Stop Pet Overpopulation Today (SPOT) of Lane County raises funds to help low-income people spay and neuter their dogs.  The nonprofit’s clients include the homeless, unemployed, elderly, and others who need financial assistance to have their dogs fixed.  With the help of high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, SPOT’s average cost is $50 (plus a small co-pay by clients who can afford one).  SPOT has funded more than 900 spay/neuter procedures since May 2008.

Vancouver, Wash. (May 11, 2011) The Humane Society for Southwest Washington celebrated its 20th Annual Walk/Run for the Animals on Saturday, May 7 raising nearly $80,000 to help fund programs and services offered through its east Vancouver animal shelter.

The open house was held last month, but all are welcome to stop in and get acquainted with the OHS Westside Adoption Center.  The center is located inside LexiDog Boutique, and Doggie Paddle swim center is also at this location on Macadam, about a mile north of the Sellwood Bridge.  At this location, LexiDog offers doggie day care, boarding, grooming and a variety of products in the boutique.

. . . Just in from the ASPCA . . .  April 13th, the Missouri House of Representatives voted 85-71 to reject the will of the state’s voters and eliminate all of the newly established humane improvements outlined in the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act (PMCPA).  The PMCPA, scheduled to go into effect in November, was passed five months ago by popular vote as “Proposition B” to more tightly regulate conditions at the state’s thousands of commercial dog breeding facilities.

The Jupiter Hotel is one of them, partnering with LexiDog Boutique & Social Club to provide special rates and accommodations for four-legged guests.  While all 81 rooms are pet-friendly, select LexiDog pet-designated rooms have added perks like eco-friendly dog beds, stylish leashes, discount coupons for daycare, toys, snacks and more. 

The folks at The Jupiter say being a “pet-friendly” hotel means more than just allowing pets on the premises — it means welcoming and providing pets the greatest comfort and accommodations possible.

Destination: Central Oregon

It’s the time of year when many start planning vacations and little getaways.  When looking for a great place to truly unwind, pamper yourself, or to seek high adventure, one of the most popular choices is Central Oregon, home to a handful of worthy destinations including Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville and Sisters. 

Portland, OR -  The Oregon Humane Society announced the top winners of the 62nd Annual Be Kind to Animals Poster and Photo/Essay Contest during a special  “A'Cat'EmyAwards” presentation held April 17th at OHS. The contest highlighted the creative work of nearly 80 young Oregonians who used art and words to craft positive messages for the future. 

While not the immediate backyard of many Northwest residents, the sand and surf of the spectacular Oregon Coast beckons to those near and far to load up the dog for a day or weekend excursion to the beach.  With miles to run free, the bracing smell of salt, and of course the occasional stinky thing to roll on, dogs adore the ocean shores.  Even in the blustery, ragged months of winter and early spring, people still throng to the beach with their pets, game even on cold, wet days.  In fact, some coast lovers prefer the solitude assured by more biting weather.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Trademark: The “Min Pin” originated in Germany as a ratter and watchdog.  It looks like a smaller Doberman, but is actually not a descendant — its ancestor is the Klein Pinscher from Scandinavia. 

When your pet gets sick, or has a common concern such as fleas, naturally you want to get whatever medication your vet recommends.  But when your vet’s Frontline costs $50 and you find it on an online drug seller site for $24.99 . . .  it’s too good to pass up, right?

The newly opened low-cost spay/neuter clinic “S/Nipped” is already booked weeks out.  Located in Coos Bay and serving surrounding Southern Oregon Coast areas, the high-volume, high-quality, low-cost clinic replicates a successful model introduced in 1994 by the Humane Alliance (HA) of Asheville, North Carolina.  The model keeps costs in check by maintaining the single focus of spay/neuter.

Parrots and veterans sometimes share what should be a rare condition for any species:  homelessness. Across the country, castoff pet birds fill avian rescues beyond capacity, and military veterans can be seen in every town, living in the street.

On the Chart: Arthritis

With Easter approaching, images of floppy ears, pink button noses and bushy tails are everywhere, triggering an impulse for parents and children alike to bring home a cute, cuddly bunny.  Sadly, this centuries-old tradition celebrating luminous rebirth and renewal can be the darkest time of the year for the domestic rabbit.

