Bark Blog

Illegal Lap Dogs

There was a time when I thought nothing of allowing my dog to be free in the car and stick his head out the window. Then I woke up and realized that if we were in an accident, the rest of his body would go through that window. I would have no one to blame but myself for his injuries, suffering and possibly death. We now use wire crates and seatbelt harnesses to ensure all five of our dogs travel safely.

So you'd think I'd be all rah-rah about the proposed legislation making it illegal for people to drive with dogs on their laps. Frankly, I think attempting to legislate common sense is ridiculous. No one likes to be told they HAVE to do something, like they're five years old. Plus, it's a waste of time and money as the bill meanders through the maze that is our government. Isn't there a better way to educate the public about safe dog travel? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Cujo the Chihuahua

Cujo the Chihuahua made the front-page news of my local newspaper when a Chicago police detective helped reunite him with his family after being dognapped two months ago. The happy ending made me smile, as well as the name of their other dog and Cujo's best friend, Michelle the Pit Bull.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Cop Shot, Killed Dog Recovering From Back Surgery

A few months ago, I blogged about a suburban Chicago cop who shot and killed a pit bull named Sugar when he entered her home without the owner or roommate present. He claimed he did it in self-defense, because she "lunged" at him. According to all who knew her, Sugar was a sweetheart and friendly with everyone. My guess is that she zoomed over to greet him, much like my own pit bull mix would do, and because of her breed, the cop assumed she was on the attack. So had that trigger-happy cop broken into my home, all five of my dogs would likely be dead, too. The thought is absolutely unbearable, as was the photo in the paper showing the grief-stricken look on Sugar's owner's face when he learned the news.

Tragically, it has happened again, this time in Lakeview, my former neighborhood in New Orleans. On Monday, April 14, police officers responded to a burglar alarm at Dr. Patrick Coleman's house when one of them shot and killed Jax, a 4-year-old Doberman who was recuperating from back surgery. Jax was shot eight times at close range. Jax's sister, a Doberman named Scarlet, was cowering in a corner of the yard when Coleman arrived at the scene. According to Coleman, Jax was in no condition to pose a threat to anyone and his dogs had never been perceived as a threat in the past when officers responded to alarms at the house. The cop's excuse? The dogs had "lunged" at him. The controversy has attracted attention nationwide ... and for good reason.

If you google the words "cop," "shot" and "dog," you'll find similar stories around the country in which a dog was killed by a police officer. Clearly, police departments need to train their officers to respond to dogs in ways that are more humane, such as pepper spray. Jeff Dorson, of the Humane Society of Louisiana, says there are free training programs available upon request. Even though the New Orleans Police Department says the officer did nothing wrong, it would be an excellent good-will gesture toward the public to train officers how to handle companion animals with compassion, not bullets.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Woman Bites Stray To Protect Her Dog

Amy Rice of Minneapolis, MN, bit a stray dog to stop its attack on her senior Labrador Retriever, Ella (pictured here). Rice says it was an instinctive last resort. I understand the urge to protect our dogs at any cost, but I don't think I would ever consider biting a dog as a defensive maneuver. What are your thoughts?

Julia Kamysz Lane

Oprah Exposes Puppy Mill Horrors

On Friday, April 4, tune in to Oprah Winfrey's show for an undercover investigation of the horrors of puppy mills. These commercial breeders provide purebred puppies to pet stores nationwide.

The American Kennel Club contacted its community of dog fanciers with pre-emptive concern about Oprah's subject matter. The statement read:

"Dear Fancier: As you probably know, Oprah is airing a show tomorrow (Friday, 4/4) on the topic of "Puppy Mills." While the show was previously taped, we have been in touch with the producers about our desire for responsible breeders to be represented, and they have allowed us to submit a 2 line statement which they said will be incorporated into the show. They have also stated that there is no specific intention to malign purebred dogs or the AKC.

"We will be watching the show along with you and, if warranted, we will respond publicly. However, it is our hope that Oprah's interest in animal welfare will help open up a dialogue on the issue and that AKC and the dog fancy will continue to be engaged."

If AKC wants to demonstrate a sincere interest in animal welfare, it will no longer allow commercial breeders and pet shops to register puppies with AKC and do its part to educate the public as well.

Julia Kamysz Lane

100,000 Dogs Nearly Poisoned

Every year, worldwide, there are approximately 35,000 human deaths caused by rabies. That might sound horrific, but what's worse is that 60% of those rabies-related deaths occur in India alone. This past Thursday, March 6, Indian Kashmir authorities announced its plans to poison 100,000 stray dogs with strychnine in an effort to stop rabies. Thankfully, once the public was made aware of this inhumane solution, authorities were persuaded to work with welfare organizations on a stray sterilization program.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Sponsor A Dog, Save A Cheetah

In the south African country of Namibia, farmers have been caught between cheetah conservationists and and keeping their livestock safe from the spotted predator. So the non-profit organization The Cheetah Conservation Fund initiated a win-win solution. The Livestock Guarding Dog Program provides the farmer with an Anatolian Shepherd puppy who is raised with the livestock and will defend them as an adult. The large, barking dogs deter cheetahs from preying on domestic animals and farmers no longer feel the need to shoot the big cats to protect the herd. You can learn more by clicking on Adopt an Anatolian.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Act Against Dog Auctions

Last year, when a controversy was brewing over a new pet shop in the Chicago area, I was sickened by the naive comments of a dog owner. She had purchased her puppy from a pet store. Because her puppy was healthy and well tempered, she didn't understand -- and therefore, did not support -- criticism of pet shops. Her dog was fine, so what was the problem?

