Good News for Rabbits

The House Rabbit Society has announced that Petsmart is ending its "test" of selling baby rabbits in its stores. The Society states,

We have heard that it was because of the vocal opposition of animal lovers across the United States that they have reconsidered their choice. Please thank PetSmart for their decision, and let them know that it was the right choice. Please address your thanks to PetSmart care of:

PetSmart

John Alpaugh Vice President,

Specialty Merchandising19601 North 27th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85027(623) 580-6100

mailto:corpcommunications@ssg.petsmart.com.

Although I could find nothing about this decision on Petsmart's Web site, I'm trusting that the House Rabbit Society knows what they're talking about. This is great encouragement for those who spoke out against the ill-conceived "test" of selling rabbits. There are plenty of rabbits already in shelters and rescue groups that need homes. No one needs to buy a rabbit.

Puppy Mills in Virginia Exposed

The Humane Society of the United States has brought to light the deplorable conditions of many unlicensed breeding facilities in Virginia. The undercover operation shows filthy, crowded conditions and lack of veterinary care for dogs that exist solely for their breeders' profit. It's easy to feel shock and horror that people could operate these inhumane facilities. But are the breeders the only ones to blame? What about those of us who purchase these dogs? In our desire for a puppy of a certain breed, do we shirk our responsibility to learn where the puppy came from? If we buy a puppy based on a cute photo on the internet, what do we know about the conditions in which it has lived? What is that purchase price going to: The pet store that doesn't ask questions of their suppliers and the breeders who protect their profits by keeping operating costs low?

Besides mistreating the breeding animals and their pupppies, these puppy mills are adding to the pet overpopulation crisis by selling unneutered dogs. Do any of these breeders or pet stores require neutering? I doubt it. What can we do? Like the illegal drug market, if there were no consumer demand, there would be no suppliers. Obviously, one answer is to adopt dogs from the large supply of homeless animals already in our Virginia shelters. If you decide to buy a purebred dog, investigate first and make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Visit the facility and ask for references from a veterinarian. Find out whether a breeder is primarily interested in the welfare of the dogs or in making a sale.

Until we consumers demand change, puppy mills will continue to exist. Let's look at our own contribution to the problem and make decisions that promote animal welfare.

Deer Collisions

It seems that the first two weeks in November tend to have the greatest number of vehicle-deer collisions. Obviously, this can be deadly for both people and deer. With the frequency of deer sightings in Northern Virginia, we need to be on the alert when driving even in urban areas.

The Insurance Information Institute gives defensive driving tips for avoiding deer including being particularly cautious from sundown to midnight and at dawn and never swerving out of your lane to avoid a deer.

According to the Humane Society of the United States

"The breeding season for deer occurs between October and January. This period—termed the "rut"—involves dramatic physiological and behavioral changes in male deer. ... Nervous and almost constantly active during the rut, males wander into residential areas and places where they would otherwise never be seen."

For our own well being as well as for wildlife, let's be alert and careful while driving.

Why Is Petsmart Selling Rabbits?

I have thought of Petsmart as an innovative retailer in that it does not sell dogs or cats and it offers space to rescue groups to show animals for adoption. But the company's decision this summer to do a "test" of selling baby dwarf rabbits harks back to the bad old days of pets being sold to anyone with the money with no questions asked. To their credit Petsmart has included on their site the very appropriate blast from the House Rabbit Society about the folly of this idea.

As anyone who has animal shelter experience knows, rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered animal. While they are wonderful pets for the right people, they are not low maintenance and they have a lifespan of more than 10 years. At the Animal Welfare League of Arlington over the past fiscal year, the average shelter stay for rabbits before finding an adoptive home is 69 days. This compares to 36 days for cats and 25 days for dogs. Shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with unwanted rabbits.

Petsmart says, "We are testing the rabbit market believing that adoption and responsible sales can successfully coexist." So Petsmart already "believes" that selling rabbits can be successful. I welcome Petsmart to ask shelters and rescue groups to report on how many of these "baby" rabbits end up homeless when their owners (or their children) lose interest, don't have the time, or discover that someone in the household is allergic to their purchased pet.

Blessing of the Animals

Each October near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi churches throughout the world hold a special Blessing of the Animals service.

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. In the Arlington, Virginia area a Blessing of the Animals will take place at the Arlington Presbyterian Church at 3507 Columbia Pike in Arlington on October 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Some people may think that there are many more serious problems in the world to warrant a special service, but caring for and honoring the creatures with which we live is a good step toward making our world better.

Albert Schweitzer said, "Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind."

Whether we attend a religious service or not, the first week in October is a good time to remember all the creatures that share our world and to renew our commitment to be compassionate toward all living beings.

