Crazy for Critters

If your dog isn't a service dog, don't try to fake it

From the Herald's Dr. Dolittler column (with which I heartily agree. Faking a dog's status imperils the certifications of genuine service dogs).

Service dog trick’s a fraud

 By Dr. Patty Khuly

khulyp@bellsouth.net

Q. My well-behaved shih-tzu goes almost everywhere with me. Unfortunately there are some places where he’s not allowed — the supermarket, the mall and now a cruise I want to take. I’ve heard about the possibility of having him certified as a service dog so he can come with me everywhere. His emotional support is very important to me, and I can’t believe he’d ever be a health risk to anyone.

Though they may be well-loved as members of the family, service dogs are not just pets, and they are there for much more than emotional support. These dogs serve a vital function that goes well beyond companionship. People with a range of conditions, from blindness and autism to seizure disorders and PTSD, rely on them to make their way in the world.

Yet dog trainers, veterinarians, physicians and psychologists are often approached by dog owners with requests like yours. And unfortunately, some agree. But there’s an obvious problem with this scenario: It’s fraud.

Why do people get away with it? Probably because asking to see proof of service-pet status is prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act. And now that the Internet abounds with sites that will send you fake certification documents, all that the less-than-scrupulous have to do is whip out a badge and an orange vest.

Clearly we need to promote greater access, safer travel and fairer laws for all pets, not just for service dogs. But that shouldn’t give ignorant or ethically challenged dog owners the right to exploit laws intended to aid the disabled.

Dr. Patty Khuly has a veterinary practice in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

Miami-Dade found negligent in dog's death

Six years ago, a golden retriever named Cowboy was euthanized by mistake as his distraught owner searched for him. Last week, a jury awarded damages to his family. Click here for the story.

Big Adopt-a-Thon this weekend

NORTH MIAMI FL—April 20, 2011—Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami Dade Animal Services, and The Cat Network, are holding the first community-wide joint adoption event, “Nothing Like a Pet”, on Saturday April 30, and Sunday May 1, from 11am to 4pm.

Adoptions will take place at the Humane Society of Greater Miami at 16101 West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach; Miami Dade Animal Services at 7401 NW 74^th Street in Miami and The Cat Network and Humane Society at 10700 SW 211 Street in Cutler Bay. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a chance to win some fun door prizes.  The Humane Society of Greater Miami will offer reduced fees for adoption on those two days.

The goal of the partnership is to increase the number of cats and dogs that leave the shelter system alive.  Events like “Nothing Like a Pet” will help the partners reach their goal. The more pets that are adopted, the more pets can be saved. There is nothing more gratifying than adopting an abandoned abused or neglected dog or cat who is looking for a new loving home. It’s a “feel good” feeling that is hard to describe. Much more fulfilling than purchasing your pet at a breeder or the pet shop.

Since 2007 the ASPCA has been lending its support financially and through training and other human resources to communities around the country with the goal of helping them save more animals.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami-Adopt-A-Pet is an adoption guarantee organization dedicated to placing every dog and cat in its care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Adoption guarantee means that every animal under its care is safe from the threat of euthanasia for as long as it takes to find them a forever and loving family.  More than 300 homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are cared for every day in its shelter. For further information visit online at http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/  or www.NothingLikeAPet.org.

Miami Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter V, as well as Florida Statute 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues.  Each year, the shelter impounds more than 34,000 pets.  The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: www.miamidade.gov/animals or call Miami-Dade’s Answer Center at 3-1-1.

The Cat Network, Inc. is dedicated to humanely reducing cat over population by educating the public about the need to sterilize their pets and strays; providing access to low-cost spay/neuter services for stray, homeless and abandoned cats; helping members in their efforts to place adoptable cats in loving homes; and advocating non-lethal population control and humane public policy.  For More information www.thecatnetwork.org

For further information on the Mega Adopt-a thon visit www.nothinglikeapet.org 

From GREY2K, the Greyhound Rescue Group

**URGENT ACTION ALERT**
**PLEASE FORWARD AND CROSSPOST TO ALL LISTS**

Friends,

Great news: thousands of Florida greyhounds are closer to being helped than ever before!

Lawmakers in the Sunshine State are now considering two bills (Senate Bill 1594 and House Bill 1145) to decouple greyhound racing from other forms of gambling. If these bills pass, greyhound racing will be significantly reduced – and may even end completely – at thirteen racetracks.

This means that greyhound injuries will be significantly reduced, and the number of greyhounds enduring lives of terrible confinement will also drop. To read a letter I sent to lawmakers yesterday in support this bill, click here.

Thanks to the hard work of thousands of grassroots volunteers, these humane bills have already passed five legislative committees, and are on the verge of becoming law. Today, we need your help to push them over the finish line!

Early next week, two Florida Senate Committees will vote on our Senate Greyhound Decoupling Bill (Senate Bill 1594).