For every cute puppy for sale at a pet store, there are tens of thousands of adult dogs who live in commercial kennels. And I use the word "live" very loosely. A dog deserves more than just being "fed and bred." Two years ago, Mary O'Connor-Shaver attended a dog auction and saw firsthand the neglect and suffering of dogs at the hands of puppy mills.

There has been a long-standing controversy among dog rescue volunteers in regards to dog auctions. Some people believe that saving the life of even just one dog at auction is reason enough to go and bid. Others believe that this act, though compassionate, does nothing to increase awareness of the horrors of dog auctions and puts money in the pocket of the puppy millers.

If you want to help stop dog auctions, please go to Animal House and Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. We might not all agree on how best to shut down this deplorable industry, but increasing public awareness of the puppy mill dog's plight is a good first step.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Reward or Ransom For Lost Dog?

I'll never forget that horrible day when Jetta's new owner called to tell me that she was missing. We had fostered the beautiful German shepherd for a local rescue group and grown very attached to her. On the very day of the adoption, a friend came over to visit and left the front door open just long enough for Jetta to bolt. Thankfully, someone suggested I contact Sherlock Bones, an experienced pet detective, and he helped us take immediate action. Within hours, we got Jetta back safe and sound.

Since we were a nonprofit rescue group, Sherlock Bones didn't charge us for his services. I will always be grateful for his generosity. He told us that it was important to scrape together whatever we could to offer as a specific reward on our flyers because that got everybody -- even people who didn't like dogs -- keeping an eye out for her.

Apparently, Bert Clark of Canada received similar advice. The distraught dog lover offered a $15,000 reward for the safe return of his beloved chocolate Lab, Huckleberry. Clark scoffed at a reporter's suggestion that his reward was "excessive." (I think all of us who read Bark would agree!) Soon thereafter, he got his dog back, but questions remain as to whether Huckleberry was dogknapped and the reward was actually a ransom.

Lost in all of the drama over the reward money is the fact that the dog walker left Huckleberry alone outside a cafe while she went inside for "five minutes" to grab something to eat. If a dog were left in my charge -- and I made a living at it -- you better believe that pup would never leave my sight. Now that Huckleberry is safe, I wouldn't be surprised if Clark tells the dog walker to get lost.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Woman Wants Ex's Dog To Be "Axed"

Last night, Anderson Cooper -- reporting live from New Orleans -- and his in-studio substitute, Erica Hill discussed a radio station publicity stunt that went awry. On Valentine's Day, listeners were invited to come down to the Atlanta-based radio station with something that either belonged to or was given to them by an ex and that they no longer wanted. It would then be destroyed in the parking lot with an ax. You'd assume that most people would bring the usual -- old love letters, photos, clothing, stuffed animals, etc. But one woman showed up with her ex-boyfriend's dog! You can see a video of this sweet shepherd mix on CNN. Thankfully, the Humane Society and caring callers intervened, so the dog found a loving home by the end of the day.

Julia Kamysz Lane

PETA No Fan of Best In Show

Animal-rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is no stranger to stirring up controversy. In the past, some dog owners have questioned PETA president Ingrid Newkirk's canine devotion as a fundraising ploy or worse.

So it comes as no surprise that PETA debuted a provocative ad campaign (one commercial compares purebred dog breeders to the Ku Klux Klan) during Westminster Kennel Club's annual show, the Superbowl of dog shows. You can watch all three commercials through You Tube or the New York Times.

What do you think of the new PETA commercials? Are they fair? Or too over the top?

Julia Kamysz Lane

Pit Bulls, Dogfights Sell Papers

With all that is going on in the world, my local newspaper decided that a pit bull attack was front-page news. But if you read the article closely, it's clear that calling this a "dogfight" is a misnomer and that if a poodle or golden retriever had been the perpetrator, this likely wouldn't have even made the paper. So here's the letter I wrote to the editor this morning:

"Shame on you, Daily Herald, for sensationalizing a story, deliberately misleading the public, and perpetuating the myth that wherever the pit bull goes, violence follows (“Caught In Dog Fight," 1/29/08).