Microchip Concerns Premature

Animals shelters, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates have touted the benefits of microchip identification of companion animals for several years. It is standard practice at many animal shelters to microchip all dogs and cats before adoption. But recent news reports have alarmed many people about the possible health risks. A series of veterinary and toxicology studies, dating to the mid-1990s, stated that chip implants had "induced" malignant tumors in some lab mice and rats.

The controversy mostly surrounds the very recent practice of implanting microchips with medical or identification information in human beings. But the reports also have alarmed pet owners. No one wants to implant something in their pet that might cause cancer. But it seems that science is a long way from being ready to state that microchips cause cancer.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises pet owners against a rush to judgment on the technology. As a pet owner I’m still glad that my dog has a microchip. If she were to get lost and somehow lose her identification tags, she would still have the microchip as a permanent means of identification. We saw after the Katrina disaster how difficult it is to reunite pets with their owners when they have no permanent identification. Until further studies are done pet owners should still rely on microchips as the best way to find their lost pets.

Bring Fido!

Doesn't your dog deserve a getaway, too? Thanks to Travelocity and BringFido.com, you can find a dog-friendly hotel, motel or B&B just about anywhere in the US. Isn't your furry friend in need of a little vacation time, too?

Cat Predicts Death

Is Oscar, a hospice cat at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, R.I., a harbinger of death? According to nursing home staff, he has, on several occasions, curled up with a patient who passes away within hours. The staff is so certain of the accuracy of Oscar's predictions that they will call a patient's family once Oscar has chosen to perch himself upon the patient's bed. It sounds a bit eerie but, according to doctors, most patients are too ill to be aware of the cat's presence and most family members take comfort in the companionship that cat provides for their dying loved one.

This story may sound far-fetched, but animals have been known to pick up on signals that humans often miss. A study reported in New Scientist shows that dogs predicted epileptic seizures with 80% accuracy. The dogs were not trained for this, they began predicting the seizures spontaneously by whining, licking or standing by the person who would have the seizure.

Also, dogs can predict certain cancers by smelling a person's breath. Our animal companions have highly developed senses of smell and awareness of subtle body language that we can't replicate. We've only begun to find out all the benefits that our furry friends can provide, besides the obvious -- love and companionship. So a cat sensing that a person's last moments are drawing near isn't surprising.

Michael Vick Indicted

It appears that the evidence is overwhelming enough to indict Atlanta Falcon's Quarterback Michael Vick on charges related to dog fighting.

Upon searching Vick's property in Virginia, officials found dogfighting equipment, blood stains on carpets and walls, and more than 60 dogs. The indictment also states that Vick and two others named in the indictment, executed as many as eight dogs that were not performing well by hanging, drowning and slamming against the ground.

These allegations are absolutely sad and sickening. What kind of man could possibly treat "man's best friend" this way?

Household Dangers

There is much curiosity and speculation over what foods and other common household items are, in fact, potentially harmful to pets. I, personally, have received several questions, specifically about foods and items such as rasins, grapes, chocolate, and plants.

So here is the skinny on household dangers from HSUS and AVMA:

Foods Potentially Poisonous to Pets
Common Household Dangers
Common Poisonous Plants
Household Hazards

We have collected these links along with several others on pet safety, care and training on our pet care page for your convenience.

DC Considers Tougher Dogfighting Laws

Hats off to the District of Columbia for putting forth the effort to crack down on dogfighting. The DC Council is considering making simply watching a dogfight a felony, subject to five years in prison. Unconstitutional? Maybe it's time to hold these people accountable, not just for their actions, but for supporting such actions, as well.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Friday, June 22, is Take Your Dog to Work Day. While this may be a novelty at most workplaces, it’s a common occurrence at an animal shelter. Obviously, people who work in animal welfare are passionate about animals and are likely to bring their pets along whenever possible. But the other thing that makes animal workers unusual is that we understand very well why dogs in a place of business could also be a problem. No one wants a dog barking incessantly or jumping up on everyone while they’re trying to work. That’s why we have some rules. You can bring your dog to work occasionally so long as it is under control, in a private office or on leash, and not disruptive. You must clean up after your dog outside and (heaven forbid) inside if necessary. You can’t go out and leave another staff person to care for your dog.

The best thing about Take Your Dog to Work Day is the recognition by businesses that their employees’ companion animals are an important part of their lives, even members of the family. While most businesses don’t want dogs at work every day, it’s great for a business to have the flexibility to let an employee bring his or her dog when necessary. Perhaps you’re having work done on your house or your dog has a vet appointment in the middle of the day or your pet sitter canceled at the last minute. This is a great way for businesses to let their workers know that they see them as whole individuals with many kinds of responsibilities, not just workers. And for many of us our pets are one of our most important responsibilities.

