National Microchip Database to be Created
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The American Microchip Advisory Council for Animals (AMACA) announced recently that it plans to build a national "umbrella" database of all the pet microchips in the country.
The database will consolidate all the existing databases out there so that any microchipped pet can be identified in any situation.
AMACA got its start when a group of microchip manufacturers in the USA decided it needed to address a forseeable problem that's currently plaguing Europe, having over 50 microchip databases, and a hit-or-miss approach to recovery.
Actually, the history with AMACA began when Banfield Pet Hospital and a Swiss microchip company, Datamars, hired a lobbying firm to force the USDA to adopt the ISO standard chip protocol. The USDA held hearings around the country to fetch input from both sides of the issue. It was through these hearings that many segments of the industry decided to join together to do some forward-thinking and planning for everyone involved.
Present at these hearings were representatives from animals shelters and animal rescues who expressed a problem that with so many different kinds of microchips currently in use, opening up the market to the ISO standard chip would usher in several more databases to comb through, making it impractical to identify lost pets.
Hence, the creation of a national microchip database.
With AMACA's planned national database, anyone who finds a lost pet, and knows it has a microchip, can report it to AMACA through their call center. AMACA will identify the manufacturer of the chip, and provide that information along with the toll-free number for that manufacturer. Thus even with 50 databases out there, shelters and rescues can identify any microchip.
AMACA's website has a membership feature, that's open even to pet owners, providing members with news at it happens.
Visit AMACA at:
http://www.amacausa.org/
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The K9 Kalmer
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sponsored Post:
K9 Kalmer is an electronic device that plays "music" at an ultrasonic level that only dogs can hear, designed to calm them down, and reduce excessive barking.
In light of the proposed anti-dog-barking ordinance proposed in Orange County, California recently, as well as in other communities, I'm betting folks will be buying these things up and sending them to their noisy neighbors as Christmas gifts.
The K9 Kalmer is completely pain free. The melody it plays has a 100 yard range and travel through fences and over walls. It claims to draw a dog's attention away from anxiety-producing stimuli and put it into a state of tranquility.
It doesn't affect cats, the company claims. Though if your cat is still barking after using this, you can send the K9 Kalmer back for a full refund.
If you have neighbors who can't seem to keep their dog quiet, buying them a K9 Kalmer for Christmas might be the consolation to calling animal control on them, and giving them a reason to exact revenge on you.
K9 Kalmer can be wall mounted, or sat on a flat surface. It has a single-button operation, and is water resistant.
Full instructions and AC adapter included.
Cost is $69.95.
Click here to order online.
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Infrared Heating Lamp for Dogs
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Fauna Sauna is a infrared heating lamp made just for dogs and cats.
Now Muffy and Fifi can also enjoy the warmth and energy that only humans were able to enjoy.
It uses a technology called "Far Infrared Radiant Heat", said to offer the same warmth of the sun without the harmful effects of ultra-violet rays. Fauna Sauna claims the energy emitted from its device is measured in the 7-14 microns range, which is the optimal range for healing and cell regeneration...
In this range, water molecules in the body resonate or vibrate, resulting in the release of toxins and increased circulation and metabolic activity.
And that translates into more "woof woof" for your dog!
Costs only $495.00.
Click here to visit PetGadgets.com for more details.
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Hooray for Hollywoof
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Karen Derrico painted this cool collection of colors dubbed, "
Hooray for Hollywoof", as part of a fundraising effort for the "Dogcatemy Awards" which takes place tomorrow.
The painting represents the highlight of a story where five dogs and cats leave New York for Hollywood, and find a town that's been totally transformed into dog-cat wonderland. They watch movies like "The Dogfather", which is rated "R" for ruff language, and eat at places like Spawgo.
If you want this painting, you'll have to bid on it at the
Dogcatemy Awards, in New York City.
Karen Derrico has painted several works that benefit animal welfare charities, read more about her in our previous articles...
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Sloppy Kiss Cards
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Sponsored Post:
Sloppy Kiss Cards offers a way to set up a scheduler that remembers to send electronic cards to your friends and family so that you don't have to.
The service offers a large variety of cool canine photos, including several different breeds, for just about any occasion, including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, as well as invitations and postcards. Choose a chihuahua in a sombrero, or a boxer driving a convertible, or a pug working at the office, or many other cute and funny designs.
Some of the designs allow you to upload your favorite pooch photos, so that you can show your friends back home what "Muffy" or "Buddy" has been up to while on vacation.
