Cat Dog Blog

Winner: 2009 Cat Lady Award

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:41:36 GMT

The envelope please... And the winner of the 2009 Cat Lady Award goes to... Wanda Oughton.

Wanda, a 62-year-old widow, was accused in March of keeping 150 cats in her New Jersey mansion. She recently plead guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty and was ordered to pay more than $35,000 in fines and restitution.

Seriously, 150 cats in one house? That is just wrong!

Well, it gets worse...

When the cats were seized, the count was over 211 cats, and some of those were pregnant.

Wanda claimed that she knew there were too many cats, but she was "overwhelmed by the situation." She said that she loves animals and just didn't know how to take care of the situation.

Wanda was ordered to give up ownership of the cats, and was told she can not own more than 6 cats during the next three years. Also, all cats have to be spayed or neutered. Seems fair. At least she won't have to give up her title of "Cat Lady."

As for the cats, they are flooding a local shelter and are available for adoption (unless your name is Wanda).

(Photo - Flickr: scragz)

Upcoming Movie - Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:19:45 GMT

Richard Gere is starring in an upcoming flick, Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale, releasing in US theaters in October 2009. The film, which might also be referred to as Hachiko: A Dog’s Story, is going to be a heart-warming family movie, adapted from a 1987 Japanese film (Hachiko Monogatari), and based on the true story about a devoted dog. The film releases in Japan in August.

Three adult Akitas - Chico, Layla, and Forrest - played the role of Hachiko, depicting different parts of the dog’s life. The movie also stars Joan Allen, Sarah Roemer, Erick Avari, and Jason Alexander.

From what we’ve found, the movie will closely follow the true story of Hachiko and his owner, even though the new movie is set in modern day America, instead of 1924 Japan.

Here the official Hachiko: A Dog's Tale movie trailer:

A little of the history and legacy of Hachiko

Each morning, a once abandoned Akita, Hachiko walked with his owner, Professor Ueno, to the Shibuya Train Station, where the dog watched his owner leave for work. Each evening, the dog would return to the train station to greet his owner when his train arrived after work. The pair continued this tradition until one evening, the owner didn’t return on his train (he had a stroke while at work and died, never returning to the station where his dog waited). After the Professor’s death, Hachiko kept his routine of waiting for his master at the station in the evening. Sadly his master never returned, but other commuters were touched by the dog’s devotion and would bring him treats while he waited. For 10 years following the Professor’s death, the dog showed up in the evening about the time the train pulled into the station.

The dog passed away in 1935, but his stuffed remains have a permanent home in the Natural Science Museum of Japan in Tokyo. A statue of Hachiko was erected at Shibuya Station in 1934 to honor the dog’s devotion. During World War II the statue was sadly recycled, but in 1948 the original artist’s son created and stood a new statue of Hachiko, which still stands at the popular meeting spot. Each year in April, there is a quiet ceremony, remembering Hachiko’s life and mission.

The original Hachiko (thanks Wikipedia)

Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet? The Book That Helps Answer Age-Old Dog Questions

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:04:49 GMT

Recently, I was scanning the bookstore for some interesting reads and I cam across this intriguing title... Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet? I have been wondering the same thing for years actually, so I picked up a copy. The book is a question and answer book, addressing "101 of the most perplexing questions" about dogs. The funny and informative answers are given by Marty Becker, DVM and Resident Vet on "Good Morning America", and Gina Spadafori. Here are just a few of the fun questions from the book and snippets of the answers.

Why do dogs drink out of the toilet? Is it safe to let them?

"Dogs consider the toilet an incredible, spring-fed porcelain fountain. From a dog's point of view, toilet water is better because it's fresher, cooler and hasn't been standing around in a little bowl for hours and hours. It's magically changed, refreshed, renewed with every push of the handle."

Why does my dog take so long to poop?

"In some dogs, delaying is a learned behavior. They've figured out that as soon as they're done, the outing is over - so they'll delay as long as possible. Give your dog a little extra walking time, perhaps with a fun game thrown in, and she won't feel do urgent to carefully schedule her poop."

How strong is a really strong dog?

"According to the Saint Bernard Club of Alaska, on August 11, 1974, the Saint Bernard Kashwitna set a world record pulling 6,000 pounds on wheels and won the title of World's Strongest Dog in the Guinness Book of World Records."