"This past Tuesday's front-page headline said, “Woman Hospitalized After Pit Bull Attack,” leading readers to believe that the pit bull attacked her. In truth, the pit bull attacked the small dog the woman was walking. She chose to get involved and risk harm. There is an enormous difference between a dog who is aggressive toward dogs (especially small ones that appear to be prey) and a dog who is aggressive toward people. After quoting neighbors’ concerns for themselves, the Daily Herald missed an opportunity to educate the public instead of reinforcing that fear.

"If anyone deserves the public’s wrath, it’s the owner of the pit bull. Neighbors report that he keeps two pit bulls on leashes in a garage. By reinforcing the myth that pit bulls are vicious, the Daily Herald encourages people to perceive pit bulls as monsters, not dogs who deserve attention, training, love and the basics, like a warm place to sleep in this zero degree weather. Had the owner taken the time to socialize his dogs and keep them in the house, this tragedy never would’ve happened."

If space had allowed, I would've shared the story of my mom and my pit bull mix, Shelby. Three years ago, my mom was walking Shelby through my semi-rural neighborhood. A 120-pound Great Pyrenees escaped from the back of a pick-up truck and grabbed 65-pound Shelby by the head and froze. My mom was bitten on the finger trying to protect Shelby, and the Great Pyrenees's owner lost a fingernail attempting to pry her dog's mouth off of Shelby's head.

My mom and the other dog's owner both required trips to the emergency room. Fortunately, they were both going to be okay. We then brought Shelby to the Great Pyrenees's owner's vet. I was absolutely livid when the staff assumed that Shelby, being part pit bull, had initiated the fight. How can the staff at a vet office believe such horrible breed stereotypes? When I told them that Shelby was the victim, they were surprised but unapologetic. Thankfully, Shelby's ear and head wounds completely healed. She still thinks everybody is her friend. If only that were so.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Finders Keepers?

I serve as the Midwest rep for Catahoula Rescue Inc, a national, nonprofit rescue group. Recently, one of our volunteers in Texas was contacted by her vet because a woman brought in a Catahoula puppy she had found. The woman had no intention of looking for the owner, even though the puppy was in good health and had clearly belonged to someone. The vet wanted to alert our rescue in case the original owner was searching for their lost puppy.

As a professional and authority figure, wouldn't the vet also have an obligation to alert the local animal shelter and insist that the woman place a free found classified ad in the paper? I don't know how this woman can live with herself, knowing that her way of thinking ("finders keepers") is as mature as that of a two year old. Not to mention she is possibly causing a lot of heartache to a family somewhere by not giving them the opportunity to claim their puppy. If she's that cold hearted, maybe the threat of possible legal action (say someone recognized the puppy and alerted the family to its whereabouts) would get her attention and make her do the right thing. But it shouldn't come to that.

Have you ever found a dog? What did you do?

Julia Kamysz Lane

Georgia (Dogs) On My Mind

Bark subscriber Jayne Glaser wrote to us with a special plea. She serves on the Board of Directors for Saving Georgia Dogs, Inc., a licensed 501(c)(3) animal rescue charity. “Our goal is to save dogs that are in imminent danger of being killed in animal shelters in rural Georgia,” writes Glaser, “many of whom would face death in the terrifying and inhumane gas chamber.” In addition to rescuing shelter dogs, the grass-roots group plans to open a spay/neuter clinic, create a heartworm treatment/prevention fund, offer humane education in local schools, and help women who stay in abusive domestic situations out of fear over what would happen to their pets.

Now Saving Georgia Dogs needs your help. The charity is participating in a contest sponsored by Parade Magazine and actor Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees Foundation. The winner receives a $50,000 matching grant to help achieve its goals. To learn how your donation -- no matter its size -- can make a difference, please go to Saving Georgia Dogs, Inc. The contest ends January 31st, so hurry!

Julia Kamysz Lane

Dog Food Company Pays $3.1 Million Settlement

Two years ago, a New York veterinarian deteremined that her client's dog died due to tainted dog food. Soon thereafter, Diamond Pet Foods recalled 20 varieties of dog and cat food. The food was contaminated by aflatoxin, which naturally results from a fungus often found on corn. (For a list of ingredients to avoid and why, go to The Dog Food Project.) Diamond admitted that its plant in South Carolina failed to do internal quality testing and agreed to pay a $3.1 million settlement toward victims' expenses, including veterinary bills. Owners whose dogs died are eligible for up to $1,000 (a laughable number considering how priceless our canine companions truly are). For more info or to make a claim, go to Diamond's Recalled Pet Food Settlement Web site.

Julia Kamysz Lane

T.G.I. Friday's In Doghouse

Earlier this month, Laura Greenberg and her family went to a suburban Chicago T.G.I. Friday's to celebrate the disabled teen's 17th birthday. A manager refused to seat them because of Laura's service dog Dawn. Company policy, claimed the manager, stated that as long as an able-bodied adult was along, the service dog could not come in. Clearly, someone needed a refresher on the American Disabilities Act. It's one thing for the manager to be ignorant, but to go to the trouble of making something up? Unbelievable!