Input dates of birthdays, anniversaries, or special moments, along with the e-mail addresses, and have Sloppy Kiss Cards send them out automatically when the time comes. It also comes with an online address book.
Each card allows you to enter a message of up to 5,000 characters of text. It also has a feature that remembers the previous message you wrote, making it easier to send numerous cards quickly.
The service costs $9.95 per year, allowing you to send an unlimited number of cards. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Pet Finder Foundation.
Visit Sloppy Kiss Cards at:
http://www.sloppykisscards.com
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Cat Gives Birth to Dogs
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Daily Mail, a UK-based newspaper, ran a story about a cat who supposedly gave birth to puppies...
This is Mimi, the first cat to give birth to puppies, her owner claims.
Brazilian Cassia Aparecida de Souza, 18, says three of the cat's six offspring, which were born three months after Mimi mated with a neighbour's dog, have canine traits.
A geneticist from the Passo Fundo University plans to take blood samples from the animals to verify the claim.
So does this mean these dogs will use the litter box?
Click here to read the article at the Daily Mail.
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New Dog Barking Ordinance in Orange County, CA
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
As reported in the Orange County Register today, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a plan today that will stiffen fines and add officer visits to the county's barking dog law.
The new law actually lessens the punishment from a criminal violation to a civil fine, but assesses fines of $250.00 to the first offense, $403.00 for the second offense, and doubles the fines if not paid in 15 days.
When a neighbor files a complaint against a dog owner, an animal control officer will be dispatched to the dog owner's home to provide consultation on quieting the dog.
If the complaining neighbor is not fully satisfied within 10 days, a resolution could be sought at an Administrative Hearing.
The new ordinance puts more pressure on dog owners to control their dogs, while giving dog-hating neighbors greater power.
Read the original article here.
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Paralyzed Man Sues Over Dog Poop Fight
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
A man named David Nicholls, a quadriplegic, was in his wheelchair with his service dog at a hotel, when the dog decided to take a dump.
Being paralyzed from the neck down, he couldn't pick it up.
Regardless, a hotel worker demanded that he pick it up...
The 43-year-old man claims he was first yelled at by a hotel employee for not picking up after his dog, a job he claims belonged to the hotel worker. The hotel worker then flagged down a police officer who told Nicholls to stop his wheelchair.
A struggled ensued, and Nicholls fell out of his wheelchair. Now he's suing the city.
What happened to showing some courtesy? What happened to hotel workers doing the work they're paid to do? Why are police officers wrestling with quadriplegics?
I hope the hotel worker got canned.
Read the original article.
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Purple Retro Dog Collar
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Swanky Pet offers this bright cheerful purple dog collar for a reasonable price of $12.00 for the teacup size to $16.00 for the large size. They offer matching charms to go with them.
They also offer matching harnesses and leads.
Perfect for purple dogs!
Click here to browse this product online.
And while on the subject of purple, they also offer four different designs just for people in the Red Hat Society.
Check it out.
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Cute Beagles Named Mia
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I was checking out the website for Dog Show USA, which is nationwide contest for the "average dog".
I was suprised that the winner of the "cutest dog" was a beagle named Mia from Dallas, TX. This is because I also have a beagle named Mia, and I always thought mine was the cutest.
Go figure!
Visit Dog Show USA online at:
http://www.dogshowusa.com/
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Pewter Dog Charms
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Big Paw Designs makes pewter dog charms like this one and a bunch of others.
At a price of only $10.00 each, they'd make great stocking stuffers for the woofer in your house. You can get them with several different words and shapes.
And it comes with the ring too.
Visit Big Paw Designs at:
http://www.bigpawdesigns.com/shopfordogs.html
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Doggie Handbags
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Doxie lover in your family might find this doggie handbag to be a cute gift for Christmas.
Available from The Sak, it features a zipper closure and nylon lining inside. Might make a great accessory to show off at the dog park.
You can get them in three different "doggie styles". Costs $39.00.
Visit The Sak online at:
http://www.thesak.com
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New Doggie Travel Packs from Midwest Airlines
Monday, November 20, 2006
If you live in Kansas City or Milwaukee, and you're planning to travel with your pet, and you'd like to get lots of free stuff, check out
Midwest Airlines.
The carrier is now giving dogs a special welcoming gift when they check in with their owners. The "Premier Pet Travel Pack" is loaded with products to help make four-legged travelers more comfortable before and after their trip.
The travel packs are only available to passengers departing Kansas City or Milwaukee.
Here's what's included...
- Fido Friendly magaine
- Primrose dog shampoo and conditioner by Isle of Dogs
- Dog toy or accessory and $5 coupon redeemable for future purchase from Doctors Foster and Smith.
