Crazy for Critters

John Travolta's Dogs Killed in Airport Accident

ABC NEWS-

Two dogs belonging to actor John Travolta were killed on the tarmac of Bangor International Airport in Maine last week in what airport and city officials describe as an unfortunate accident.

Click here for the whole story. How awful.

Lovely Lab

Blacky is a 4.5 year old lovely black male lab. He is great with dogs, and kids but not sure with cats. He is fine in a car and likes to put his head outside to catch the wind. He also loves to go for walks and is great on a leash. He is great in a home in terms of being calm and housebroken including not destructive but will play if you give him the chance. His owners describe him as a big lovable dog that loves any and everyone and will just stay by your side too. He knows his commands and loves to give the paw. He does not have a pool at his home but was busted one time in a local pond so we can only assume he would like water. He also likes to come over to you and gently put his head on you for attention. This wonderful sweet loving boy needs to find a home right away because his parents due to circumstances beyond their control need to move to a new place that does not accept dogs. He is a very good boy and would make a great pet for any family.

 

If you are interested in meeting or adopting BLACKY or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website www.labradorrescue.net  or call 1-866-464-LABS. LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable)

All these guys need forever families!

 

From the top:

Roscoe, a 1 1/2 year old sweet, playful, black Lab mix with lots of love to give.  He is in a foster home with another male dog and also gets along well with children.  He will melt your heart and love you forever.  Please call for him today, you will never regret it.  It is up to date on all his shots, weighs 35 pounds, is neutered and has a microchip. And he loves to sing along whenever you play any musical instrument and pull you on the skateboard. email klcremer@aol.com or call 305 401 4693.

Sugar was just thrown out of the house to fend for herself. She is about 4 months old and a neighbor decided she didn't want her and just put her out in the street. She has been wandering around the neighborhood not understanding what she is supposed to do. She needs a family, as you can see in the pix, she is extremely loveable. Must find her foster or home immediately.Call Toni 754 422-0715 or email klcremer@aol.com.

 WHITEY IS A 2-Year-old AMERICAN BULLDOG WHO WAS  WANDERING THE STREETS OF HOMESTEAD IN ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE CONDITION WITH HORRIFIC MANGE.  HE WAS RESCUED OFF OF THE STREETS  AND IS  BEING TREATED WITH THE USUAL PROTOCOL FOR MANGE. BUT  IN ORDER TO RECOVER, HE REALLY NEEDS TO BE IN A FOSTER HOME AND OUT OF THE HEAT AND DIRT. I AM TRYING TO HELP WHITEY FIND A RESCUE THAT CAN KEEP HIM INSIDE AND GET HIM BETTER. HE IS SO MISERABLE OUTSIDE IN THIS ALMOST 90 DEGREE HEAT. I WILL COMMIT TO HIS CONTINUING MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE MANGE AND OFFER A DONATION TO ANY RESCUE THAT WOULD LIKE TO HELP WHITEY.

OF COURSE, HE DOESN'T MAKE IT EASY AS HE NEEDS TO BE THE ONLY ANIMAL IN THE HOUSE. BUT HE IS A LOVE BUG WITH PEOPLE. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO THINK OF THE PHYSICAL MISERY HE IS ENDURING WITH HIS CONDITION OUTSIDE IN THE MIAMI WEATHER THAT IS HERE TO STAY.KLCREMER@AOL.COM

Maddie Needs a Home

Maddie is approximately 2 years old and a Rat/Feist Terrier mix. She has a very sweet disposition, is always happy and full of energy - lots and lots of energy!  Maddie was dumped in my neighborhood several months ago but unfortunately her hunting instincts and her need to be the alpha dog is causing problems in my house.  I have other dogs and cats and keeping her away from the cats is becoming more and more difficult. She loves water, she enjoys going into our pool by laying on the top step and splashing herself with the water to cool off.  She loves to be chased by the other dogs in the backyard. She weighs just over 16lbs,has been spayed, microchiped and is up-to-date on all her shots.

She would do great in a home either as an only dog or a home where the other dog is male and larger than she is.

Call 305-794-1139.

Wonderful Dogs Need Homes

These two cuties are in a vet's office after being from being pulled at Miami-Dade 

(animal services) weeks ago. Lexington (black and brown) is going on a month now and Gingersnap (brown and white) almost 3 weeks. Lexington is a little over 1year old and has lots of energy. He is great with all dogs including small ones. He just wants to play and be loved. He is a big boy at 85 lbs. He is healthy and all vetted, micro chipped and ready for a home. He is house trained too!

Gingersnap is just the sweetest, gentlest little girl. She weighs about 50 lbs and is somewhere between 5-6 years old. She is great with dogs and probably cats too. She just want to curl up and be loved.