While the fundamentals of good pet health are clear — good food, exercise, mental stimulation — just as with humans, other factors can affect the whole.  Rosemary Levesque of Rosemary’s Solutions of Portland is a holistic wellness consultant who, as her title suggests, takes a holistic approach to pet health.  She looks to root causes, instead of symptoms, in seeking long-term solutions, giving clients knowledge designed to empower them.  Levesque offers a variety of services, including measuring one’s toxic burden, diet coaching, and Reiki

Two great turnaround tales

In the wake of “the worst floods in 100 years” in Australia, Spot’s friend Sue Mitchell in the New South Wales area of Australia has been sharing photos and updates about ongoing rescue efforts.  The wallaby (pictured) was rescued by this man who’d been helping save kangaroos.  Also rescued were a ringtail possum and her babies, and larger parrots, called Galahs, who had nothing to eat for days as everything was under water.  Residents were stunned by the sight of green tree frogs riding on the backs of Australia’s deadly brown snakes to escape the terrible flood waters.

Meet Tikva of Animal Assisted Crisis Support.  The 12- year-old Keeshond is the last living emotional crisis canine responder who provided emotional support in the wake of 9/11.  The personification of a good dog and a Eugene resident, Tikva exemplifies humans’ best friend helping humans.  In the midst of horror and upset, canine comfort provides wordless warmth, touching comfort and brief respite. To learn more or to get involved in these efforts, visit AnimalAssistedCrisisResponse.org/Get-Involved.

Established in 2008, “Unsinkable Dogs” has been renamed “Joyce’s Dogs,” as Joyce Biethan MPT, CPDT, CNWI continues to serve the Portland/Vancouver area with her K9 Warm Water Swim Center, training, and most recently, K9 Nose Work.

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Anne Hubbs, the Health Committee Chair of the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA). GRCA and the Golden Retriever Foundation have supported CHF-approved research with more than $300,000 in sponsorships since 1995. Dr.

Portland, OR:  A nearly lifeless cat abandoned inside a storage container in Oregon City is recuperating today after being rescued by a Humane Investigator from theOregon Humane Society.

Alexander Horowitz, scientist and dog lover, answers questions I didn’t even realize I had in Inside of a Dog.  While reading this one, you’ll likely pause frequently to share something amazing you just discovered about dogs.  This book made the Bestseller list for good reason:  it  contains some of the best knowledge available on “what dogs see, smell and know,” and deepens what we know.  For example, we know dogs have great noses, but did you know “a dog can detect a teaspoon of sugar diluted in a million gallons of water: two Olympic-sized pools full”?

In preparation for the cold winter La Nina promises, Multnomah County Animal Services is partnering with the Humane Society of the United States to provide 40 animal crates to the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross to accommodate homeless families with pets. The Red Cross Emergency Warming Center will be located at the Imago Dei Church, 1302 SE Ankeny, when temps fall below 32 degrees.

Spot learned last month that WAG (the Willamette Animal Guild) of Eugene is seeking helping hands and hearts. Spot has long known WAG to be active and effective in providing spay/neuters for pets of Lane County and beyond. In less than three years, the nonprofit has “fixed” over 14,000 animals who would not otherwise have been altered. Some cases required special care, including transport, and if there’s one thing about WAG, it’s that it is truly made up of diehard animal-loving, hard-working rock stars who find ways to “git r done.”
 

Show pride and blessings in treats and beyond

Maybe you found them at pet events this past spring or summer, at Doggie Dash in May, or Dogtoberfest in September, Or perhaps you’ve passed their display on the aisles at Whole Foods in Portland’s Pearl District.  They are Waggin Tails Organic Dog Biscuits — little brown bags of tasty goodness — created and packaged by Port City (PC).

A puppy breeder in Southern Oregon went out of business in December, thanks to a new law cracking down on practices at puppy mills. The owner’s 41 dogs went to the Oregon Humane Society to find new homes.

This same breeder became the first in the state to voluntarily surrender dogs to comply with the new law in March, surrendering more than 40 dogs to OHS to obey the law’s limit of 50 breeding animals. In the latest development, the owner said she could not afford to comply with the standards of Oregon’s Puppy Protection Act.

It was one of those stories that dominated conversation on social networking sites, emails, and at the water cooler. A beautiful little black and tan Dachshund was found Dec. 1st near a restaurant at NE 7th near MLK Blvd. in NE Portland, so undernourished she was a living picture of “skin and bones.” A good samaritan had found and taken her to the Oregon Humane Society, and as reports unfolded and the owner sought, it was clear the dog would not have survived much longer without food.

Pet Friendly goes Pet Fabulous

Trends in home design are increasingly moving beyond occasional nods toward pet-friendly to substantial installations that are truly pet fabulous.

Hot Spots for Pet Stuff

There’s a hidden treasure tucked behind Red Robin in Wilsonville, OR. It’s a veritable petting zoo where any number of pets — including a lounging albino Burmese Python — wait to meet you. Of course, what pet shop would be complete without a friendly dog to greet you? This shop has two dogs that wander through the store or snooze away the day enjoying attention from everyone who visits.