- Aquafina bottled water
- All-natural gourmet treat from Buddy Bones Dog Bakery
- Pouch-size serving of Select Bites dog food from Iams
Midwest Airlines has been trying to bill itself as the most pet-friendly airline in the world, offering plenty of perks to pet travelers, as well as a
frequent flyer program for pets, and allowing all dog passengers in its cabins.
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New Pfizer Vaccine for Periodontal Disease
Friday, November 17, 2006
Pfizer Animal Health announced a new vaccine it developed to help fight periodontal disease in dogs.
The vaccine, available to veterinarians today, targets three types of bacteria which the company says is prevalent in 76 percent of dogs with periodontitis.
David Haworth, DVM, PhD, associate director, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Biologicals Clinical Development, Pfizer Animal Health (whew!) says...
"Many dog owners don't check their dog's teeth and gums until they notice bad breath or their veterinarian identifies periodontal disease, yet maintaining healthy teeth is critical to keeping a dog healthy. We are finally able to provide pets with an additional layer of prevention against canine periodontitis."
The vaccine dubbed, "Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin" actually became available to veterinarians on October 9, but the company officially announced it to the media yesterday.
Talk to your veterinarian about the new vaccine.
Read the press release
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Online Pet First Aid Course
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Connected Learning Network is now offering an online class on administering first aid to pets.
For just $35, the course provides detailed instruction and videos teaching participants how to...
- recognize emergencies
- provide emergency life support
- handle sudden illness
- care for wounds, bleeding and burns
- treat physical injuries
- handle poisoning and environmental emergencies
- prepare for disasters
The course was prepared with help from Dr. Tom Day, a veterinarian who specializes in emergency medicine and is the author of "The Pet Lover's Guide to First Aid & Emergencies."
To sign up for the course, visit:
http://www.petfirstaidonline.com/
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Purina Pet Weather Widget
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Purina and Yahoo have combined to offer Internet users with a free widget that combines the weather forecast with a photo of your pet.
A widget is a small program that runs on your computer's desktop, performing a small task, like checking e-mail, displaying the forecast, stock tickers, etc.
The new Purina weather widget runs on Windows and Mac operating systems.
Click here to visit the widget's download page.
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Diaper Harness for Doggies
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The STA-ON diaper harness is used to keep diapers on dogs, whether young puppies, untrained adult dogs, or elderly incontinent dogs.
The idea is the invention of Dorrie Krenkel, who grew tired of diapers that kept falling off of her dachshund, Bucky.
The harness is intended to work with babies' diapers (you just poke a hole to pull the tail through), and you can get the harness in a variety of colors. They sell for $12.95 for the smallest size to $16.95 for the largest.
I suppose you might also need to get some "puppy powder" to prevent against diaper rash.
Found on
PetGadgets.com
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Taking a Stand for the Dogs
Monday, November 13, 2006
You gotta admit, this is the
Apocalypse for dogs in China...
Yesterday's protest was sparked by police raids on an area of luxury villas. According to the state news agency, Xinhua, the security forces discovered six "large unlicensed dogs" in the dragnet. It did not disclose their fate. Elsewhere, residents have reported seeing policemen beating dogs to death in the street. Only dogs shorter than 14 inches are allowed. "Mastiffs, dobermans, saint bernards and great danes are banned," Xinhua said, along with any dog considered "dangerous".
What I wanted to point out is that the only ones risking their necks to save these dogs are the dog owners themselves. They're the only ones who love dogs enough to take a stand against a government that isn't shy about gunning down its own citizens.
The Chinese people demonstrated in defiance against police, against the new law that limits each family to one dog, and only small dogs at that. All other dogs get killed.
Via
Poochmaster
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Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act
Monday, November 13, 2006
There's a bill in Congress (introduced over a year ago), dubbed the "Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.
Read the official text online, HR4239, on Congress' website (
Click Here).
To summarize it, this bill seeks to convict people with a felony if they hurt anyone, damage any property, or conspire to do the same, with regards to an "animal enterprise".
So what is an "animal enterprise"?
It's any kind of business, school, laboratory, pet shop, zoo, circus, breeder, event, county fair, etc., where animals are used in some way. It could be for profit, for entertainment, for education, for work, for anything.
The reason why this law is being proposed is because there have been several animal rights groups, and vegan groups actually visiting these places and setting them on fire! They have been tackling people who work there, or visit there, and kicking crap out of them.
All you have to do is take a look at the
list of organizations who oppose AETA and see all the animal rights groups and vegan groups, and it's easy to figure this out.