Can a grown dog recognize her mother or littermate if she meets them again?

"No one can say for sure, but many a longtime reputable breeder has noted that dogs not only seem to recognize others of their breed, but also seem to have some natural affinity for close relatives."

Is a dog's mouth really cleaner than a human's?

"We're sorry, but...yuk! You don't have to be an oral hygiene expert to know that any animal who eats cat poop, horse doo and garbage, who licks his own genitalia and is fascinated by rear ends of other dogs, isn't exactly going to have a clean mouth. It's hard to imagine how such an idea ever got started, especially when you consider that we humans routinely floss and brush our teeth, gargle, visit the dentist and worry about germs that cause bad breath."

Do dogs sweat?

"Compared to their owners, dogs have very few sweat glands. There are some in the paws pads, so dogs do sweat from their feet and from other relatively less furry regions of their bodies. But the primary way dogs cool off is by panting."

Can dogs get sunburned?

"The risk of overexposure to the sun can, indeed, be a problem for many dogs. not only can they get sunburned, they can also get skin cancer."

Are Border Collies really the smartest dogs?

"Want to pick a fight? Tell the owner of an Afghan Hound that her dog is dumb as a rock. And yet, that was the conclusion of Stanley Coren's bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranked most dog breeds based on how they performed on tests and various canine sports. At the top? The Border Collie, a dog considered so quick to learn and driven to perform that the brighter ones could probably do your taxes for you."

The book has many more questions (93 to be exact),from controversial to common knowledge. The answers will make you go "hmmmmm." Check it out! The author also wrote a similar book about cats called, Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

Video: Pinky, The World's Most Adoptable Cat

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:35:21 GMT

Maybe Pinky just doesn't like his name, or maybe he was just camera shy (or vicious)! Hope they got another take, and got Pinky adopted to the right home - one without cameras and guys dressed as animal control agents!

Made in America Dog and Cat Breeds

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:05:24 GMT

To celebrate Independence Day, we thought we’d recognize the dog and cat breeds that are all-American! These are all registered breeds with the American Kennel Club and Cat Fancier’s Association. For more information about the interesting origins and breed standards, visit the AKC or CFA sites.

American Dog Breeds

American Foxhound
American Eskimo Dog
American Water Spaniel
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Plott
Australian Shepherd
Cocker Spaniel
Toy Fox Terrier

American Cat Breeds

American Curl
American Shorthair
Maine Coon
Ragdoll
American Bobtail
American Wirehair
Burmese
LaPerm
Ocicat
Selkirk Rex

Learn about all 161 AKC registered dog breeds and all 41 CFA recognized pedigreed cat breeds at the annual Meet the Breeds event in October.

Photo courtesy AP

Dumb Guy Tries to Get Sex and Cash in Exchange for Lost Dog

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:54:05 GMT

In the file of "World's Dumbest Criminals Posing as Good Samaritans" we find this story...

A registered sex offender, Alfredo Dempkey, from Hawthorne, California happened to find a missing dog named Pineapple. When he contacted the family regarding their now-found dog, Dempkey talked with a young girl and demanded that she bring $70 or have sex with him, in order to get the dog back. When this young girl told her father, Felipe Carrillo, he called the cops, then went to the arranged meeting place at El Pollo Loco (without his daughter). Dempkey was confronted by Carrillo and his dog was returned to him, with no other exchanges. The cops arrested the man for attempted extortion.

This guy was so close to being a good Samaritan, calling the lost dog's phone number listed on the tags, but when he tried to hold the dog ransom for cash and sex, something went terribly wrong. Some people just don't have their heads screwed on tight enough!

Look how cute Pineapple's dog dress is!

5 Ways to Keep Dogs Happy on the Fourth of July

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:56 GMT

This pup is happy and ready for the 4th of July!

Fourth of July is a fun holiday for most humans - enjoying the sun, BBQs, water sports, and fireworks - but for dogs this hot, summer holiday can be traumatic. These 5 tips should help make you and your dog happier this Independence Day!