Please call and e-mail each of the lawmakers listed below right away, and politely ask them to support Senate Bill 1594. If you have an adopted greyhound, please mention this in your call.

Tell lawmakers that this is a good bill that will reduce greyhound injuries and reduce the number of greyhounds that endure lives of confinement. Also, tell them that they should not listen to the scare tactics being used by greyhound breeders who want only to protect their cruel industry.

Finally, please remember to forward this message to everyone you know. The greyhounds can't speak for themselves, and are counting on us to be their voice!

Sincerely,

Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President, GREY2K USA

Carey M. Theil Executive Director, GREY2K USA

---

Senator JD Alexander
(850) 487-5044
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Joe Negron
(850) 487-5088
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Thad Altman
(850) 487-5053
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto
(850) 487-5356
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff
(850) 487-5100
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Larcenia Bullard
(850) 487-5127
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Mike Fasano
(850) 487-5062
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Anitere Flores
(850) 487-5130
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Don Gaetz
(850) 487-5009
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Andy Gardiner
(850) 487-5047
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Alan Hays
(850) 487-5014
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Dennis Jones
(850) 487-5065
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Arthenia Joyner
(850) 487-5059
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Evelyn Lynn
(850) 487-5033
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Gwen Margolis
(850) 487-5121
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Bill Montford
(850) 487-5004
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Nan Rich
(850) 487-5103
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Garrett Richter
(850) 487-5124
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator David Simmons
(850) 487-5050
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Gary Siplin
(850) 487-5190
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Chris Smith
(850) 487-5112
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Eleanor Sobel
(850) 487-5097
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator John Thrasher
(850) 487-5030
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Stephen Wise
(850) 487-5027
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

 

Dr. Marty Becker due in SoFla

Celebrity Veterinarian Visiting Dog Lovers in Boca Raton

MIAMI–Dr. Marty Becker, the veterinarian who appears as a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America, is coming to the Miami area for a fan event from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Friday, April 29 at PETCO, 9960 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, Fla. 

Becker’s signing his new book, “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual,” giving a presentation and celebrating with give aways.  Actress and dog lover Betty White calls “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual” “a blessing to all dog lovers,” while Temple Grandin, world-famous animal scientist and autism advocate, says it’s “chock full of practical advice on both behavior and health.” 

“Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual,” offers amazing and easy solutions to the questions dog owners ask the most. Readers will discover how to cut shedding up to 90 percent, tips on getting rid of stubborn pet stains and how to solve the age-old problem of the post bath “shake.” There’s even a strategy to increase a dog’s life span up to 30 percent. (That’s two full years longer!) 

Helpful tips and tricks reveal how to use food puzzles to stave off weight gain and an easy method to turn pill time into treat time.  In these cost-conscious days, Dr. Becker explains a weekly measure that can cut veterinarian bills in half.  He guides the family through selecting the right dog for their lifestyle and describes how to protect the human family from doggy diseases. This breakthrough guidebook employs strategies that not only add to the quality of life for man's best friend, but for the dog lover as well.

 

 

 

 

New book on an important issue

Detroit, MI - Apr 11, 2011 - Detroit estate planning attorneys Robert E. Kass and Elizabeth

Carrie have just published a comprehensive yet concise guide to estate planning for pet owners

which is "must" reading for every pet owner.

 Who Will Care When You're Not There? Estate Planning for Pet Owners explains in plain

English why planning for your pets is necessary, the issues that must be addressed, and the

alternative solutions. It also includes a detailed fill-in Pet Information Sheet and Pet Trust

Drafting Checklist, to provide for more efficient implementation of the plan and keep legal costs

down. The discussion covers pets of all types, including not only cats and dogs, but also parrots

(which can live up to 100 years), and large animals such as horses.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 4-6 million pets are euthanized from

shelters each year, many of which are due to failure of the deceased pet owner to make proper

provisions in his or her estate plan.

 

"Leaving cash and the pet to a relative simply may not work," says Kass. One fellow left his cat

and $5,000 to a nephew "to take care of the cat." After the man died the nephew came to the

Executor and demanded the $5,000. "Where is the cat," asked the Executor? "I took care of it,"

replied the nephew." He had the cat euthanized.

Simple solutions often are not the best. The will was ambiguous, the nephew was the wrong choice, and the uncle's intentions were clearlym not implemented.

 Kass and Carrie have helped many clients make the necessary arrangements for the future

welfare of the pets, in the case of disability or emergency, or should the pets outlive the pet

owner. Though most pet owners do not include their pets in their estate plans, when asked if

they would like to do so, a surprisingly large number say they would. According to Anna Scott,

Chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, planning with a pet trust is

"something many people are concerned about but don't do because they don't know where to

start."

 Kass and Carrie wrote this book to fill that gap. According to animal law expert Prof. David

Favre of Michigan State University College of Law, the book is "...comprehensive yet easily

understood...I have never seen as clear a road map for the future of our pets."