David Childs custom holiday cards are available now. Order your custom set and bring a dog in from the cold. The cards feature photos from your session, your chosen text, colors and fonts, and 10% of the proceeds go to Fences for Fido.

Check out this season’s selection at www.DavidChildsPhotography.com/2010HolidayCards.html.

Next time you’re shopping at Bi-Mart, be sure to stop by the Ad Center near Electronics. On TV you’ll see Spot’s promotion in the broadcast lineup. Bi-Mart has been a wonderful partner to Spot, to companion animals, and the organizations working for their welfare. Please show your appreciation and check out Bi-Mart for your pet and holiday shopping! 

A beautiful, sweet boy named Tres appeared on the cover of Spot last month as part of a story on PAW Team, a nonprofit providing free monthly veterinary clinics to pets of the homeless in Portland. Copies of the November issue were made available to PAW Team clients during the clinic held in November, and according to PAW Team member Robyn Luchs, “The clients really enjoyed them and a few asked for autographs!”  Now others will be able to get autographs as well. Tres is having his very own “Pawtograph” Party Dec. 4, 10am-1pm, at Fleur de Lis Bakery at 3930 NE Hancock in Portland.

Alexander Knapton, a 22-year-old student at Western Oregon University, was hospitalized for 10 days with pneumonia and sepsis in December 2009. During his stay at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital Alexander was visited by a Delta Pet Partners team — typically people/animal pairs who provide comfort and company in a variety of scenarios. The team’s visits were the highlight of an otherwise difficult time for Alexander. In fact, he enjoyed them so much that when he had to take the winter semester off due to his illness, he checked into the kind of dog he would like to get in the future.

Every month, Cat Adoption Team distributes over 2,600 lbs. of cat food. For perspective, that’s about the weight of a 2007 Ford Focus. That translates to keeping cats in homes with their families. Demand on the food bank has exceeded 624 percent since it opened in 2008. Want to help? All cat food given out is donated.

Providing help for animals, hope for humans

A line of people flows from the entrance of the building around the corner to the end of the block on Division Street in Portland. People are standing, sitting, chatting about where work is, or what brings their furry companion to the clinic today.

Some faces are drawn with anxiety. Is this really the clinic they’ve heard about? Is this where they can get vaccinations, flea treatments, an expert’s opinion, nails trimmed? For free?

Dr. Jon Plant was one of those kids who always wanted to be a veterinarian. While many say that as kids, in time, most switch to other interests. Not Dr. Plant. “I stuck with it all through high school and college, and I didn’t give up on it,” he says. Plant graduated from veterinary school at Oregon State University in 1988, but as his career evolved over the years, he found himself in consulting and academia.

Until last year that is, when he opened his own clinic after realizing that directly helping patients was what he really wanted to do.

You’ll be delighted to learn that author Ted Kerasote has delivered another treasure with Pukka The Pup After Merle, and will be appearing in support of this latest effort Nov. 11 at 7:30pm at Powell’s on Hawthorne in Portland.

Unscheduled trips to the vet are never fun. But as bad as a lacerated paw or bowel obstruction might be, when a beloved pet’s nervous system goes wonky, the stress level increases exponentially. Perhaps that’s because an issue with the brain or nervous system feels so BIG compared to allergies or broken bones. Dr. Sophie Petersen, neurologist at Cascade Veterinary  Referral Center, chatted with Spot about neurological scenarios that most often affect our pets, and symptoms that can signal when something’s not right.

Back on Track pet physical therapy and fitness center has added MLS Laser Therapy, a technique that’s proven effective in treating numerous diseases, chronic pain and age-related conditions. The laser’s continuous waves act fast on inflammation, stimulating circulation, and having a nearly immediate effect on pain. Doctors of both humans and animals are increasingly incorporating laser as a noninvasive complement to surgery and medication.

The Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood honored the hard work and dedication of its volunteers with an end-of-summer picnic in August. This year’s Top Volunteers include: Anne Rutledge of NW Portland, Connie Snow of SE Portland, Mary Gerlowsky of Beaverton, Sally Newton of West Linn, Barbara Pirk of Sherwood and Dana Gilbert of SW Portland. The Evan Kalik Volunteer of the Year Award went to Lowry Stephensen of Hillsboro.

Proving again that amazing things come in small packages

Seven years ago, Jeff and Gail Lang of Eugene lost their beloved 21-year-old Cockapoo, Holly. Jeff, an environmental health supervisor, and Gail, a teacher, were absolutely devastated.