The Greenbergs complained about the incident to T.G.I. Friday's and insisted on an apology. The restaurant went a step further and donated money to two important charities: 1) the Laura Greenberg Foundation (c/o Glenview State Bank, 800 N Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL 60025), which was created soon after her brain injury in 1997 to help with medical expenses; and 2) Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit group that trains assistance dogs and matches them with disabled people.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Does Rabies Vaccine Last Seven Years?

Thanks to a grass-roots effort of dog lovers who raised much-needed funding, the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine is conducting the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine. Dr. Ronald Schultz, Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, is overseeing five- and seven-year challenge studies that will determine how long the rabies vaccine truly immunizes dogs. For more info or to learn how you can help your dog be healthier, go to the Rabies Challenge Fund.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Slain Soldier's Dog Goes Home

Until I read this story on CNN, I never pondered what happened to a military K-9 partner if the handler died. Since these dogs require an enormous amount of training, I would've guessed that they were assigned to a new handler and went back to work.

Of course, the bond between a dog and his person is priceless. Wouldn't a dog like Lex, who worked and lived with 20-year-old Marine Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee every day, need time to grieve? Is it fair to expect this 8-year-old German shepherd, who was wounded in the line of duty, to return to work? Lee's family didn't think so and pleaded for their right to adopt Lex. Nine months after their son was killed, Lee's parents will bring Lex home Dec. 21 to Quitman, Miss. I can't think of a better Christmas present for Lee's family and their son's devoted dog.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Puppy Lemon Laws

USA Today reports that Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois are considering puppy “lemon laws” to protect consumers against sick or “genetically defective” dogs. In the case of the Wisconsin Dog Purchaser Protection Act, buyers are entitled to reimbursement for veterinarian fees and “another dog of equivalent value” in the case of injury, defect or illness within two weeks of purchase.

While hearing dogs described as “defective products” makes me queasy, my first impulse was to think this law might create welcome problems for puppy-mill supplied stores and backyard breeders, and create incentives for better care. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Eilene Ribbens Rohde, executive director of the Wisconsin Puppy Mills Project, which opposes the law, says it doesn’t address cruelty and neglect. “Typically, the animals end up being victims once again,” she is quoted as saying in the story. “If the dog goes back to the breeder, a knock over the head with a hammer will solve the problem.” In its evaluation of the proposed legislation, the Project claims the law does not cover pet stores and will create problems for shelters and rescues, which would be considered sellers.

The fundamental problem I see with these lemon laws is that they bolster the notion of dogs (or cats, bunnies, birds, and so on) as commodities, which permits, in part, their inhumane treatment.

Lisa Wogan

How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?

Although I'm not a fan of chains, I love that PetsMart and PetCo invite rescue groups to hold adoption days instead of selling puppies and kittens. I used to think this symbolized increased awareness of puppy mills and that the days of singing, "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?" were over.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. Over the past year, two pet store chains that sell puppies have opened near me. Every other weekend, one of them posts a giant sign near a major intersection promoting its "Puppy Sale!" as if these puppies were furniture or clothes. I imagine they're getting older and no longer as cute so the pet shop wants to "move the merchandise" to make room for more "inventory." That mentality makes me ill.

So my new hero is Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, Australia. A few weeks ago, she introduced the Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill 2007 to the New South Wales State Parliament. This would prohibit the sale of all mammals -- including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats -- in pet shops in New South Wales. For details, go to Parliament of New South Wales.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Ellen DeGeneres Learns Tough Lesson

Oh Ellen DeGeneres, beloved talk show host, how could you be so ... human? DeGeneres and long-time partner Portia De Rossi adopted a dog who, despite their best efforts ($3,000 on training!?!), could not make friends with their cats. So the couple gave the Brussels Griffon mix named Iggy to their hairdresser and her family. Everything was fine until the rescue group Mutts & Moms called to see how Iggy was settling in. That's when things began to get interesting.

The adoption contract stipulated that if the adopter could not keep the dog, he must be returned to the rescue. That is a standard practice of rescue groups. Why go through the painstaking matchmaking process of adoption applications, references checks and home visits if the dog is just going to be given away again? That's how many dogs end up in rescue in the first place. In a video on her Web site, DeGeneres says the whole point of rescue is finding a good home for the dog. That's right -- the RESCUE finds the home, not the adopter who decides to give up the dog.

DeGeneres's heart was in the right place, but she still needs to follow the rules just like the rest of us. If the family was indeed a good match, there's no reason why the rescue wouldn't have adopted the dog to them once notified of the situation. Now the rescue is in a bad spot. If they adopt out Iggy to someone else, the other family and DeGeneres will make a big stink. If the rescue gives Iggy back to the family, it sets a terrible precedent for all future adoptions. It's a shame that both parties couldn't have handled this in a more civilized fashion, for everyone's sake.

Julia Kamysz Lane

How Could This Happen?

