Sit, Stay, Speak! Where South Florida talks pets | Sun-Sentinel Blogs

Shelter Stories: Real life on the front lines.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:18:15 -0500

Have you volunteered at an animal shelter or for a rescue group? Do you now? What inspired you to do this? What did you encounter, what were the highs and lows? SSS! would love to hear some "shelter stories" from our readers, because we know a lot of you are on the front lines. Send them to: dlade@sun-sentinel.com. Or post them under Comments here. What got me thinking about this was a first-person piece, passed to me by TJ, by a woman who was a new volunteer at a Brooklyn, NY shelter for cats. Natalie Macrynikola, an editorial assistant at Studio One Networks, learns that rescued kitties needed more patience than she realized -- and ends up with some battle scars on her hands as proof. But she also finds a lot of love from creatures that, in their former lives, had been shown so little of it. Keep reading for the story, which ran in The Daily Cat:

Hang with your four-legged best friend -- forever.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:09:48 -0500

Want to hang with your best friend – forever? It’s now legal in Florida. State legislators last year amended state statutes governing the funeral industry, allowing people to be buried, or their ashes interred, with animals. Yep, before that you were breaking the law if you and Spot were resting in peace side by side. Who knew? The change was proposed by Sen. Jim King, a Republican from the Jacksonville area. King had asked his family to bury him, when the time came, with his beloved black Labrador retriever Valentine, who had died nine years earlier and was cremated. The senator was surprised to learn that cemeteries did not allow humans to be buried with their pets. The law does have two caveats: The ashes of pet and person cannot be co-mingled. And the deceased, or his or her legal guardian, must have given permission in advance. So if this is your wish, make sure you add it into your final exit planning. (photo of pet urn from Angel Ashes. Go to www.angelashes.com)

Matching the right pet with the right kid.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:50:28 -0500

Can't wait to get a cute puppy for your equally cute toddler? Not a good idea, according to the concise but nifty Kids and Pets Interaction Guide from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Very young children still are too curious, and too into pulling and touching, to properly interact with new pets. So wait a few years -- and supervise contact between toddlers and any animals already in the household. Limit childrens' contact with food dishes, litter boxes and the pet's toys. A guinea pig is an ideal first pet, good for ages 3 to 5. But wait until about age 10 to go with dogs and cats -- a time when kids love animals and, with your guidance, can learn to be responsible pet parents. Click here for the guide, which includes age-appropriate pet-care tasks and other tips. So have you had an experience, either in your childhood or with your children, regarding age appropriateness and pets? My brother and I were in early elementary school when we graduated from turtles and fish to our first real pets; twin black kittens that my mother picked up from someone who was adopting them out. We probably weren't quite ready. My mother was horrified when she found us rolling the mewling kitties down the carpeted stairs, laughing because they looked so funny. We honestly thought the cats liked it. The scolding we got was memorable, however; the kittens were unharmed and the lesson learned. (photo from the ASPCA)

Does the latest Verizon ad promote pit bull stereotypes?

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:03:26 -0500

Two pit bulls -- ears close-cropped to sinister points, one in a spiked collar and both draped in heavy chains -- loll in the sun at a junkyard. They quickly come to life when a young man leaps the fence, drawn by a glistening high-tech cellphone that somehow got left behind. The dogs rush with teeth bared as the man races to the phone... Edgy commercial? Or pit bull stereotyping, definitely un-PC in the age of Michael Vick? The latest ad for Verizon's new LG Dare phone is drawing plenty of comments from both sides. Watch it for yourself, if you haven't seen it already. SSS! reader Jenni thinks the spot is "disgraceful" and glamorizes animal abuse, of which pits are some of the most frequent targets. She also is appalled that the ad targets young consumers -- the ones that need to be taught chaining dogs, and turning them into fighting machines, is wrong. Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney said the ad was just a fictious, over-the-top presentation designed to get attention. If you agree with Jenni's view: Click here to sign an online petition, being sponsored by the ASPCA Online Community. It asks Verizon to "show more compassion" about stereotyping a breed often unfairly judged and to not use any live animal performers in the future. So: What do you think about the commercial? Is it just broad-brush, harmless satire? Or harmful to pit bulls and promoting animal abuse? And keep reading for Jenni's comments.

Rescue Me: Bring home a Bear.

