(CBS) Summer in Southern California means surfs up for
everyone--even the dog.
“Buddy is a very playful dog and he's a family dog its all about
love,” owner Bruce Hooker said. “He loves to play with the kids
and us and whatever we're doing he wants to do with us.”
Buddy is an 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier, with lots of
energy. He's been surfing the Ventura coast since he was two,
astonishing everyone who sees him.
Hooker says he didn’t start out actually trying to teach Buddy
to surf.
“I don't think you can do that with a dog,” Hooker said. “Once
he got on the board then he got the surf stoke. He decided it
was something he absolutely loved.”
Meet the
2006 Humane Teen of the Year
She vaccinates, medicates, and bathes
homeless cats, teaches children about
responsible pet care, maintains a
vegetarian diet, and speaks out against
animal cruelty every chance she gets.
Sixteen-year-old Amanda Anges of
Springvale, Maine, has been selected as
the 2006 Humane Teen of the Year. Learn
about her impressive accomplishments at www.humaneteen.org.
Do you
know teens who make a real difference
for animals? Let us know! Young people
in grades 7-12 are eligible to
apply online for next year's
award.
Dog
Credited With Saving Teen From
Fire
By
Associated Press
Fri Sep
29, 11:21 PM
FORT
MEYERS, Fla. - A pit bull who
was recently adopted by a family
after wondering onto a
construction site may have saved
a teen girl from a house fire on
Friday.
Jerrica
Seals, 17, was already safely
out of the house by the time
firefighters arrived, the
News-Press of Fort Meyers
reported.
"She
called me screaming," said
Leticia Vega, 36, the sister of
Seals' boyfriend Javier Garcia,
23, who owns the home. "She said
the dog woke her up barking,
jumped on the bed and bit her on
the leg."
Seals
was taken to the hospital for a
checkup, but Garcia said she was
going to be fine.
Deputy
fire Chief Steve Clyatt said
blaze appears to have been
caused by a bad extension cord
on a window air conditioner.
Vega
said her oldest brother, Gabriel
Garcia, found the dog while he
was working.
"He
didn't pay no mind to it," Vega
said. "He just kept working and
the dog just stayed there so he
brought it home. He doesn't
usually bark. He's real
friendly."
Animals In Translation Grandin, Dr. Temple
Bestseller!
Using
the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal
Behavior Temple Grandin's Animals in
Translation speaks in the clear voice of a
woman who emerged from the other side of autism,
bringing with her an extraordinary message about
how animals think and feel. Temple's
professional training as an animal scientist and
her history as a person with autism have given
her a perspective like that of no other expert
in the field. Standing at the intersection of
autism and animals, she offers unparalleled
observations and groundbreaking ideas about
both.
Autistic people can often think the way animals
think -- in fact, Grandin and co-author
Catherine Johnson see autism as a kind of way
station on the road from animals to humans --
putting autistic people in the perfect position
to translate "animal talk." Temple is a faithful
guide into their world, exploring animal pain,
fear, aggression, love, friendship,
communication, learning, and, yes, even animal
genius. Not only are animals much smarter than
anyone ever imagined, in some cases animals are
out-and-out brilliant.
The sweep of Animals in Translation is
immense, merging an animal scientist's thirty
years of study with her keen perceptions as a
person with autism -- Temple sees what others
cannot.
If you read the front page story of the SF
Chronicle today-Thursday, Dec 15, 2005, you would
have read about a female humpback whale who had
become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and
lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds
of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat.
She also had hundreds of yards of line (rope)
wrapped around her body-her tail, her torso, a line
tugging in her mouth.
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralon
Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an
environmental group for help. Within a few hours,
the rescue team arrived and determined that she was
so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in
and untangle her-a very dangerous proposition. One
slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked
for hours with curved knives and eventually freed
her.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what
seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to
each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged
them, pushed them gently around. She thanked them.
Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful
experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope
out of her mouth says her eye was following him the
whole time, and he will never be the same.
May we all be so blessed and as fortunate in the New Year----to be
untangled from the things that we think are binding
us. Happy 2006!!!
As we mark the
36th
anniversary of Earth Day, our
nation’s wolves are under assault. That is
why Defenders of Wildlife is asking you to
join with us this Earth Day by
adopting a
wolf.