Deeply concerned with Gail’s grief, Jeff felt strongly that it was important to find a companion for her to love — fast. So he set out on a mission; he searched numerous animal shelters and replied to classifieds, driving up and down the Willamette Valley, looking for just the right new friend to love.

The pros weigh in on boarding

Spot sought out regional leaders in their fields who are expert on boarding. While each has enough expertise and opinion to fill the following pages all by themselves, we asked each of the four to boil it down, giving us their 3 top guidelines when dealing with pet boarding.

Countryside Pet Spa

Spot found pet-friendly businesses and resources serving animals and their people in the Willamette Valley.

We’ve all heard the warnings about eating processed foods. The lack of nutrition, diversity and bio-availability eventually takes a toll on human health. The same can be said for dogs, cats and horses. Imagine if your every meal came from the same wax paper-lined bag from the same factory every day for the rest of your life.

Technology has transformed the job of preparing instructions and notes for pet sitters, putting all the vitals on a flash drive. TravelStix come in two versions: the “Pet Care” flash drive for pet sitters, and the “Travel for Dogs” drive for guardians whose pets are traveling with them. TravelStix include comprehensive forms and information, from a photo of the pet to food allergies and medications and veterinary contact information. Just plug it into any computer for access to any- and everything a caregiver might need.

Cari Cooper moved to Portland from Florida just over three years ago. As a lifelong dog guardian and lover, one thing she liked right away about her new town was its thriving canine culture. She also soon discovered something else about Portland: mud.

After one outing, Cooper remembers thinking, “Wow, I love Portland, but there’s so much mud on the ground for so much of the year you practically have to wash your dog when you bring them in from playing.” Her realization eventually led to the idea behind InBark.

We all know people who suffer from allergies and their symptoms: red, watery eyes, scratchy throat, itchy or runny nose, medicine that makes them feel like a zombie. Dogs and cats can have allergies too, but their symptoms don’t look the same as ours do, so pinpointing their problems can be more difficult. 

The Murry siblings, Corey, Casey and Jamie, grew up on a farm near Eugene, Oregon. In addition to lifelong animal lovers, they also turned out to be natural-born entrepreneurs. They put it all to the test late last year when the Murry family came into possession of a two-story building in the shadow of I-405 in Portland’s Pearl District.

After mulling the possibilities, the three decided that whatever the endeavor, it should be something they were passionate about.

Just in time for fall, Fido’s Indoor Dog Park opens in Portland August 28. After seeing it firsthand, calling it a dog park is like calling Disneyland a county fair.

It was when Josephine Cetta’s German Shepherd Ally tore her cruciate ligament in the spring of 2009 that musings of creating an indoor park began. Knowing that swimming is great exercise, especially for dogs with joint injuries, Cetta sought a place to take Ally post surgery. The only options at the time were water-therapy and nearby swimming holes.

Amazing Gracie is well known throughout the West for her stellar accomplishments, including national commercials, local television appearances (she resides in Eugene), her popular revue-style shows (which have helped raise thousands of dollars for pet and human charities), and even performing as Toto in two productions of The Wizard of Oz.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Trademark: Labs were originally used as fishing dogs for the villagers of Newfoundland and developed webbed paws for swimming and two distinct layers of hair - inner short, fuzzy hair for insulation, and longer guard hair for water shedding. The modern breed is still very much a water dog and is one of the most popular dogs in the US.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Trademark: Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog

As heat waves come and go this year, we’ve seen the usual horrors of pets — mostly dogs — suffering and/or 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*, and despite intervention by park police, the dog did not survive.

Port City Development Center (Port City), a Portland, OR-based nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, has introduced Waggin’ Tail Organic Dog Biscuits kits. The kits contain wholesome, organic dry ingredients to which pet guardians just add a few ingredients from the kitchen, roll and cut the dough using an attached dog bone cookie cutter, and bake.

Once baked, the biscuits can be stored in the eco-friendly paper bag the ingredients came in (provided they aren’t all eaten fresh from the oven!).

The leading ingredient? Love.

“Canine Caviar” has opened in Manhattan. The daily 40,000-some people who visit Time Warner Center’s restaurants, shops and Whole Foods Market now have a new doggie bag to take home — one from Canine Caviar, maker of holistic pet foods, which has opened its first healthy pet food superstore. Learn more about the company and its products at CCNYC.tv.

People and pets were able to escape ill effects of last month’s heat wave at the Oregon Humane Society, which opened its lobby as a cooling center for pets and their people.

Very Cool!

Often it’s the most difficult matters in life that are hardest to consider, much less discuss. And it is just such matters that call for the greatest care and consideration. If we are to make choices we’ll be at peace with — when the moment arrives, and after it’s passed — we must face the hard things.

Death is the hardest of them all.