When this story first came to my attention, I just couldn't believe how someone could do such a thing. A litter of dead seven-week-old puppies were discovered behind a convenience store in Georgia. As if that wasn't bad enough, they were beaten to death and the likely culprit is a 20-year-old lab technician who worked at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. If you can stomach to read more, go to UGA Vet School Worker.

Julia Kamysz Lane

88 Chihuahuas, Pugs, Poodles, Yorkies Need Homes

Backyard breeding is one of my biggest pet peeves because it stems from greed. Mattie Barber Rowell of southeastern Louisiana was recently booked on animal cruelty charges after 88 small dogs were rescued from filthy living conditions. They included Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Poodles, Pugs, Schnauzers and Yorkies. Some were so badly matted that they couldn't even walk. Two dogs had ulcerated eyes. All of them were infested with fleas and approximately one third were heartworm positive. Rowell surrendered her ownership rights and St. Tammany Humane Society in Covington, Louisiana, is doing its best to care for the dogs and find them new loving homes. To make a donation or adopt, please call the St. Tammany Humane Society at (985) 892-7387.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Most Vick Dogs Get Second Chance

A team of ASPCA animal behaviorists have completed their assessments of suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's 49 seized dogs. Of the group, only one had a history of biting people and was found to exhibit intense human aggression during the assessment, thus requiring euthanasia. The remaining 48 dogs will either go to adoptive families, a sanctuary or receive training as police dogs. As much as I believe in second chances, I truly hope that Vick does not receive the same reprieve. When will the NFL outright fire him?

Julia Kamysz Lane

Devoted Dogs Guard Deceased Owner

Concerned neighbors contacted police when they hadn't seen 66-year-old Sandra Cherichella of West Paterson, New Jersey, for two weeks. Sadly, the elderly woman was discovered dead, most likely of natural causes, in her home. Her two beloved Border Collie mixes, Shaggy and Kathy, were guarding her decayed body. The house was filthy and filled with feces. The grieving dogs were dirty and suffering from mange, plus there was no food or fresh water. Police believe Cherichella could've been dead for nearly two weeks.

Lysa DeLaurentis, the animal control officer on the scene, couldn't bring herself to take the 10-year-old dogs to the shelter, where she was sure they would be euthanized. Instead, she brought them home to buy them some time and help them get healthy in hopes of finding a new home. If you'd like to help with Shaggy and Kathy's medical treatment, donations may be sent to:

All Humane Animal Control
781 Ringwood Ave
Wanaque NJ 07465

Or for more info, please call (973) 616-8569.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Police Dog Dies in Hot Car

During warm weather, most people use common sense and do not leave their dogs in the car. So how do you explain the tragic death of Bandit, a K9 officer whose partner, Sgt. Tom Lovejoy, forgot him in the hot patrol car this past August? The five-year-old Belgian Malinois was in the vehicle for 12 hours before Lovejoy found him dead. Temperatures in Arizona that day had reached 115 degrees. After a two-week investigation by the county sheriff, Lovejoy was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. The investigation determined that Bandit was in the car from about 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 11. During that time, Lovejoy ran errands, napped and went out to eat with his wife. What's worse, Lovejoy is a 15-year police veteran and head of the K9 unit.

Julia Kamysz Lane   

Puppy Buyer Discovers Gruesome Conditions

Last week, a potential puppy buyer drove to Pickett's Pride American Bulldogs, a breeder in north Houston, and discovered dozens of dead dogs and nearly 70 more emaciated animals in need of food, water and clean living conditions. Pickett's Pride owner Kathy Drobina has since been arrested on cruelty charges.

The Houston SPCA was awarded custody of 47 American Bulldogs and 10 cats. Animal Cruelty Investigator Howard Goldman sent an email to dog rescues around the country, asking for their help. He wrote, "We need to find good homes fast to avoid having to euthanize. Please contact me if you know any established rescue that could help the Houston SPCA help these dogs." Goldman can be reached at hgoldman@hspca.org or (713) 869-7722, Ext. 171. The shelter is located at 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX 77024.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Canine Rabies Going, Going, Gone?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the canine rabies virus no longer exists in the United States. But don't throw out your dog's rabies tags just yet. While a dog cannot transmit rabies to another dog, the deadly, untreatable virus can still be found among raccoons, skunks and bats, who in turn can infect dogs with rabies.

Sound confusing? I'll say. I was hoping this news meant we'd no longer have to vaccinate our dogs for rabies period. There has been a lot of discussion about the possible harm of overvaccinating our pets. Some of my friends choose to blood titer to determine if their dogs have enough of the protective vaccine in their system rather than automatically get the annual (or in some cases, three-year) rabies shot. Titering is more expensive, but why add more chemicals to my dog's bloodstream if he doesn't need them? For more info on overvaccinating and an important future rabies study headed by Jean Dodds, D.V.M., check out Rabies Challenge Fund.   