We urgently need your help.
Here are just a few of the threats facing
wolves today.
In Alaska, nearly
500 wolves
have been slaughtered under that state’s
barbaric aerial gunning program
that allows marksmen to gun down wolves from
the air, or chase them to exhaustion and
then land and shoot them. Hundreds more are
slated to die. To help us end this horrific
practice,
adopt a wolf today!
The Federal Government has
turned over wolf management to the state of
Idaho which has vowed to rid the state of
wolves “by any means necessary.” Now the
state has plans to eliminate 75% of the
wolves in the Clearwater National Forest.
Help us stop them by
adopting a wolf today!
Your tax-deductible wolf
adoption gift will help fund media, public
outreach and grassroots efforts to protect
wolves. When you
adopt a wolf we’ll send you or someone
you choose a plush wolf toy and certificate
of adoption suitable for framing.
DECEMBER 29, 2005
Welcome to our weekly email newsletter, your source
for the latest news from our animal welfare
community and information on pending humane
legislation.
Welcome to
ASPCA News Alert,
the weekly newsletter of the
American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals.
PET POISON
ALERT: POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS
WINTER WEATHER PRODUCTS YOU
SHOULD KNOW ABOUT As
the mercury begins to dip,
the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center (APCC) is
urging pet parents to take
steps to prevent accidental
exposures to two potentially
dangerous products commonly
used during the
winter—antifreeze and ice
melts.
Antifreeze
products containing ethylene
glycol are highly toxic, and
can produce life-threatening
kidney damage, even in small
amounts. "Most cases of
antifreeze poisoning occur
around the pet’s home," says
the APCC’s Dana Farbman, CVT,
"and are usually due to
improper storage or
disposal." If you plan to
use antifreeze this winter,
please take the following
precautions:
- Always
clean up spills immediately,
and regularly check your car
for leaks.
- Store antifreeze
containers in clearly marked
sealed containers, in areas
that are inaccessible to
pets.
- Consider switching to a
product that contains
propylene glycol, which is
less toxic to pets.
Available in
both liquid and solid forms,
ice melts are used to melt
ice and snow on slippery
sidewalks, roadways and
driveways. "Dermal exposure
to paws is very common, and
can result in irritation of
the skin," says Farbman.
Additionally, pets may
ingest ice melt from their
paws or directly from the
ground. Depending on the
amount ingested, this can
result in a variety of
effects, from drooling and
diarrhea to excessive
thirst, low blood pressure,
decreased muscle function
and, in severe cases,
seizures, coma and even
death.
If you
suspect that your animal
companion may have been
exposed to ice melts or
antifreeze, call your
veterinarian or the ASPCA
Animal Poison Control
Center's emergency hotline
at (888) 426-4435 for
round-the-clock telephone
assistance. For more poison
prevention tips,
please visit ASPCA online.
2005
END OF SESSION REPORTS
Many humane bills were signed into law during state
legislative sessions in 2005. Unfortunately, many
important measures also died—and even worse, some
inhumane legislation was passed. Do you know how
animals fared in your state this year?
HAPPY TAILS
Doree, a one-year
old Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix, had been living the
life of a pampered "only child" when her mom and
dad, Yvonne and Curtis Donaldson, started
looking for a second pet. "Doree needed a
friend," Yvonne said. "She has a lot of energy
and needs someone to play with -- we can’t keep
up with her!" Using an Internet search engine,
Yvonne and Curtis found
PETS
911 (www.PETS911.com) and began checking the
site frequently to find the perfect addition to
their family.
One afternoon, Yvonne saw a listing for a
9-month old Shih Tzu mix at the local animal
control shelter, with his adoption availability
listed as the next morning. Yvonne knew from her
past adoption experience that if she wanted this
little puppy, she would first need to obtain his
kennel number from the shelter. Yvonne hopped
into her car and rushed to the shelter, which
was located 45 minutes away. "I arrived a few
minutes before they closed," Yvonne said. "When
I saw him, I just knew he would be perfect. He
was so tiny and so scared, I couldn’t have not
gone back to get him."
The next morning, Yvonne and Curtis took Doree
with them when they went back to the shelter.
Doree was initially standoffish with the young
Shih Tzu mix, but since there were no signs of
aggression, Yvonne and Curtis were hopeful that
they would get along. They adopted the pup on
the spot, naming him "Fergus" to reflect Curtis’
Scottish background.