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:58:09 -0500

RESCUE ME PET: Bear RESCUE GROUP: Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (LRRoF) BASICS: Yellow Lab HIS STORY: Bear is a 4 ½-year-old male dog who is being fostered with a LRROF family in Weston. He is a good boy in the house and already knows the basic dog commands. Now he just needs a forever family to love. PERSONALITY: His foster family says Bear is mellow and has a great personality. And he loves other dogs, so he would be good with a canine brother or sister. SPECIAL NEEDS: Bear is very curious about cats, so it’s recommended he go to a home with no felines. He has diabetes, so he will need a special diet, insulin and eye drops. TO ADOPT: Wouldn’t you love to have big Bear hugs all the time? If you are interested in adopting Bear, click here on the LRRoF Web site and go to "online adoption application." You will be asked to pay a non-refundable $25 application fee, which is applied toward the adoption fee. The nearest LRRoF volunteer then will contact you and ask you more about your history with animals and your expectations of the new dog. There is a home visit. You can find more details, and fees, on the organization’s Web site. LRRoF dogs are spayed or neutered and microchipped. LRRoF is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to placing purebred Labrador retrievers in loving permanent homes, and is run entirely by volunteers. The group has placed over 2,400 dogs since 2000. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RESCUE GROUP FYI: Most rescue organizations, including Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, have fees and specific requirements for adoptions. Many rescue groups and shelters do family screenings before placing an animal and some require home visits. Some retain the right to reclaim the animal if certain conditions agreed to are not followed. Please make sure you understand all of an organization's requirements, its screening process, and the conditions under which an animal may be reclaimed or returned by the new owner before entering into any adoption. Sit, Stay, Speak! is proud of the many rescue groups in our area, and the dedicated members who work hard to find good homes for abandonned, abused and neglected pets. If you are a rescue group or nonprofit shelter: Send us an e-mail to dlade@sun-sentinel.com and we will feature one of your adoptable pets on Rescue Me.

Does dog ownership give McCain a shot at Best in Show?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:07:23 -0500

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama is touring the Middle East and Europe right now, apparently in hopes that his globe-trotting will boost his foreign policy bonafides. But a Yahoo-Associated Press poll released earlier this month suggests he might do better spending time at PetSmart.

Outgoing First Dogs

The survey of 1,759 people in June suggested that 42 percent of pet owners preferred McCain while only 37 percent would vote for Obama. Those could be numbers worth looking at, given that 63 percent of Americans share their household with companion animals. MCain's own animal house is mighty crowded: There's Sam the English springer spaniel, two Yorkshire terriers named Lucy and Desi, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, and tuxedo cat Oreo, who bears more than a passing resemblance to former Demcractic First Pet Socks Clinton. Obama, not to be outdone, has said he is willing to consider a family dog. And here is where you come in. The American Kennel Club is running what may be the first Presidential Pet Convention to elect a candidate. So far, the breeds nominated include: Bichon Frise, Chinese crested, poodle, soft-coated Wheaten Terrier and minature Schnauzer. This slate was limited to hypoallergenic dogs, as Obama's two daughters have allergies. Go here to cast your vote. And if you want to know more about the pet poll, click here for the full Associated Press story. Oh, and Newsweek science writer Sharon Begley questioned the pet poll in the magazine's latest issue in a story about new statistical methods. Her take: It's race, age and marital status that makes you more or less likely to own a pet. So it's those factors, not whether you are a dog or cat owner, that are more likely to influence your vote. (White House photo by Shealah Craighead)

Learn pet CPR at the Dog Health & Safety Expo.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:58:25 -0500

You can't call 911 when your dog is having a medical crisis. But you can learn how to handle emergencies until you can get to the vet. Get trained in animal CPR and first aid at the Dog Health & Safety Expo, being held from 6 pm to 9 pm next Tuesday (July 22) at Family Dog Central in Deerfield Beach. There also will be instruction on hurricane preparedness for pets and dog massages, plus food, drinks and treats. Leashed dogs are welcome, although the emergency training program is for humans only. (You practice on dog models rather than the real thing). There is a $20 fee for the first aid class, but everything else is free. Pre-register for the class by calling 954-360-2871. Family Dog Central, at 1807 S. Powerline Raod, Suite 101, in Deerfield Beach, offers doggie day care and overnight stays. Click here for the Web site and more information.

TGIF! Help Kenzie get her dream date with First Dog Barney

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:42:00 -0500

Happy Friday! And speaking of happy -- take time today to make Kenzie, a Wheaton-colored Scottish terrier from Seattle, WA., exactly that. Kenzie, you see, has a bad case of puppy love. A big crush. On Barney, the nation's First Dog. As you can see from this little poster she made. The fact that Barney, a black Scottie, soon will be moving out of the White House has not deterred her. Kenzie, with the help of her Scottie brother Boone, has been relentlessly pursuing her dream date with the Barnster. She has launched a YouTube video campaign, asking Barney to please phone. Watch and you can see Kenzie is quite a catch: She works out, is an actress and world traveler, and quite cute. Kenzie tried sending Barney a Valentine and has been on national television, pleading her case. Barney's family acknowledged her advances last year, and even sent some gifts: Pawtographed photos of the Presidential pets, Nylabones, etc. But alas, no date. Here is where you come in. Click here for Boone and Kenzie's Web site, Scottie Tails. You'll see a link where you can e-mail the White House on Kenzie's behalf. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Pet Tested: FURminator makes life less hairy!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:08:00 -0500