Julia Kamysz Lane 

The $12 Million Maltese

Leona Helmsley, the late, infamous billionaire hotelier, left a $12 million trust fund to her little white Maltese, Trouble. As Trouble's caretaker, her brother also gets millions -- not a bad gig for a dogsitter! She generously bequeathed $100,000 to her chauffeur, but left nothing to two of her four grandchildren. Guess she felt the need to take her "Queen of Mean" rep to the grave.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Is Vick Apology Acceptable?

This past Monday, Michael Vick finally did something right off the football field. He pleaded guilty to federal charges regarding his role in a large dogfighting operation. He also offered a meandering, informal apology directed at NFL employees and children who had looked up to him as a role model.

What about the dogs whose lives he took so cruelly? And the dogs who suffered from their physical and psychological wounds? Vick categorizes what he did wrong as "immature acts." Excuse me? An immature act is a teenager shoplifting a CD, not an adult professional football player drowning, strangling and fighting dogs he deliberately bred and trained to kill each other. Does Vick honestly not know the difference? Or does he think we, the public, don't know or care about the difference?

So many questions remain: What will be the fate of Vick's dogs? Will the NFL's indefinite suspension lead to an outright firing? How much jail time will he serve? Newport News (Va.) reporter Alicia P.Q. Wittmeyer does her best to answer those questions and more.

If you're still outraged by the whole tragic situation, as am I, then please voice your concerns to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino. You can also support nonprofit organizations like HSUS, the ASPCA and your local shelter, all of which strive to end dogfighting and care for its many voiceless victims.

      

Julia Kamysz Lane

What's a Pibble Doing on the Radio?

If you read my article, "Disc Drive," in the July/August 2007 issue of The Bark, you're already familiar with  bully-breed advocate Andrew "Roo" Yori and his disc-dog world champion, Wallace the Pit Bull. Roo now hosts a monthly radio show, "Pibble Talk," and his next show is at 9 p.m. central time this Sunday, August 26, 2007. Tomorrow's guests include Jon Bosak, author of a graphic novel for young readers, Demo: The Story of a Junkyard Dog, and Diane Jessup of Law Dogs USA, a non-profit group that provides trained narcotics- and explosives-detection Pit Bulls to law enforcement for free. Listeners are welcome to call in with questions and comments. 

Julia Kamysz Lane

Wal-Mart's Secret Dog Treat Recall

A few months ago, while browsing vendor tables at an agility trial, a Bravo rep suggested I look at the label for the company's freeze-dried chicken breast strips. They were all natural, free of antibiotics and -- perhaps most importantly in those scary weeks following the massive pet food recall this past March -- not made in China. She added, "If you look at the label for other chicken-strip treats, it's likely the chicken came from China." Those words were ringing in my ears when I learned of Wal-Mart's secret dog treat recall of Chicken Jerky Strips from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. and Chicken Jerky from Shanghai Bestro Trading.

In late July, the retail giant began pulling these products off the shelves in response to customer concerns that their pets had become ill after consuming them. No public announcement was made, which is absolutely appalling. Surely, there were people who stocked these treats in their kitchen for weeks after Wal-Mart stopped carrying these Chinest brands. Didn't they deserve to know that they were harming their dogs?

Yesterday, a month after the company started removing the brands from its inventory, Wal-Mart finally released a statement suggesting customers return those treats for a full refund as tests concluded that they contained the toxin melamine. Wal-Mart spokesperson Deisha Galberth told the Associated Press, "There were very small amounts of melamine found. The amounts were so small the laboratory recommended more testing." She claims that the additional tests were necessary before going public.

Personally, I find any amount of toxins in my dog's food, treats or toys completely unacceptable and I would want to know about it immediately. If this keeps up, are we going to have to go back to growing our own produce to ensure it's safe? Do I need to start raising chickens in the old abandoned chicken coop in my backyard? Maybe it's time to cut out the middle man.

Julia Kamysz Lane      

Noah's Wish Settles Katrina Allegations

In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina, many nonprofit groups kicked off fundraising campaigns on behalf of victims. I truly believe the majority were well intentioned. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Attorney General of California investigated Noah’s Wish for its alleged misallotment of Katrina funds. The humane organization raised $8 million as part of its Katrina animal victim campaign. That's quite a bit of money; I imagine such a charitable windfall proved more than the nonprofit could handle.

According to a Mutual Settlement Agreement and Release signed last month by California’s Deputy Attorney General, former Noah’s Wish founder and director Terri Crisp, and current Noah’s Wish Board Chair Amy Maher, “The Investigation examined the following allegations: (1) that contributions made to Noah’s Wish for the purpose of rescuing and caring for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina were not used for this specific purpose; (2) that Noah’s Wish did not properly classify and account for the contributions received following Hurricane Katrina; (3) that Noah’s Wish lacked adequate fiscal controls over its funds; and (4) that problems existed regarding board governance. Noah’s Wish disputes each and every allegation.”