Doree took her time warming up to her new
sibling, but was soon sharing the same food and
water – a true sign of acceptance! The one
remaining challenge was sharing human attention,
which was remedied with additional training. The
blended family was now complete. Yvonne summed
up the joy brought by their newest family
member, "We can’t imagine life without Fergus.
He and Doree make life more enjoyable -- and a
lot more interesting."
Editor’s Note: In this
season of giving, we wish to thank everyone who
has given a lost pet a new home!
"… Instead of buying a puppy or kitten as a
gift, consider waiting to adopt a pet after the
holidays. You could even build some excitement
for a post-holiday adoption. You could give a
loved one a "gift certificate" from a local
shelter, or a snapshot of a shelter pet, or even
a stuffed animal representing a shelter pet—all
which can be used as "passports" to adopt an
animal later. You could also wrap up some useful
pet supplies — a dog bowl, a cat collar, a
scratching post, or an exercise wheel for a
hamster or gerbil (animals that are popular
during the holidays)—and give those as
"passports" as well…"
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
As you enjoy the
spirit of the season, please keep in mind that
many of the holiday decorations and related
items may be dangerous for your pets. Please
beware of:
Edible tree decorations – i.e. popcorn
Electrical cords – cover or tuck them away
Poinsettia, mistletoe & holly – toxic for
pets
Chocolate – just 4-5 oz can be toxic to
animals
Tree water – if you add preservatives to
water
Tinsel, ribbon, pine tree needles –
potential for intestinal blockage
Candles – keep out of reach & extinguish
before bed or leaving home
In fact, we recommend that all decorations are
located far from curious pets’ noses and claws!
Also, we also encourage you to recycle your
Christmas Tree. To find out how, when and where,
visit our sister site,
www.Earth911.org or call 1-877-Earth911.
PUPPY TIPS FROM K9 ADVANTIX
Up until the time
they are about 6 months old, puppies need more
protein and fat than adult dogs. With their
tender digestive systems, they need highly
digestible food. Make sure to buy a food
specifically for puppies. For more puppy tips
from grooming to exercise, courtesy of K9
Advantix,
click here.
Tonight's my first night as a watchdog,
And here it is Christmas Eve.
The children are sleeping all cozy upstairs,
While I'm guardin' the stockin's and tree.
What's that now---footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who's this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard--- And a big sack for
robbin' the house?
I'm barkin', I'm growlin', I'm bitin' his
butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the
air.
I've frightened the whole bunch away.
Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again.
The stockin's are safe as can be.
Won't the kiddies be glad when they wake up
tomorrow
And see how I've guarded the tree.
" To err is
human: To forgive, canine. "
-- Anonymous
"I talk to him when I'm lonesome
like,
and I'm sure he understands.
When he looks at me so attentively,
and gently licks my hands;
Then he rubs his nose on my tailored
clothes,
but I never say naught thereat,
For the good Lord knows I can buy more
clothes,
but never a friend like that!"
-- W. Dayton Wedgefarth
American
Humane Association's National Emergency
Management Summit
Date and Location: January 8-9, 2006 at
the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, FL.
For animal welfare professionals, the
AHA is hosting a 2-day summit on animal
rescue / response operations in the wake
of natural disasters. To view additional
information or to register for the
event, please
click here.
The Humane Society of the United
States: Animal Care Expo 2006
Date and Location: March 8-11, 2006 at
the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.
Education conference designed for those
who work or volunteer at the local level
with pets. For additional information or
to register for the event, please
click here or call 1-800-248-EXPO.
Winter Health Hazard
November 3, 2005
When preparing for winter, what's good for
your car can be dangerous for your dog.
Antifreeze smells and tastes good to pets,
but it is highly toxic. Any spills or leaks of this distinct
green liquid should be cleaned up immediately. Also, make sure
your antifreeze is in a spill-proof container; promptly clean
and dispose of the container when it's empty. If you suspect
your dog has ingested antifreeze, seek emergency veterinary
care. Signs of ingestion include unsteady behavior and excessive
urination and thirst.