But imagine that! Kind hearted animal lovers supporting their right to burn, maim, and hurt other people.
I guess I'm shaking my head in disbelief why at least one dog blogger out there wants fellow dog owners to oppose it also. As if to say that people ought to have the right to burn down buildings, and beat people senseless. Does that make any sense?
If you want to argue that animals used in shows, or for testing, or education, might be "cruel", that's fair enough. But then again, it's hard for a group like PETA to make this argument when they've admitted up front that they
kill every dog and cat they "rescue" in North Carolina. Ooops!
Opponents to AETA claim that this law is unfair, because it targets only animal rights groups. Not true. It targets ANYBODY who does bodily harm to another person or business involved with an animal enterprise.
But if you really think about it, a law like AETA isn't necessarily needed anyways, since there are already laws against assault and battery, arson, theft, etc. All that's needed is to enforce those laws.
Instead of writing your Congressman about AETA, talk to your county supervisor, or city councilman, about putting more cops on the street, and busting these domestic terrorists.
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Injured Labrador Retriever Fund Needs Help
Friday, November 10, 2006
Lab lovers Mike and Sue Frounfelter recently founded Labrador Harbor, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, to provide financial assistance for ill or injured Labrador Retrievers in California.
The group is seeking funds to help sick and injured labs.
The primary mission of the Santee, CA-based group is to provide necessary funds to pay for veterinary care. According to Sue Frounfelter...
We believe that too many Labs are euthanized simply because loving families and supporters do not have the financial resources to cover the costs of life-saving medical procedures or rehabilitation. Our goal is to help provide financial assistance and resources to these families and supporters in an effort to provide a second chance to Labs needing medical or training intervention.
Available funds will also help finance costs for post-operative care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, behavioral intervention or other health-related needs.
Labrador Harbor also aims to encourage animal rescue organizations to accept into their care senior (age 8 or older) or medical-needs Labradors for rehabilitation and re-homing by assisting with financial aid once an application is received and funds are approved.
Donations are also accepted by mail at P.O. Box PO Box 712552, Santee, CA 92072-2552 or online on the organization's web site. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by the extent of the law.
On their website they have a section called, "Labs in Need" where you can view profiles of labs awaiting veterinary care as soon as money can be found. You can donate money to a dog by clicking it's "donate" button.
Individuals and organizations seeking funding are also encouraged to contact Labrador Harbor.
Visit Labrador Harbor online at:
http://www.labradorharbor.org
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Pet Gift Club
Friday, November 10, 2006
Cindy Pederson, the owner of a new business called "Surprise a Pet!" claims to offer America's first ever pet gift club.
For a price of $25.95 per year, she'll send a gift to your pet six times. The gift might be a spa product, a toy, or a treat. Each gift is shipped in an "eco-friendly" box.
While it's a neat way to celebrate the joys of pet ownership, it's probably has more value as a gift for another pet-owning friend of yours.
Each Surprise a Pet! order includes an exclusive sterling silver collar charm, as well as a client discount number to reorder products on the company's website for for 25-30% off the retail value.
Visit Surprise a Pet! at:
http://www.surpriseapet.com
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What Does Your Dog Want for Christmas?
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
That's kinda what the Arizona Republic newspaper asks its readers today.
The article goes on to paint a picture of an expected shopping frenzy in pet pampering this holiday season...
Neiman Marcus' 2006 Christmas Book, an annual catalog that is notorious for extravagant items, included several pricey gifts for dogs. Choices include an argyle cashmere vest for $245 and cashmere short-sleeve polo for $175 by canine couture designer Hedy Manon, crystal-encrusted leashes for $185 and luxury pet homes starting at $5,000.
Read the full article.
I suppose in the area of what we want for Christmas (is it still ok to say "Christmas"?) I'm probably like my dogs. I just want something yummy to eat, and some people to keep me company. I've got too much stuff as it is.
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Man Bakes Puppy In Oven
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Daily Herald out of Salt Lake City, UT
reports that a man named Marc Vincent was sentenced to six months in jail for baking his puppy in an oven.
The dog was in the oven for 5 minutes at 200 degrees temperature. It suffered severe burns and singed paws. And there's more...
Vincent also was accused in a separate incident of chasing and cornering the dog with a leaf blower, damaging the dog's eye. The eye eventually had to be removed by a veterinarian.
With an obviously sick and vicious mind like his, you wonder if six months in jail will ever really teach him to stop.
