SPCA of Texas offers $5,000 reward in cat killer case

As if there weren’t enough reasons to keep your cat inside, some deranged individual in Northwest Dallas has given us all another one by going on a killing spree, strangling and dismembering neighborhood cats.

Although this is not an isolated incident (there are too many stories of cats being killed and mutilated all across North Texas, whether by animal abusers or urban wildlife), it is sufficiently disturbing that the SPCA of Texas is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

"There is a well-documented link between animal cruelty and human violence." said SPCA of Texas President James Bias. "Helping the Dallas Police Department bring these individuals to justice will help stop the cycle of abuse." Anyone with information about the cat killings should contact Corporal Kimberly Crawford with the Dallas Police Department at 214-670-6037.

For more info: Learn how to report animal cruelty, or check out A Safe Cat Is A Happy Cat.  Robert Wilonsk writes for Dallas Observer's Unfair Park blog and he recaps a  conversation with the lead DPD investigator in the case.  Think your outdoor cat will never be happy indoors?  Bringing an Outside Cat In tells you how to do it successfully.

An inspiring and compassionate video - please watch and share!

Some information below (copied from the YouTube posting):

Jerry Borders is a Dallas, Texas animal activist. After protesting Petland for months he decided to write a song against Petland and puppy mills. This is a personal video. It is not associated with any animal protection organization.

Some background (just in case you haven’t been across this issue):

The Humane Society of the U.S. investigated Petland and found that they are linked to puppy mills where the breeding mothers and also male dogs spend their lives living in cages (on wire floors) and pens breeding over and over to supply pet shops and internet breeders.
http://tinyurl.com/64mkh6

PetSmart and PetCo do NOT sell puppies, but instead ONLY invite rescue groups into their stores to adopt out the dogs and cats who need to find their forever homes. I wish they’d do the same with Ferrets, rodents, birds and fish but dogs and cats is a start.

Five things you can do to help:

1. PLEASE Consider adoption first when getting a pet. Animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes who need and deserve loving homes. Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebreds.
2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises in person to see how the parent dogs are living and the conditions in which the puppy was raised. Responsible breeders house their dogs as members of the family and do not keep them confined to cages.
3. Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies. Good breeders do not sell to pet stores because they want to meet the families who are taking home their puppies.
4. Don't be swayed by a great website or ad: Many of the puppy mills The HSUS has raided in recent years hid behind beautiful and deceiving websites promising "family raised" puppies.
5. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him. Your purchase will only help perpetuate a cruel industry and another dog will quickly fill his cage.

For more information on how to get a puppy from a shelter or a responsible breeder, go to www.humanesociety.org/puppy

To join the Petland protests in Frisco, Plano, Dallas and Arlington please send your name and e-mail address to Dr. John Pippin at: jjpippin@sbcglobal.net

Technorati Tags: Jerry Borders,Change Some Hearts,Puppy Mills,Pit Bulls,Chained Dogs,Petland,PetSmart,PetCo,animal abuse,animal welfare,humane society,HSUS

Housecat Housecalls on Animal Planet

Long before Victoria Stillwell was addressing doggie behavioral issues and promoting positive and humane training methods on her hit TV show “It’s Me or the Dog”, a little show in Australia called “Harry’s Practice” featured a beautiful and smart lady vet called Dr. Katrina Warren, who’d advise on pet health and behavior.

Well the combination of beauty, compassion and an interesting accent has proved a crowd pleaser, but with so many dog training programs out there, who’s talking to cat lovers with feisty felines? Who else but Dr. Kat?!

Dr. Katrina is currently hosting Housecat Housecall® on Animal Planet, Saturdays 10.30am ET.

Each week she will visit two families and, with the help of the Housecat Housecall® Mentors Dr. Karen Sueda and Dr. Rich Goldstein, she'll try to make some sense out of a wide range of feline puzzlers. Whether it's just a quirky behavior or something more complex, Dr. Katrina and her team work out real solutions that help bring peace, harmony, and well-being back to the homes of cats and owners.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

I am an Animal Rescuer

We have no idea who wrote this but it really does sum up the heart of an animal rescuer.