Come Watch
Drew
Barrymore and Friends & Sing Along at:
http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/save-a-pet-show/index.html
(Woof Woof) I adopted a pooch today
(Woof Woof ) And she likes to play
(Woof Woof) She comes when I call, we play fetch,
she goes for the ball, and she catches them all
(Woof Woof) I took her out to the
park
(Woof Woof) I love to hear her bark
(Woof Woof) Wagging tail, lots of licks,
fetching sticks, and she learned a new trick
(Chorus)
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com
Adopt a friend, save a life, c'mon
Over the phone or online
You'll find your friend, that's where I found mine
(Meow Meow) Yeah I love my new cat
(Meow Meow) He's kinda fluffy and fat
(Meow Meow) I found him online, saw his photo,
fell in love, and now he's mine
Meow Meow He likes to cuddle and play
Meow Meow He really brightens my day
Meow Meow He purrs a lot, when I pet that spot,
I'm so glad this shelter kitty, is the one that I got
(Chorus x 2)
(Woof Meow) We love shelter pets
(Woof Meow) Adopt - It's as good as it gets
(Woof Meow) 'Cus everyone needs love, whether
you're doggie, kitty, purebred or mutt.
(Woof Meow) Saving pets is great
(Woof Meow) They make our lives complete
(Woof Meow) So if you're looking, for a dog or cat,
go to the shelter - that's where it's at
American
Humane's 2004 Be Kind to Animals Grand Prize Winners!
Gillian
Robertson may only be eight years old, but she’s
already a two-year veteran volunteer at the Humane Society of
St. Lucie County in Florida, where she has fostered over 30 sick
animals and logged approximately 624 hours of time working on
the shelter’s outside adoption program and assisting inside the
shelter. Gillian’s devotion to her work with animals is clear
she chose to work at an adoption event rather than have a party
for her eighth birthday. This is truly a special little girl!
Mariah
Mountanos, 12, has parlayed her entrepreneurial
spirit and eye for photography into increased adoptions at the
Mendocino County (California) animal shelters. Two recent
photography shows highlighting animals available for adoption
have helped a number of animals find loving new homes. Mariah
also participates in other animal welfare activities, including
exercising dogs and teaching them basic commands, and
participating in a children’s reading program with therapy dogs.
We don’t know where she finds the time, but we’re thrilled that
she does!
Teen makes a difference for Circus Animals in Denver
Is your new dog still a bit timid in his new
surroundings? Raise his confidence and comfort level with a little extra
support and patience.
Sit on the floor and let your dog decide when to
approach you or explore his new home. Hold a treat in your open hand so
that coming to you represents a positive experience. If he stays tucked
away some place, try enticing him out of his space by setting a couple of
treats just out of his reach. You can gradually increase the distance from
his safe place. If your dog doesn't respond, simply go about your business
and give him time. He'll make a move when he's ready. Reward any signs of
curiosity.
Now, the Bush administration is proposing a dramatic reinterpretation
of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that would allow commercial
international trade of many of the world's most endangered species. If
adopted, the new policy would allow the importation of any of more than
500 foreign endangered species protected by the Act - including Asian
elephants, tigers, chimpanzees and orangutans - under the pretense of
"enhancing the survival" of the species.
This policy of would open the flood gates for trade in highly
endangered species and is inconsistent with the ESA, and with the
long-term survival of the hundreds of foreign species that the ESA
currently protects. In fact, it would be the most profound and damaging
policy change to foreign endangered species in decades. The deadline for
comments is March 9th, so please send yours today! Learn
more.KIDS
CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT YOUR OPINION!!!
>> Already Taken Action On This Site? Just
Enter Your Email and Send:
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help
>>First time taking action?
Please fill out the form below.
Using
the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal
Behavior Temple Grandin's Animals in
Translation speaks in the clear voice of a
woman who emerged from the other side of autism,
bringing with her an extraordinary message about
how animals think and feel. Temple's
professional training as an animal scientist and
her history as a person with autism have given
her a perspective like that of no other expert
in the field. Standing at the intersection of
autism and animals, she offers unparalleled
observations and groundbreaking ideas about
both. 
As
the mercury begins to dip,
the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center (APCC) is
urging pet parents to take
steps to prevent accidental
exposures to two potentially
dangerous products commonly
used during the
winter—antifreeze and ice
melts.
American
Humane Association's National Emergency
Management Summit
The Humane Society of the United
States: Animal Care Expo 2006