In other blogs, I've questioned why our justice system doesn't distinguish crimes based on sick and rotted minds, as opposed to insubordinate behavior. People with minds like Marc Vincent's are damaged beyond repair. Being that government holds custody of Marc Vincent, they therefore hold
responsibility to make sure he's totally safe for public release. Can six months in jail correct that?
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Bird's Dropping Chicken Bones in Backyards
Monday, November 06, 2006
An interesting story
appears in the Arizona Republic today, about some grackles (a type of black bird) who pluck out half-eaten chicken-wings from trash bins, and drop the bones in people's backyards.
The abandoned bones then get eaten by dogs who go on to suffer gastrointestinal problems.
For Alan Southergill, whose yard backs up to the trash bin and a Barro's Pizza restaurant, the bones have meant big vet bills to treat his aging dog's gastrointestinal problems.
The owner of Barro's Pizza says it's difficult to keep the lid on the trashbin closed because other businesses in the strip mall use it too.
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Dog Poop Soap
Friday, November 03, 2006
What the world needs now is some soap that looks like dog poop.
"Nope It's Soap" claims to have a coffee scent, and can be used as an exfoliator.
Got a kid with a dirty mouth? Tell him you're gonna wash his mouth out with this!
The manufacturer claims that each
bar pile of soap is hand made, and unique, no molds, no mass production. Just like the real thing.
Visit:
http://www.nopeitssoap.com/
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Bone-Shaped Paperclips
Friday, November 03, 2006
Come on! You know you want these bone-shaped paperclips for your desk. What dog lover wouldn't want them?
They're currently selling on eBay for a price $4.99 per box of 100.
Click here to visit the product's page.
If you're reading this after the auction ended, visit the seller's
Store Page.
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BreezeGuard
Friday, November 03, 2006
The "BreezeGuard" is effectively a protective cage that mounts into a car door allowing dog passengers to enjoy the breeze in safety.
Sue Stipanovich, who started the business of making BreezeGuards, says the inspiration came when she witnessed a truck in front of her with a dog perched out the window. She was so shocked by this that she couldn't stop thiking about it all day long, but managed to turn her anxiety into productivity by inventing the BreezeGuard.
She writes that she tested a prototype of the BreezeGuard with her own dog Uli, who has always been so frightened to ride in a car. But with the BreezeGuard, she's now a happy little puppy.
For $250.00 you can get one for your car, truck, or SUV. The online
order form seems to accept orders for any make and model.
Via
PetGadgets.com
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Fast Food Doggie Costumes
Friday, November 03, 2006
How many people in the world can say their Sheltie dressed up as an order of McDonald's french fries for Halloween?
Credit (or discredit) goes to Ken at
Fast Food News for finding this one.
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Fido-Feeder Dog Bowl Elevator
Thursday, November 02, 2006
A company called ADS Associates has introduced a new product named "Fido-Feeder", described as an adjustable elevated feeder that aids your dog's digestion by easing neck strain.
According to the company...
By raising the food bowl, you guard against intestinal gas and bloat and eliminate stress on muscles, joints and backs. Its patent pending design and height adjustment makes it perfect for dogs of every size from puppyhood to old age.
Fido-Feeder hangs from the kitchen cabinet, and is made of stainless steel, and claimed to be indestructible.
You can buy one from its website at
http://www.Fido-Feeder.com for a price of $49.95, and if you order now, they'll throw in a free personalized name plate.
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Reformulated Greenies Launched Today
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
S&M NuTec, makers of Greenies, announced today the official launch of their new reformulated Greenies. The new Greenies have actually found their way onto store shelves in the past several weeks.
The company says the new formula is more easily digestible, claiming a "disgestibility rate" of 95.7% as compared to 80-85% digestibility of typical dry dog food (how do they measure digestibility anyways?). The new formula also includes a blend of high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, is softer so that dog teeth will sink in making them more cleaner.
With the official launch, the company is rolling out a national educational and advocacy initiative called "Chews to Care". It's centered around a new website (
http://www.chewstocare.com) where dog owners can sign up to receive a complimentary doggie dental care package which includes...
- $20 rebate on a dental cleaning at a participating local veterinarian (requires proof of visit and proper paperwork; open to the first 10,000 eligible households)
- Free sample of a new Greenies dental chew
- Free six-month email reminder to make a veterinarian appointment
- Free tell-a-friend e-card to spread the word and give free offers to friends and family.
Seems kinda peculiar that S&M NuTec is offering a discounted dental cleaning, since the reformulated Greenies are supposed to do a better job of cleaning your dog's teeth.
Previous articles about Greenies...
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