As part of the settlement, “Noah’s Wish agrees that it will not appoint Terri Crisp to the Board of Directors nor will it employ her in any manner.” Also, “Terri Crisp agrees that she will not serve as an officer, director or trustee, or in any position having the duties or responsibilities of an officer, director, or trustee, with any nonprofit organization for a period of five (5) years from the execution of this Settlement Agreement.”

Whether she was guilty of the aforementioned allegations or not, you’d think that Crisp would play it safe and keep her distance from disaster relief or nonprofit groups for awhile. Instead, per a former Noah’s Wish volunteer, Crisp has quickly founded another nonprofit, Animal Resources. Like Noah’s Wish, her new organization focuses on rescuing and caring for animals from disaster areas. I am an admittedly cynical person, so all I can muster is a sincere hope that both organizations make good use of their second chances, for the sake of the animals and the donors who want to help them.

 

Julia Kamysz Lane

Show Me the Money

After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, it seemed like thousands of nonprofit groups initiated fundraising campaigns on behalf of victims. In the months that followed, there were public rumblings that some groups were not following through; they were taking donations in the name of Katrina victims, but directing it to victims of other disasters or using it for other projects altogether. Allegedly, such was the case with Noah's Wish, a nonprofit humane organization based in Sacramento, Calif. In the course of a civil investigation initiated in March 2007 by the California Attorney General, Noah's Wish founder and director Terri Crisp abruptly left the organization. The group recently settled though denies mismanagement. Four million of the original $8 million it raised on behalf of Katrina animal victims will now be under state control to ensure it goes toward its intended purposes, such as building a new animal shelter in Slidell, La. 

Julia Kamysz Lane      

Gratification Without Responsibility

No matter what you think about mandatory spay and neuter laws, Verlyn Klinkenborg strikes at the heart of some unflattering truths in his New York Times editorial this morning. Klinkenborg suggests that Americans, “lost in a seemingly endless act of transference,” don’t respond rationally to voluntary calls for responsible dog and cat breeding. Check it out.

Lisa Wogan

Will NFL, Nike Do Right By Dogs?

Popular Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been federally indicted for his alleged involvement in a dog-fighting ring on his Virginia property. According to the Washington Post, “Vick, one of the NFL's most exciting players, was charged with competitive dogfighting and conducting the venture across state lines. The 19-page indictment alleged Vick was highly involved in the operation, alleging that he attended fights and paid off bets when his dogs lost. It said he also was involved in the executions of dogs that did not perform well.”

And “executions” is not a euphemism for humane euthanasia, either. The indictment details how dogs who failed to fight were drowned, hung and in one case, electrocuted. In this light, it's shocking to think that fans admired Vick and young kids looked up to him as a role model. How could a young man with such talent and promise prove to be so cruel and heartless toward animals? It wasn't like Vick needed the money. What causes someone to do such horrific things?

ASPCA President/CEO Ed Sayres said, "Federal charges in dog fighting are extremely rare, and we applaud the authorities for giving this crime the attention it deserves.”  As dog lovers, we must demand that the NFL and Nike – which had planned to debut its latest Michael Vick-brand shoe this August – take this case just as seriously.

So what can you do? For starters, contact the NFL and Nike. Tell these highly profitable businesses why Vick deserves the boot. You can also sign a petition via the Humane Society of the United States by clicking on: NFL Petition. Lastly, consider donating money to the HSUS, which is caring for the 52 seized dogs seized from Vick's property while he awaits trial.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Dublin's Doomed Dogs

On July 7, the Dublin City Council banned 11 dog breeds from all Dublin City Council properties, including houses, flats and estates, effective immediately. The council has said it will give tenants an opportunity to find new homes for the animals but if alternative accommodations cannot be found they will be destroyed, according to a story in the Irish Independent.

The banned breeds are: English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Doberman, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Japanese Akita, Bull Mastiff, Japanese Tosa and Bandog. Cross-breeds of these dogs or crosses of these dogs with any other breed are also banned.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has condemned the action, along with others, and offered intelligent alternatives. But the Independent reported that at least on councillor, Kevin Humphreys, hoped that this was just the first step to banning these breeds nationally.

Lisa Wogan

"Puppies are Biodegradable"

If you live in the Philadelphia area, be sure to check out a very thought-provoking art exhibit. F.U.E.L. Gallery (249 Arch St., 215-592-8400) presents “Puppies Are Biodegradable,” featuring works by animal-loving artists who want to raise awareness of Pennsylvania’s horrific puppy mills. Art is located on the first floor, and real-life news clippings, videos and photographs can be found on the second floor. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, through July 30. For more info, go to Puppy Mill Awareness.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Who Should Get the Puppy?

When Erica Albarran named her puppy Chaos, was it a premonition or a self-fulfilling prophecy? According to the Daily Herald story, "Battle of the Collar," the 23-year-old woman of McHenry, Ill., adopted the now 13-week-old mixed-breed puppy on April 21 from Save-A-Pet. This past Sunday, Albarran became concerned when Chaos wouldn’t eat and brought her to the shelter for guidance. She was accompanied by her boyfriend and his Husky, who wore a citronella anti-bark collar. Upon seeing the collar, the shelter manager Daniel Mourlas said Chaos could not go home with Albarran. He stated that she had signed a contract in which she promised not to use “negative reinforcement.”