Go Easy on the Heat

BBQs, fireworks, and hot weather usually mark The Forth of July holiday. Remember that your dog can overheat easily. Too much sun or heat can be harmful to your dog. Never leave a dog in a hot car, or home, and if exercising your pup in the heat, take it easy so your dog doesn’t get heat-stroke. Dogs can get sunburned, so make sure your dog has some shade to enjoy if outside for a long time.

Indulge in Water

Seems like common knowledge, but it can be easy to forget to leave enough water for your dog to drink when you are enjoying the holiday festivities.

Dogs that just can’t get enough water in a bowl often enjoy water sports or activities with their humans. Be it on the beach or boat, make sure your dog is safe by using a dog life vest. This should be a must for young or old dogs that aren’t especially good at swimming.

Enjoy Some Quiet Time

With all the hustle and bustle of 4th of July swim parties, fireworks, and BBQs, dog’s can get - and stay – wound-up. Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest and quiet time. This is especially important when it comes to fireworks. Keep dogs inside, in a safe a quiet place. Help drown out the often-fearful noise of the bangs and booms, by closing windows and doors, or maybe leaving the TV on.

Tag Your Pup

No, this doesn’t mean making your dog the hunter-of-the-hunted in a game of lawn tag. It is a reminder to make sure your dog wears his or her ID tags. Think fun party, lots of people in and out of the backyard…meaning lots of potential opportunities for your dog to get out.

It is especially important to wear tags when the fireworks start flying. Dog’s reactions are pretty unpredictable when it comes to fireworks. Yes, some dogs aren’t phased much, but other have a flight response when they hear the loud noises. If your dog gets scared, it might run away. Keeping his tags on can help keep your dog safe – just in case.

Be an Example

If you live in my neighborhood (or probably any neighborhood for that matter), you know that people don’t wait until July 4 to start playing with fireworks. Use this time as an example to your dog. Your dog reads your emotions and reactions, so show your dog that you aren’t afraid of the loud noises. Hopefully this can show them that the loud and abrupt noises aren’t something to fear. When the 4th of July rolls around, and the fireworks get louder, still take proper precautions – like keeping your dog inside, in a quiet place – but let your dog see that fear isn’t the right reaction. This can help make the holiday better for both of you.

For some more tips on keeping your dog safe and happy on the Fourth of July, check out these helpful resources:

ASPCA

About.com

Bitter-Beer-Face Pabst Wins Blue Ribbon

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:56:20 GMT

No, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer was not selected as America's best brew this year (it was selected for the famed Blue Ribbon back in 1893 though), but a dog named Pabst was selected as the Blue Ribbon winner at the 2009 World's Ugliest Dog Competition.

Pabst is a 4-year-old Boxer mix, that was crowned as the World's Ugliest Dog in the annual competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California on Friday. Pabst's owner, Miles Egstad, named his rescue dog after the inexpensive beer, because the dog had the "bitter-beer-face" look.

The Ugliest Dog title doesn't come easily...the dogs have to compete in many different breed and mutt rounds, pedigree semi-finals, and finals. The breed that usually wins the competition, the Chinese Crested breed, came close to the title, but won runner-up instead. A couple of the Chinese Crested dog owners mentioned to the press that they didn't think Pabst was really that ugly. Apparently the judges thought that Pabst's massive under bite was a thing of "ugly beauty" though.

Ironically, Pabst won a modeling contract, trophy, photo shoot, pet supplies, and $1,600 total in prize money.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Video: Piggyback Dog Bike Ride

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:42:57 GMT

This dog is truly enjoying this interesting mode of transportation, forget running along side the bike from now on...

See more Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

You are Making Your Dog Look Guilty

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:58:07 GMT

Think about what happens when you get home from a long day and you find a chewed up shoe, or a big hole dug in the backyard. Your dog looks at you with those loving puppy-dog eyes, slouches away from you, and looks guilty right? Wrong.

A new study came out that revealed the origins of that “guilty look” in dogs. And what scientists uncovered is that it is you prompting that look in your dog.

The Barnard College study on “Canine Behaviour and Cognition,” conducted by Assistant Professor Alexandra Horowitz, revealed that humans see that “guilty look” in dogs, whether the dogs committed a punishable offense or not. Though the study is clear to point out that this does not mean dogs cannot feel guilt.