 Email klcremer@aol.com

 

Nail Nibbling: could be a problem

While most pets don't indulge in vices such as smoking or drinking, some animals share one seemingly unhealthy behavior with humankind: nail biting. Whether your pet is a chronic nail muncher, or just takes an occasional chew, here's what you should know.

Why Pets Chew Their Nails
According to Christina Shusterich, Canine Behavior Counselor and president of NY Clever K9, Inc. cats bite their nails as part of a grooming routine. They do this "in order to clean them, as well as to get rid of the older, outer sheath of the nail." This often occurs when a cat's nails are overgrown and could use a trim.

Nail chewing in dogs, however, is not normal. They may bite their nails "from itchiness due to allergies or an infection. They could also be biting out of boredom or anxiety." Excessive nail biting by either cats or dogs can be harmful, as it can "cause bleeding, irritation, and infections," says Shusterich.

Dealing With The Problem
There are several steps you may want to try to take care of excessive nail chewing.

Diagnosing the Cause: It's always good to check with the vet when your animal exhibits obsessive behavior to see if there could be an underlying medical cause. But if you think your dog or cat is bored, anxious or has simply irritated his skin so much that he can't stop working it, then there are a few things you might want to try.

Deterring the Behavior: An anti-itch spray paired with a head cone can help ease skin irritation and keep the pet from further abrading it, giving the skin time to heal. "A good over-the-counter anti-itch spray with a taste deterrent is called Lido-Med," says Shusterich.

Distracting the Pet: Bored nail biters can benefit from interactive puzzles and toys to keep their minds off their chewing. According to Shusterich, "Providing catnip for cats and hiding it in several toys can help entice them to search and play." Similarly, hiding a peanut-butter-filled Kong toy keeps dogs busy and "reduces anxiety by boosting your dog's confidence in providing a regular activity in line with his nature, and a job he is performing successfully on a daily basis."

Diminishing the Anxiety: Aerobic exercise is an essential component to reducing stress and this may also help reduce nail biting. Shusterich recommends "15 minutes of playing with your cat and 15 minutes of aerobic activity in addition to your dog's walks" to keep your pet calm throughout the day, thereby reducing their anxious impulse to gnaw on their nails.

And If Your Pet Is Still Biting?
If you haven't consulted your veterinarian yet, go ahead and call. There may be easily treatable allergies or even serious medical issues that the vet can help resolve.

Saddle Up!

MIAMI, May 13, 2010) – The Miami-Dade Animal Services Department, thanks to the professional escort of The Miami-Beach Police Department, invites motorcycle enthusiasts to participate in its 3^rd Annual Cruise for Critters police-escorted motorcycle ride on Sunday, May 16^th, 2010.  Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at the animal shelter located at 7401 NW 74 ST, Miami, FL 33166.

Destination: Scotty’s Landing, 3381 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove

Registration: $20 per motorcycle, includes an event t-shirt while supplies last.   Additional t-shirts are available for $10.

This motorcycle ride will give residents the opportunity to support shelter pets, have a wonderful cruising experience, enjoy a live performance by the Fire Brigade at the restaurant, and see the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles courtesy of Peterson’s, participate in raffles, silent auctions, mobile adoptions, and more.  A day filled with entertainment and prizes for a good cause.

Adoption Requirements:  Interested adopters must be at least 18 years and have current pets registered and vaccinated.  Adoption fees apply. Donations of dog and/or cat rubber toys that can be disinfected are appreciated and will be accepted at the door.   For a complete wish list, please visit http://http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/.

 

Urban Tails Needs Your Vote

Your daily reminder to take a moment to vote! See the link below. We need your help like never before! You all are awesome! We are doing it peeps! We keep moving up. We are at #132 out of 1300! That’s almost the top 10 % !!!! Our goal has been to be in the top 100 by the end of this week. Remember it is the top 2 that get the grant money! $250,000!!!!  So please take the time today to send this email to 10 people you haven’t sent it to. We can’t slow down…  I know it’s not the user friendliest site… Have trouble, call (786) 402-7794.

Urban Tails has qualified for a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant!  The only way we can win it is by being one of the top two organizations that earns the most votes.

 We desperately need this grant to complete construction of our kennel at the Okeechobee Intensive Halfway House, as well as to fund vet bills, food, supplies, computers for the kids and administration costs!  You can find out more about our organization at www.UrbanTails.org

 It only takes seconds to vote. Just follow the link below, register (you can click on a box to avoid getting emails from Pepsi), and vote for us!  Voting lasts until May 31st, and you can vote for us once a day!

 http://www.refresheverything.com/urbantails

 

Don't Bite the Mailperson!

The US Postal Service, whose carriers have been risking the wrath of protective canines for centuries, apparently doesn't hold grudges, and is helping promote shelter adoptions with new stamps. Way to go!

