Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 2:45:20 PM by Edward Knittel
In a first, a small turboprop plane that typically seats 19 humans has been retrofitted with 50 cages to transport dogs and cats from one city to another.
Based out of Baltimore, Flying Pet Airlines flew from BWI to Chicago with 40 furry passengers making the trip. And how about this: The airline is sold out for its first two months. Pet
Airways serves Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles,
but the company hopes to expand to 25 cities in a couple of
years.
But it's not cheap. The average ticket price is $250.
More information from Pet Airways
Saturday, August 02, 2008 at 12:01:24 PM by Edward Knittel
There is an interesting editorial over at the Chicago Tribune:
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States have been attempting to take away our right to own dogs by lobbying to pass mandatory spay/neuter laws, and by lobbying for high license fees for non-neutered dogs, and for pet limit laws. They have hundreds of millions of dollars in their war chests, and they use this money to pay lobbyists to help promote their agendas, not to help dogs. They are the people who want everyone to be a vegetarian, not to wear fur, not to have pets, not to fish or hunt.
Bob Barker was recently in Chicago in support of such legislature.
More information from Chicago Tribune
Monday, October 31, 2005 at 10:48:15 AM by Edward Knittel
No one is immune to America's obesity epidemic, not even pets. It's now estimated that at least 25 percent of cats and dogs are overweight or obese.
And while our four-legged friends might look "cute and cuddly" when they're a bit on the chubby side the truth is that they in danger of the same health problems that plague obese people.
From diabetes to a great increase in heart and respiratory problems, our pets are at a great health risk the bigger they get. And while excess weight does not cause orthopedic problems it can worsen such things arthritis and hip dysplasia. Obese dogs also are more vulnerable to torn knee ligaments, skin infections, heatstroke and a host of other ailments.
Why are pets packing on the pounds? The same reasons people do: a sedentary lifestyle and too much food. But unlike people, pets don't choose how they live. Their access to food and exercise is almost entirely controlled by their owners.
A dog or cat will eat whatever you give it, so owner compliance is crucial for a weight management program. Diet alone will not a fit pet make. Excerise is just as important. A lot of our pets are couch potatoes. They're left at home with nothing to do during the day, so they sleep.
It's also important to never give a pet table food. Our food is much higher in fat than commercial pet food is. It can lead to heavy tartar buildup on the teeth, and too much fat can cause pancreatitis. Many vets struggle to convince owners that they may be loving their pets to death.
So show your dog or cat some love. Be sure to feed them a sensible diet and offer them as many opportunities to be active. If you can't take your dog for a walk every day then consider pet walking or day care services a few times a week. Not only will your buddy feel better, he'll have a lot of fun and that can help you rest a little better.
More information from Gainesville Times
Thursday, June 02, 2005 at 8:31:01 AM by Edward Knittel
I came across Lori Verni's latest web site this morning while perusing the various dog stories via Google News. The press release entitled "A Goldmine of Free Dog Training Information Launched in a Full-Scale Attack on Euthanasia Rates and Family Heartbreak" caught my eye and of course, with a title like that which promised a wealth of free information I had to check it out. Without a doubt I can say that her web site is chock-full of dog training information and articles about behavioral issues.
And although the web site is clearly being used to market and sell her new book (which I have not read so I can't pass any judgement) I have to say she did a great job. The site looks nice, has a DTD of XHTML Transitional and she chose to use a web development company to make sure it all came together nicley. All of which is important since freedogtraininginfo.com uses WordPress for its content management (a.ka. blog software) and the design is based off of a stock template. This solution appears to be a quick, easy, and effective one.
But putting all that aside, Lori's web site is FULL of information and is probably worth a visit to see what she's got. Congrats.
More information from Free Dog Training Info
Friday, May 13, 2005 at 5:32:34 PM by Edward Knittel
Next week (May 15-21) marks "National Dog Bite Prevention Week" and The Humane Society of the United States has a number of tips that you, your children, and your family should be made aware of. According to the American Veterinary Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.7 million Americans suffer from dog bites each year. The severity of the bites varies, but approximately 800,000 people each year are injured seriously enough to require medical attention, and 12 people die due to mortal wounds.
Make sure you and your children are familiar with these 11 steps to help prevent being bitten by a dog:
- Speak quietly and move slowly around dogs.
- Before petting someone's dog, ask the person's permission. If it's okay, approach slowly and quietly. Let the dog sniff you first, then pet the dog's sides or back gently.
- Never sneak up on or pet a dog who is eating or sleeping. Animals may bite when they're startled or frightened.
- Never pet a dog who is playing with a toy. Dogs are often protective of toys, and may think a child is trying to take it.
- Never try to pet a dog who is in a car. Dogs will often protect that space.
- Never pet a dog who is behind a fence. Most dogs naturally protect their property and home.
- An angry dog may try to make herself look big: ears standing up, the fur on her back standing on end, and tail straight up (it may be wagging). She may bare her teeth and growl, and stare straight at whoever is approaching.
- A frightened dog behaves differently, and may shrink to the ground, put his tail between his legs, and fold his ears back.
- If you are walking, stop and stand still (like a tree) with your hands at your side.
- If you are playing on the ground, lie still on the ground (like a log) with your knees tucked into your stomach and your hands over your ears. When you stay still and quiet like this, the dog will most likely just sniff you and go away.
- Never, ever try to outrun a dog. Back away slowly from him instead.
More information from The Humane Society of the United States
Monday, January 17, 2005 at 8:34:56 AM by Staci L. Hayes
While most of us have a first aid kit for ourselves and our children, few of us have thought about having one set up for our pets. It is just as important and as easy to be prepared for an emergency for our pets as it is for humans.
The first thing you want to do is find a box that is transportable (shoe box size) and with a handle. It should also be water resistant and non-locking for easy access. Place a large, easy to read label on the box saying "Animal First Aid" and store the box where it's easy to get to and remember.
Here is a list of some of the supplies that should be in the first aid kit:
- 2 rolls of 3" gauze bandage
- Gauze pads (3" x 3")
- Nonstick adhesive tape
- Nonstick bandages
- A tube of Neosporin or Polysporin
- Saline solution (like you use for contact lenses)
- A small bottle of Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- An eye dropper
- Nail trimmers
- Muzzle (nylon is the best for your pet)
- Some paper towels
- A pair of tweezers
You should also have a piece of paper with the following information on it: Your vet's name, poison control (yes, they will help you with animals as well as people), and after hour vets.
A few other items you might want to have in your first aid kit are a small bottle of Quick-Stop (for bleeding nails), a dose of any medication your pet takes regularly and a baggie of pet treats. You should also have a copy of your pet's inoculation records.
Emergencies can be very stressful for both you and your pet, but if you are prepared you will be able to better care for a pet in trouble.
As printed in Essay Magazine
List acquired from Emergency First Aid For Your Dog by Tamara Shearer, D.V.M.
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