As I read further, I was struck by comments about the collar. Albarran said her boyfriend got the collar because it was recommended by the pet store where he bought the Husky. Of course! A business that supports puppy mills would be equally ignorant (or perhaps heartless?) regarding positive training methods.

But the winning quote comes compliments of Lake County Animal Control chief warden Len Hackl: “I know there are some humane organizations that don’t like people using them … . I’ve never personally used one, but if they were that harmful, I don’t think they would be on the market.” Either Hackl is extremely naïve or he has never picked up a newspaper. Remember Fen Phen? The recent pet food recall? What about cigarettes? Seems they’re a tad harmful.

Though I support the shelter’s position on negative reinforcement, such as anti-bark collars, I don’t agree with how they chose to handle this situation. Rather than seize the puppy, this could have been an excellent opportunity to educate the couple. (I think it counts for something that Albarran chose to adopt a mixed breed from a shelter even though her boyfriend had purchased a purebred from a pet store.) Instead, Chaos is back in the shelter awaiting a new home and I imagine the Husky is still wearing that anti-bark collar. And do you think they’ll ever adopt from a shelter again, or tell their friends and family to do so? It’s pretty unlikely. Thus, everybody loses.

- Julia Kamysz Lane

Good News from Brussels

Yesterday, the European Parliament agreed to ban cat and dog fur imports. The move should curb the cruel treatment and slaughter of millions of cats and dogs in China. Labelled as “Corsac fox,” “Dogues du Chine” or even “fake fur,” dog fur is used in boots, gloves, toys and homeopathic products. Under pressure from the Humane Society of United States, our government banned such trade in 2000. Not sure why it took so long in Europe, but better late than never.

Lisa Wogan

Bob Barker vs. AKC

Hopefully, it won’t get as ugly as Trump vs. Rosie! As a long-time advocate of spay/neuter programs, game show host Bob Barker strongly supports Assembly Bill 1634,  dubbed the "California Healthy Pets Act." The bill requires all cats and dogs four months or older to be spayed/neutered unless the owner qualifies for and obtains an intact animal permit. The American Kennel Club opposes the bill and has launched a campaign to defeat it. The bill just passed the California State Assembly and will next head to the State Senate. - Julia Kamysz Lane

New Jersey Takes the Next Step

No matter how valuable our animal companions are to us, as far as the legal system is concerned, their worth is determined by how much money we've spent on them, or how much it would cost to replace them.... kind of like a house or a toaster. With rare exceptions, the law doesn't take our emotional bond with our animals into consideration when penalizing others for actions or products that harm them.

Now, New Jersey is poised to change that situation--pending legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Neil Cohen would allow people to seek compensation for  "pain and suffering" when their animal companion is injured or dies at the hands of another. Even more telling, it would not place a financial limit on those damages. For much more on the topic of animals and the law, stop by the Animal Legal Defense Fund site and scroll through its pages.
-Susan Tasaki

Puppy Peddlers Beware

If your dog gets lost, you worry about the many possible dangers he faces, from cars to wildlife traps. You can add research labs to that list, but hopefully not for long. According to the Humane Society of the United States, every year “Class B” animal dealers collect 18,000 dogs and cats from flea markets and free-to-good-home ads then sell them to research laboratories (Puppy Peddlers). Some of those animals are in fact lost or stolen pets whose owners never gave permission for their pets to be used in this way. U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Reps. Phil English (R-PA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) have co-sponsored the Pet Safety and Protection Act, which would ensure that all dogs and cats used by research facilities are obtained legally. It’s known as “Buck’s Bill,” in honor of a black hound dog who was seized from an Oklahoma dealer in 2003 and died soon thereafter due to previous neglect. To download a fact sheet on the bill, go to Buck's Bill. - Julia Kamysz Lane

Service Dog Boondoggle

If you followed the debacle at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, it probably comes as no surprise to hear that wounded veterans are not getting the service dogs they were promised and deserve.

Here’s the score. In 2002, President George W. Bush signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act (HR3447). The act, among other things, authorizes funds for the Veterans Administration to provide service and hearing dogs to qualified disabled veterans. Before releasing the money, the VA required studies determining the dogs’ effectiveness. (How much time and money was wasted to make this obvious determination is a subject for another day.) But even after two government-sponsored studies concluded that service and hearing dogs are indeed of value, program funds have not been released.

Since the law was passed, estimates are that more than 25,000 soldiers have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least some of them could have benefited greatly from service dogs, restoring a measure of dignity and independence to the lives of citizens who made such enormous sacrifices. It simply makes no sense. Contact your legislators to ask that the VA allocate HR3447 funds for this important purpose. To learn more, contact Assistance Dogs International.

Lisa Wogan