THE ANIMAL RESCUE: ADOPT A SHELTER PET STAMP WAS UNVEILED AT THE PET
CARE FAIR AT BAYFRONT PARK

David Boardman, the Postmaster of Miami - and his dog, Sammy - presented an oversized stamp sheet to Emily-Marquez-Dulin, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet.

MIAMI, FL—May 11, 2010--The new Adopt a Shelter Pet stamp, which went
on sale for the first time on Friday April 30, was unveiled at the Pet
Care Fair at Bayfront Park in Miami. The stamp which was first
unveiled on March 17, 2010 on the Ellen Degeneres show is part of a
50-year tradition of the Postal Service to raise awareness of serious
social issues with commemorative stamps. The 44- cent stamps feature
photos of five cats and five dogs who were all adopted from shelters.
The Pet Care Fair, supported by Walmart, benefitted the ASPCA, the
Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet, he Cat Network, and Animal Services.
 The day-long event, with activities for the entire family and dogs,
celebrated the culmination of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month.

Carrie Ann Gives Kitties a Perfect Score

HIT REALITY-BASED CAT TV SERIES, HOUSECAT HOUSECALL, RETURNS TO ANIMAL PLANET WITH A NEW CAST OF CELEBRITY CAT OWNERS AND MEMORABLE HOUSECATS

Dancing with the Stars Judge Carrie Ann Inaba Appears In Third Season of Show Presented by Purina Cat Chow

ST. LOUIS, MO, May 10, 2010 – The cats are back!  Housecat Housecall, one of the first reality-based cat television programs, is returning to Animal Planet for a third season of providing cat-owning families with resolutions for addressing their various cat behavioral concerns. This season, which begins June 5th, features an exciting and diverse group of cat lovers including a legendary Broadway performer, a Major League Baseball manager and producer, choreographer and celebrity television judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, from the hit show Dancing with the Stars.

 The television series, which airs on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. E/P, with encores on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. E/P on Animal Planet, is hosted by popular TV personality and Australian veterinarian Dr. Katrina Warren. Each week, Dr. Katrina visits cat-owning homes, observes the cats in their natural environments and recommends actionable solutions to the owners to help them ultimately live more connected lives with their cats.  From dealing with everyday issues like “kitchen counter cruising” to more serious matters like achieving household harmony before a family member leaves for a tour of duty in the military, Housecat Housecall features real cats, real people and a real veterinarian working through a wide range of cat care situations .

  “The third season of Housecat Housecall continues our mission of providing cat owners with actionable tips and tools to help them create a well-balanced home life for the whole family, including the cat,” said Dr. Katrina Warren.  “It is extremely rewarding to watch a family finally realize the true joy of having a cat after we’ve been able to help them work through all their cat’s behavioral challenges.”

 This season of Housecat Housecall tackles issues revolving around household integration as in the case of Star, a cat trying to adjust to a household dominated by dogs, or Mia and Peaches, two cats in need of coaxing to warm up to the man of the house. Other stories involve a cat named Tuxedo, who has developed inappropriate scratching behaviors, and Taz, a cat who started to act out when his teenage caretaker left for college. In the case of St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa, Dr. Katrina worked side-by-side with him and his family to identify and train “therapy” cats for an animal-assisted therapy program run by ARF, the animal welfare organization founded by LaRussa. And, Dr. Katrina’s abilities are put to the test when she visits Carrie Ann Inaba’s home and provides the busy professional and owner of five cats with insights on how to successfully juggle a multi-cat household.  

 “Carrie Ann is a committed cat owner who would do anything to ensure her cats feel like a part of the family,” said Dr. Katrina. “Recently, Carrie Ann’s three cat household grew to five when her boyfriend moved in with his two cats Zeus and Mia. This poses an interesting challenge because it means several cat personalities in one home, and it also means Carrie Ann and her boyfriend must split their time with the cats in order to provide each one the attention he or she deserves. Her situation is not unlike the one faced by multiple cat owners around the country”

 Cats are America’s favorite pets, yet they are underrepresented in terms of television programming. Housecat Housecall was developed to fill this void and provide cat owners with a show that would be both entertaining and educational for cat owners. The show recognizes that cats can exhibit various behaviors that add to their unique charm, but when the antics move from endearing to challenging, then it’s time to bring in the professionals.  Dr. Katrina relies on tried-and-true methods for enabling cat owners to work towards the solution that’s best for them in the long-term, and not just the one that will offer the quickest resolution.

 For cat owners seeking information about Housecat Housecall, or for those wanting additional cat care guidance beyond the show, they can visit www.housecathousecall.com. The Web site features an episode guide, cast bios and information for accessing Purina Cat Chow Mentors, cat care specialists who are available to share helpful advice any day of the week, at any time.