During the study, dog parents were asked to leave the room after ordering their dogs not to eat a tasty dog treat. While the owner was away, some dogs were given the treats to eat by Horowitz. During the trials, when the dog parents returned to the room, they were told that their dog had eaten the forbidden treat, or in other cases, they were told their dog had behaved properly and left the treat alone. What the parents were told often did not correlate with what really happened.

The study concludes, “Whether the dogs' demeanor included elements of the ‘guilty look’ had little to do with whether the dogs had actually eaten the forbidden treat or not. Dogs looked most ‘guilty’ if they were admonished by their owners for eating the treat. In fact, dogs that had been obedient and had not eaten the treat, but were scolded by their (misinformed) owners, looked more ‘guilty’ than those that had, in fact, eaten the treat. Thus the dog’s guilty look is a response to the owner’s behavior, and not necessarily indicative of any appreciation of its own misdeeds.”

It’s an interesting study that touches on the tendency of people to associate dog behaviors to human reactions. So, your dog may or may not have chewed up your shoe, but either way, he isn’t actually looking guilty or showing remorse because of it.

(Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Mark Coffey)

Special Delivery Kitten, Postage Due

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:27:51 GMT

On his routine letter-carrying route, postal worker George Knapp, received an odd (and living) piece of mail. Knapp found a young 2lb kitten sitting inside a public post box in Boston, along with the regular letters and boxes. After being checked out by the MSPCA, it was determined that the kitten was probably stuffed into the mailbox through the small opening.

The postal worker decided that this special delivery must have been fate, so he adopted the kitten and named her, P.D., short for Postage Due. No word yet if the kitten's postage was ever paid, or if any letters or parcels were "damaged" by the temporary-resident post box pussycat.

Doggone Wedding of the Year

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:32:06 GMT

At sunset on Saturday June 20, 2009, Fifi Fourlegs wed Rover Ruffcoat just off their favorite trail in a lush green meadow. The bride walked down the aisle to “Hound Dog” by Elvis, while she shined in a beautiful satiny Wedding Dress with Veil by Casual Canine. The grinning groom dressed to impress in a Groom Tuxedo and Top Hat by the same designer.

The dog wedding was a fancy affair, complete with silky aisle runner, garden arbor with cascading hydrangea plants, and satin ribbons and bows decorating the seats. The bride chose pink and black as the wedding colors, making sure every little detail down to the bridesmaid dress and best man’s shirt, featured these colors.

The reception hall was glamorously decorated in draped pink, black, and white fabric. And the tables were set with Yappy Couple Tug Toys as party favors. The reception included a full buffet of gourmet dog food, biscuits, biscotti and jerky treats, as well as an open water bar.

After a yummy meal, guests barked and boogied to music like “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men and “Dog Eat Dog” by AC/DC. The bride and groom shared their first dance to “Puppy Love” by the Osmonds.

It was a beautiful dog wedding day, filled with family, friends, and fun. The happy couple is jetting off on their honeymoon tomorrow to visit luxurious dog parks and resorts across the nation.

Here are the first wedding portraits…

The Beaming Bride, Fifi

The Grinning (or Grimacing) Groom, Rover

The Beautiful Bridesmaid (Bride's Cousin), Cindy

The Best Man (Groom's Best Friend), Ace

Be different...host a dog wedding or include your dog in your special wedding day!

iPhone App Makes Annnoying Your Dog Really Easy

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:22:59 GMT

Yep, there is an app for that! This iPhone application is designed for the purpose of teasing your poor unsuspecting dog. Once installed (for a low cost of an iPhone and $0.99), the Dog Teaser app by Hurryforward Ltd, provides you with high frequency whistles, as well as annoyance tools like the sounds of a cat fight, door bell, vacuum and more! The remote control looking app seems like a pocket-sized torture device, but I suppose it could be a little entertaining to trick your dog with familiar noises. I figure it's the dog version of messing around with a flashlight and a cat.

To get the Dog Teaser, visit the App Store on your iPhone.

Take Your Dog to Work Day Almost Here

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:17:48 GMT

That's right, this year celebrates the 10th year of Take Your Dog to Work Day (or TYDTWD for short)! Created and sponsored by Pet Sitters International, it is a day for you to celebrate your dog companion and possibly encourage others to be dog owners through adoption or rescue.