Got pets? Then I bet you got stuff – or are thinking about getting stuff. There is serious stuff, like medications and safety collars, and silly stuff, like doggie duds and electric litter boxes that supposedly scoop themselves. There is stuff for grooming, for playing, for sleeping, for eating. But what to buy? For every thing I get for Franny and Dolan that they love, there’s three things that they loathe or ignore. Amount of money spent does not guarantee success. Dolan, for example, loved the $4.90 fleece donut bed I bought on sale at a drug store but would not go near a $50 leopard print “cat nap” mat with no-slip backing. So with this in mind, SSS! presents: Pet Tested. I get lots of promos from product manufacturers about the latest pet gadget. But I want to hear what has worked for you, the consumer, and your pet – NOT from the product promoter. So if you have purchased something that your pet has loved, or hated, tell us about it. Send your thoughts to: dlade@sun-sentinel.com. Here’s our first Pet Tested product: The FURminator. Invented by a professional groomer, the FURminator deShedding Tool looks like an oversized disposable razor. It supposedly removes the loose undercoat that eludes surface grooming. The tool comes in small, medium and large sizes, with additional models for cats and horses. Click here for the FURminator Web site, complete with demonstration videos. Looks like they range in price from about $35 to $60 (don’t know about the equine one). Available at a wide range of stores and Web sites, which you can locate through the company’s home page. But don’t just take the company’s word that FURminator is great. Here’s testimony from faithful SSS! reader TJ: I swear by the Furminator pet grooming tool. I have a long-haired cat with a deep undercoat that defied all manner of grooming tools, and she had hairballs, etc. due to this thick coat. I ended up buying a Furminator in cat size, brushed her thoroughly once, got a TON, I mean a PILE of cat fur off her, including all the undercoat. Now, we touch her up every couple of weeks and no more hairballs, shedding, etc. It’s great. I understand its great for dogs,too, and they have larger sizes for that.

Shelter dogs hit the big time on stage and screen.

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:55:25 -0500

One of the first jobs Bill Berloni had as a college acting major was working on a production of the musical 'Annie" for a small Connecticut theater. They needed a dog to play Annie's sidekick, Sandy. But the budget was tight. So Berloni decided to start his star search in an unlikely place: the Connecticut Humane Society. That was the beginning of Berloni's long career as an animal trainer for Broadway shows and Hollywood films. He still frequently recruits rescued animals for roles -- including Bruiser, the chihuahua (pictured here with Berloni) who hit it big in the stage version of "Legally Blonde." Berloni chronicles his experiences in his new book, "Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars." He did a great interview yesterday with Terry Gross on the National Public Radio program "Fresh Air." I sadly tuned in late, during the last few minutes. But I did catch Berloni's hysterical tale of a bulldog who had the supporting dog role in "Legally Blonde's" California production. Apparently, the novice actor was so excited and happy during his debut that he did what bulldog's in such a state apparently sometimes do: vomited all over the stage, in front of the audience. But the show must go on and so it did, after the cast cleaned up. Click here for an excerpt from Berloni's book and to listen to his NPR interview.

Local pooch vying to be ALPO's next Top Dog and yours can, too.

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:55:55 -0500

We all think our pets are THE most adorable, precious and smart ones around (which makes us sound alarmingly like stage moms and dads). Here’s your chance to prove it to the world. The search is on for a pup that will be the new face (maybe that should be new muzzle) of ALPO, a name synonymous with dog food. But the winner will need more than just good looks. ALPO wants their new spokesdog to be a “meat maniac” – in their own words, “a loveable, everyday dog who has the most entertaining and memorable way of showing his excitement when dinner is served.” You have until July 27 to enter, so hurry, hurry, hurry! Submit a home video of your dog in action by either snail mail or e-mail. Dog lovers preferring to sit on the sidelines can vote for their favorites, American Idol style. Click here for all the details. The top dog will have his or her image featured on 2.5 million cans of ALPO. But wait, there’s more! Other prizes include a trip to Hollywood for the winner and human posse, $10,000 in cash, a hometown celebration – and a year’s supply of ALPO. And we already have a local girl in the running. Below is a video of Sissy, a Pomeranian from Boca Raton, showing that she will work it for food.

Best in show turns major leaguer.