On behalf of all the animals saved by courageous people who put themselves, their safety and their financial wellbeing on the line, time and time again, to create a more humane world - THANK YOU.

I am an Animal Rescuer.

My job is to assist God's creatures.
I was born with the drive to fulfill their needs.
I take in helpless, unwanted, homeless creatures
   without planning or selection.
  I have bought cat food with my last dime.
I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.
  I have hugged someone vicious and afraid.
  I have fallen in love a thousand times.
  And I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body
   too many times to count.

I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends.
I don't often use the word "pet".
  I notice those lost at the road side
  and my heart aches.
  I will hand raise a field mouse
and make friends with a vulture.
I know of no creature unworthy of my time.

I do not want to live forever if there aren't
animals in Heaven, but I believe there are.
Why would God make something so perfect
and leave it behind?

Some may think we are masters of the animals,
but the animals have mastered themselves...
something people still haven't learned.

War and abuse make me hurt for the world,
but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind.
We are a quiet but determined army
and we are making a difference every day.

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan,
nothing more rewarding than saving a life,
no higher recognition than watching them thrive.
There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play
who, only days ago, was too weak to eat.

By the love of those who I've been privileged to rescue,
I have been rescued.

I know what true unconditional love really is,
for I've seen it shining in the eyes of so many,
grateful for so little.

I am an Animal Rescuer.
My work is never done.
My home is never quiet.
My wallet is always empty,
but my heart is always full.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

Today our President, Rebecca Poling, celebrates her birthday and all the animals she has helped (and continues to be an awesome advocate for) celebrate the day she was put on this earth too!

So it came as no surprise that instead of gifts from her friends, Rebecca asked us to donate to Companions for Life to help her continue doing good for animals. Naturally we did, and I’d like to ask you to join us.

For today only, click here to go to Rebecca’s Facebook cause and donate whatever you are comfortable with.

Every dollar helps us drive humane education initiatives and shelter outreach, and enables us to partner with other animal welfare groups to lobby City, County and State government for improved companion animal laws in support of our mission: No More Disposable Pets!

Happy Birthday Rebecca, from the Companions for Life team and all the animals you help!

(posted by Urbancritter)

Dog Health Alert: Canine Flu Outbreak

All dog owners, shelters, and doggie daycare or boarding facilities need to be aware that Canine influenza, the potentially deadly and highly infectious H3N8 virus commonly known as dog flu, is spreading.

An article on Discovery News channel today notes that the virus has already claimed the life of at least one dog in Virginia and is now affecting dogs in at least four other states: Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Not only can dogs catch Canine flu from each other, but they can also catch it from humans who may have come into contact with infected animals. Because this virus is a mutation of an original equine virus, thereby already transmitting across species, the risk of dog-to-human infection is a definite possibility in the future.

The article notes “Symptoms in dogs can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and a respiratory infection that may last a few weeks. One to five percent of victims die from related hemorrhagic pneumonia.”

There is a vaccine, however it was only released three weeks ago. According to an article on the AVMA website treatment is, as with any viral disease, largely supportive. Secondary bacterial infections can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

So what should you do? Well, know that any situation that brings dogs into contact with each other increases the risk of transmission, however that risk can be mitigated with good infection control practices by shelters, kennels, and daycare facilities (and you!).

If you suspect your dog may have, or have been exposed to, canine influenza see your vet as soon as possible, follow good virus control procedures (essentially the same as for people-flu: wash your hands often and disinfect your clothes and surfaces regularly, to reduce cross-contamination) and keep them isolated from other dogs until you have the all-clear. If your dog is clearly exhibiting symptoms, be responsible and quarantine them immediately!

As with flu in people, the key is not to panic but to be vigilant and proactive about helping prevent the spread of the virus. Good nutrition and hydration can also help keep your dog’s immune system strong, so they are more resilient to health issues.