 Since many non-lawyers are intimidated by legal guides, the book includes 14 full-color

illustrations by nationally known animal artist, Jill Flinn, and inspirational quotes, to lighten it

up. It looks more like a coffee table book than a legal guide. "We intend to draw in the pet

owner by the attractiveness of the book," says Kass, "and once they begin flipping through it

they will see the important issues they need to address."

The book answers these fundamental questions:

 - Why you must plan for the future of your pets if something happens to you.

- Why planning for your incapacity, unexpected absences and emergencies is as important as

planning for your death.

- Who are the key players in planning for your pets' welfare, and how to choose them wisely.

- How to determine the right level of care to be provided, how much money to provide, and when

to fund it.

- What are the legal ways to plan for your pets' future welfare, and how to plan in any state,

including an analysis of the law applicable to pet trusts in the 50 states.

- How to minimize taxes and avoid surprises in your planning.

- How pets show grief on loss of an owner, and how to obtain grief support after the loss of a pet.

- How to memorialize your pet, and leave a legacy.

- How to implement the plan, weighing the pros and cons of using an online document

preparation service or an experienced pet planning attorney.

 

Note from Ellie: I wrote a story about this recently. Click here to read it.

 

 

 

April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month

Thousands of Greyhounds In Need of Permanent Homes Due to the Economy, Recent Track Closings

Framingham, MA-What better month than National Adopt-a-Greyhound month to welcome a beautiful, graceful and gentle companion into your home.

A total of 10 Greyhound racing tracks have closed across the country since the end of 2008 and 25 have closed since 2000. An estimated 500 to 1,000 greyhounds have been displaced as a result of each closing. Add greyhounds that have been retired from still-existing tracks across the country and you have thousands of wonderful, vibrant dogs being cared for by adoption groups as they wait to be adopted into permanent homes.

Two tracks recently closed in Massachusetts as a result of state legislation banning racing and the sluggish economy contributed to other closings across the country. April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month and The Greyhound Project is spreading their message of greyhound adoption awareness to ensure that 100 percent of these greyhounds waiting at adoption groups find caring homes.

“Greyhounds are graceful, gentle and make great pets and companions,” said President of The Greyhound Project Michael McCann. “The state of the economy has resulted in fewer adoptions and more surrenders. This factor, along with the track closings, really underscores the importance of finding permanent homes for these wonderful Greyhounds.”

The Greyhound Project works to support over 300 greyhound adoption groups nationwide. The charity also publishes Celebrating Greyhounds, an award-winning quarterly magazine written for greyhound adopters, owners, and supporters.

About The Greyhound Project

Founded in 1992, The Greyhound Project is a volunteer, non-profit organization. The mission of The Greyhound Project is to promote the welfare and adoption of greyhounds by providing support and information to adoption organizations, adopters, and the public. Please visit www.adopt-a-greyhound.org for more information.

 In South Florida, check out Hollydogs: www.hollydogs.org.

Delta Bans Bulldogs from Flying in Baggage

They have respiratory issues and died in flight more than any other breed. Click here to read the story from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Prevent More Distemper!

(MIAMI, April 8, 2011) – In an effort to raise awareness and protect the pets in our community against Canine Distemper, Animal Services is hosting a 2^nd Distemper Prevention Event on Sunday, April 10^th, 2011, from 10 am to 4 pm at the shelter located at 7401 NW 74 Street, Miami, FL.

“Too few dogs and puppies are vaccinated against Distemper and Parvo in our community” said Dr. Sara Pizano, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services.  “Infectious diseases are a serious problem in our http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/County and not just a shelter problem.  After the shelter’s exposed population was adopted or rescued, new pets infected with Distemper or Parvo were brought to our shelter.   These animals had never been in our shelter before, confirming the severity of the problem and its extent. We encourage pet owners to see their veterinarians for regular vaccinations and preventive care.”  added Dr. Pizano. 

Veterinarians will provide low cost ($2) Distemper/Parvo vaccination to dogs over 2 months of age.  Canine Distemper and Parvo Virus can be fatal in unvaccinated puppies and dogs.  These viruses are becoming more dangerous in our community and vaccination is essential.  Animal Services recommends all pet owners to regularly vaccinate, identify and sterilize their pets.  A healthy pet is a happy pet.  Other services provided at the shelter are rabies vaccination, Microchipping, pet adoptions and sale of dog license tags.  For additional information and services, please visit www.miamidade.gov/animals

WHAT:      2nd Distemper Prevention Day

 

WHO:        Miami-Dade Animal Services Department

 

WHEN:      Sunday, April 10^th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

WHERE:    Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter - 7401 NW 74 ST - Miami, FL 33166 

 

Donation Gift Certificates are ideal presents for any occasion.  It’s the perfect gift for everyone and a gift that will help the shelter animals.

This is Milas. He's 7 and isn't adjusting to life in an apartment.Contact: 786-325-5410 or kellross1@yahoo.com