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:46:11 -0500

Uno, the irrepressible pooch who has taken the dog world by storm, probably thought he made the big leagues when he took Best in Show at Westminister earlier this year. But now he truly is in the majors. America's Top Dog threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers-Cinncinati Reds baseball game in Wisconsin last weekend -- possibly the first canine to do the honors. Flying first class with his own seat and harness, Uno earlier wowed the crowd by doing some fielding for Brewer's pitcher Jeff Supan and signing "pawtographs." He also denied rumors that he's dating Madonna (sorry, A-Rod). Click here for a column from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Uno's first pitching start. Wonder if he's a southpaw? (photo by Associated Press)

Moving and money among main reasons dogs and cats lose their homes.

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:02:27 -0500

Millions of animals are surrendered to animal shelters nationwide every year. No one knows for sure exactly how many, as there is no uniform reporting system. Getting an accurate count is the goal of the National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy (click here for more about their work). This organization, comprised of most of the country's major animal welfare organizations, is dedicated to gathering reliable statistics in hopes of tracking trends regarding euthanasia and failed human-animal companion relationships. Or, in short, they want to figure out why some people give up their dogs and cats and others don't, with the goal of reducing pet homelessness. One thing the council already has figured out are the reasons cats end up in shelters are, in some cases, quite different from those regarding dogs. A cat, for example, is far more likely to get dumped because her owner has too many other felines. A dog, on the other hand, may find himself at a shelter because his owner no longer has time to care for him -- something that cats rarely face. Top on both lists, however, are issues involving moving, housing and cost of pet care. Which emphasizes once again: Before you take on the responsibility for an animal -- a commitment that will last for years -- think about if your lifestyle (and your income) is a fit with pet ownership. Also: "No room for littermates" is on both the dog and cat lists. Spaying or neutering your pet takes care of this issue. Here are the council's top 10 reasons that dogs and cats end up in shelters, taken from its survey of over 5,000 facilities: DOGS 1. Moving 2. Landlord issues 3. Cost of pet maintenance 4. No time for pet 5. Inadequate facilities 6. Too many pets in home 7. Pet illness, medical 8. Personal problems 9. Biting 10. No home for littermates CATS 1. Too many in house 2. Allergies 3. Moving 4. Cost of pet maintenance 5. Landlord issues 6. No home for littermates 7. House soiling 8. Personal problems 9. Inadequate facilities 10. Doesn't get along with other pets

What to say when a kid asks: Can I pet your doggie?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:52:22 -0500

When we love our pets, we love it when kids love our pets. It's fun to share the joy of petting our four-legged friends with children, most of whom naturally are drawn to animals. But a recent story by Linda Lombardi, of the Associated Press, points out that saying yes when a kid asks "Can I pet your doggie?" may be setting both the child and the dog up for an unpleasant experience. Here are some tips to make the encounter go well: * Tell the child that before the petting begins, "Let's ask the dog if it's OK first." Either have the child put out a closed fist or a hand with the palm upraised. Or just have the youngster stand close to the dog. Either way, let the dog approach the child. If Fido moves behind you, or turns away, it's not the right time for a pat. * Watch the dog's body language around the child. Forget the tail; watch the mouth. A dog that is licking its lips or yawning excessively is not comfortable. An open mouth means the dog is relaxed. * Tell the child to pet the dog along chin, neck or side, not the blind spot on the top of the head. * Encourage kids to pet in "slow motion" rather than rapid patting. Click here to read the complete story, via the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in Texas, which includes more tips. (AP photo by John Way)

Trainer Amy Robinson, of Vero Beach, shows Myles Blane how to pet Trixie.

Does this collar make me look fat? New diet pill for dogs.

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:21:53 -0500

Rates of obesity in pets are rising in this country, just as it is for their human companions. So with all the quick-fix fat fighters out there for people these days, should we be surprised that there now is one for animals? Slentrol, from Pfizer Animal Health, is the first prescription diet pill for dogs to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It works by keeping some fats from being absorbed by the small intestine, giving the dog the sensation of being full. Hence, the dog isn't hungry and eats less. The medication, when administered properly, will allow your pet to lose about 3 percent of his body weight every month. "If your dog is obsese, help is available!" says the Pfizer Web site. "Managing obesity in your dog is not a matter of 'looking good.' It's about managing the potential for serious health consequences." Agreed. There are about 17 million overweight or obese dogs out there. And yes, they are more prone to arthritis, lung and heart problems -- and, in general, live shorter lives. But is a pill, rather than diet and exercise, really the answer for most dogs? The Coco The Blogging Dog site had a recent post outlining Slentrol's risks, drawn straight from Pfizer's data. Tests showed dogs on Slentrol were more at risk for vomiting and diarrhea, although those symptoms often lessened as the treatment continued. But two dogs in the Slentrol control group developed corneal ulcers. A 5-year-old healthy beagle developed seizures. A dachshund had to be hospitalized for aneroxia. (Click here to read the full Coco post). The reality is: All medications have risks, including those for animals. Is this one worth it? Would love to hear from any veterinarians or dog people who have had experience with Slentrol.