For additional information and updates, please visit these websites:

• American Veterinary Medical Association - www.avma.org
• University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine - www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr
• Cornell University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - http://www.diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/issues/civ.asp
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/healthypets
• Association of Shelter Veterinarians - www.sheltervet.org

Just what the doctor ordered – some CODY medicine!

 

Cody really needs a forever home ASAP.  Please help.  He LOVES people and gets along great with dogs.  This cat is as sweet as can be - young, playful, cute – with LOADS of personality.  What’s not to love?!

He’s a bit of a cheeky guy though, and doesn't get along well with some other cats.  He might do quite well with a dominant female, though - someone who can put him in his place when he gets too feisty! 

Send us a message to info@companionsforlife.org if you can give this guy a home – he’ll repay you with lots of love and fun!

Dog-A-Poolooza this Saturday 8/22 in Garland, Tx

This Saturday, August 22th 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Companions For Life will be at the Garland Bark Park for "Dog-A-Poolooza", a splash-and-swim day for you and your dog at Holford Park Pool, 2322 Homestead Garland, TX 75044.

The cost is only $5 per dog plus $1 per person.  Proceeds benefit Garland Bark Park's efforts to save the lives of dogs and cats left at the Garland Animal Shelter by hosting monthly events where the public can find meet wonderful dogs, cats, kittens and puppies in need of loving homes.

All Dallas area residents and their friendly dogs are welcome, but leave any aggressive or un-socialized canines at home please.  This is a fun, hi-energy, event not suitable for babies and toddlers.  Children under 12 are welcome but will not be allowed in the pools.

There will be a raffle and many great vendors, and don't worry if your dog is not registered, the City of Garland will be more than happy to help you do just that.  So come on out and play and help raise money for homeless animals in Garland!

For more info: Garland Bark Park's Dog-A-Poolooza.  Photo courtesy Garland Bark Park. Content courtesy of Rebecca Poling, our Dallas Animal Rescue Examiner – more of her articles here.

August 12 is Adopt-a-less-adoptable-pet day!

Every shelter has them – the pets nobody thinks of or wants, for whatever reason: superstition; fear; misunderstanding; indifference... That big, black dog or “bully breed” who might otherwise have been a loyal and loving companion; the senior cat who still has years of mellow love to give; the special-needs pet who is an inspiring example of adaptability and courage – these animals are passed over time, and time again, for the adorable kitten (the result of an unwanted litter thanks to someone not bothering to spay/neuter their pet); the fashionable breed dog that fits in a handbag; the pet that looks like the star of a movie…

These hard-to-adopt pets don’t deserve to languish in a shelter, or ultimately be euthanized, simply because they’re different – they’re every bit as special as any other animal needing a home! Which is why Petfinder has designated August 12 as "Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day” - Shelters and rescue groups across North Texas will be showcasing their hard-to-adopt pets on August 12th as one more way to help end the euthanasia of adoptable pets.

Are you looking for a new pet? Will you consider broadening your criteria to include an older pet, or one with medical needs? Get to know that big black dog hiding in the back of his cage, or that midnight-colored cat. Pet a pit bull and see how his heart just bursts with joy and the hope that you might want him to join your family! Learn about how easily some medical conditions are managed and realize it’s not so hard after all…

Petfinder survey on which pets are the hardest to place - http://www.petfinder.com/lessadoptablepetday

Please consider those hard-to-adopt pets – with hundreds more dogs hitting Texas shelters this week after yet another massive puppy mill bust, finding homes for pets already waiting to be adopted is even more critical!

For more info: The Metroplex Animal Coalition has a list of more than 50 member groups, many of whom will be participating.  Or go straight to http://www.petfinder.com/lessadoptablepetday.

Let’s open our minds – and our hearts on August 12!

Priceless…

For adoptable pets near you, check out http://www.dallasanimalservices.org/ or www.petfinder.com