Next Friday, June 26, businesses big and small will participate in this day for the dogs and the humans that love them. Many companies create special activities for the day, while others just enjoy the presence of dogs in a place where they usually aren't welcome.

Obviously check to make sure your workplace is participating before taking Fido to work. If you want to start the tradition at your office, direct the decision-maker to TakeYourDog.com for information on how to win over your boss. The site also has some fun ways to celebrate and get involved.

Don't foget to get the proper dog clothes for the office at BaxterBoo.com (remember argyle makes a good impression), and participate in the official TYDTWD site photo contest. Show off all the dog-gone fun you can have at work!

Fun Fact

Top 10 (+1) Dog-Friendly Companies

1. BaxterBoo.com (we think we are #1)

1a. Google

2. Amazon.com

3. Banfield, the Pet Hospital

4. Amazon.com, Inc

5. Petsmart

6. Autodesk

7. ValueOptions

8. Nature Conservancy

9. Be Your Best

10. Advent Software

Most Toxic Plants to Pets

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:44:56 GMT

How does your garden grow? Or rather, what is growing in your garden? Make sure you have pet-safe plants in your yard and garden, and find out which plants and flowers are highly toxic to pets.

Lilies

Lilies are dangerous for cats, especially the Easter Lily plants. Ingesting even a small can cause severe kidney damage in cats. Lily plants are found everywhere and have many different forms.

Sago Palm

All parts of the Sago Palm (aka: the cycad palm) are highly poisonous to pets, however, the seeds or nuts are the most toxic part. Just one or two seeds can result in serious problems such as liver failure or death. This plant tastes yummy to pets, so be extra careful. The ASPCA reports that the incidence of Sago Palm ingestion by pets has risen by more than 200% in the last five years. This plant is found mostly in warm temperature and tropical climates.

Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus plants are a variation of true crocuses, except they flower in the fall (hence the name). If pets ingest Autumn Crocus flowers, it can result in multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Azalea/Rhododendron

Azaleas contain cardiotoxins that can cause problems in pets such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, depression of the central nervous system, and potentially coma and death. “Domesticated” azaleas and rhododendrons tend to be less toxic than the wild varieties. Azalea shrubs flower in the spring, with the flowers only last a few weeks.

Oleander

The beautiful Oleander is known as one of the most poisonous plants in the world. All parts of Oleander plants are considered to be toxic to humans and animals, however the sap is the most toxic element. Ingesting small amounts of Oleander, even after the plant dies can potentially cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia or death. Oleander plants are ornamental plants most commonly found in warm, tropical regions.

Tulip/Daffodil/Paperwhite Bulbs

Most everyone knows what the flowers look like, but you may not know how harmful the bulbs are to your pet. If a pet eats a large quantity of tulip or narcissus plant (daffodil and paperwhite) bulbs, it can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. Small amounts generally cause an upset stomach or vomiting. So, once you plant your bulbs, keep an eye on them when your pet is near.

Castor Beans

The toxin in Castor Oil Plant beans or “seeds” is ricin, which can cause severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite in pets. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, or death. Poisoning can occur if the seeds are broken or chewed. Odd castor bean fact: 4 can kill a rabbit, 11 can kill a dog, but it takes 80 to kill a duck.

Marijuana/Cannabis

You don’t usually find marijuana in gardens, given that it’s illegal, but it’s still in some people’s homes. A pet that ingests Cannabis can exhibit the following signs: depression of the central nervous system, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures and coma. Though dangerous, it probably isn’t deadly for pets unless ingested in large amounts.

Yew

Yew plants contains a substance called taxine, can seriously effect your pet’s central nervous system, symptoms include trembling, lack of coordination, and difficulty breathing. Toxic Yew plants can also cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death. Yew are small evergreen trees that come in many different forms, however, the leaves are flat and dark green.

Mushrooms/Toadstools

Often found growing in yards and gardens, mushrooms and toadstools should always be considered highly toxic for your pet. Ingestion of wild mushrooms can cause many issues, the most serious being liver failure and death in pets. Keep an eye on your yard and dispose of any mushrooms that pop up if you have a pet. Be especially on watch during times of heavy rain.

For more information on poisonous plants to pets, visit the Animal Poison Control Center from the ASPCA. Make sure you are planting a pet safe garden by using the ASPCA's searchable plant database.