Dogs for Defense

America has been diligent about supporting and thanking our troops that serve and protect us each day -- and we should. But wait, maybe it's time to take a moment to appreciate our four-legged protectors, too! Check out what our furry friends are doing to aid our troops and serve their Country.

Open Door Shelters

What exactly does "open door shelter" mean? Well, exactly that, a shelter whose door is open to any and all animals regardless of age, species, behavior, health, etc. It seems these days that everyone out their knows the term "no-kill" shelter but very few understand the true concept and certainly do not understand why the alternative is an "open door" shelter, NOT a "kill" shelter.

Kudos to two Pennsylvania animal shelters for building a site dedicated to educate the public on this sensitive topic. Now, open your mind and find out exactly what an open door shelter is and why these "no-kill" rescues could simply not exist without us.

Michael Vick & Dog Fighting

It began in April when investigators, based on reports of alleged dog fighting, searched the Virginia home of Atlanta Falcons' Quarterback Michael Vick and found three buildings of neglected dogs behind the home. Due to the severe nature of this crime and this high-profile suspect, the case has escalated, bringing the horrors of dog fighting and the ignorance of those involved into the public eye.

While Vick claims to not reside at the Virginia home, various reports have suggested that he has been involved in dog fighting for quite a while, placing bets on and attending dog fights.

Others have defended him, including Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis who claims that it's his business and the dogs are his property and that he should be able to do what he likes with the dogs. Since Portis' comments, the Redskins have had the good sense to apologize for Portis' remarks.

It is a sad state of affairs when our society cannot see what is wrong with dog fighting. It is cruel and unjust, causing undue animal suffering for what, entertainment purposes? Dogs, including pit bulls, are typically most interested in pleasing their guardians and dog fighters are exploiting the loyal nature of these dogs to create violent animals who suffer severe abuse, neglect and injury.

It is even sadder when "role models" like Vick and Portis cannot step out of their own, selfish ways to see the damage they are doing with their statements and their actions.

I hate to waste my time going on about why dog fighting is and should be illegal. As far as I'm concerned, a decent human being can figure this out all on his own. If, however, these reasons are not apparent to you, please take a moment to consult the following information to educate yourself on exactly what is so horrible, sadistic and sickening about dog fighting:
Underworld of Dog Fighting
Dog Fighting Fact Sheet

Pet Cell Phone

I love this! A super-small cell phone for pooch.

No, Fido doesn't have to learn how to dial, speak or text message. This gadget helps protect him from getting lost. This bone-shaped gadget, worn around your dog's collar, features GPS for tracking Fido if he get's lost, an owner call button for a good samaritan to call when Fido is found, and a speaker-phone that will only answer from your approved phone number.

Ok, so I'm not sure the call Fido feature is exactly handy or sane, but the GPS and owner-call features are brilliant ideas. Could this bring an end to the lost and never-found pets epidemic?

BARF Diet, One Alternative

As the list of recalled pet foods grows, loving pet owners worry more and more. "Is my pet's food on the list?" "Will it be added to the list?" Switching to a new type of food might be the answer, until the new food is suddenly recalled, too.

What is the alternative?

One possibility is the BARF Diet. The BARF Diet claims to be safe and nutritious and has been around for years. It is not a new philosophy, in fact, the BARF Diet website, Barf World, claims that the diet "mimics the way your pet used to eat before highly processed, grain-based foods entered our pet’s food chain." What is it? Basically, the diet is a "biologically appropriate raw food."

Might be worth a try but always check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pet's diet.

In the Lap of Luxury

When's the last time you went on an expensive vacation to a posh resort only to feel guilty about leaving Fido or Fluffy in a stark, no-frills boarding kennel? If this feeling is all too familiar, consider the latest luxurious pet hotels.

The Wag Hotel, just opened in San Francisco, is a luxury "hotel" just for pets. "Guests" of the hotel enjoy an array of perks including doggie facials, an indoor pool, a rooftop garden to romp, and plasma TVs in each room--kennel. And, thanks to cameras in every room, guardians of guests of the Wag Hotel, may also drop in for a virtual visit. At $45 to $85 a night, the pet hotel might be a nice alternative to your typical boarding kennel.

Don't live in the San Fran area? No worries, many new luxury boarding kennels have opened across the Country in the recent years. In our area (DC) we are fortunate to have the Olde Towne Pet Resort, where DC pets enjoy the same perks as those in the Bay area. Not too shabby.

Is Your Pet Stressed?

Japanese company Medical Life Care Giken claims to have the answer in a patch that measures his or her sweat. Just stick the patch on the bottom of your furry friend's paw and the color of the patch will change depending on sweat secretion which will, in turn, tell you how stressed your pet really is.

The company also makes a similar patch for humans. Hmmm, I think I remember these in the 70s... Weren't they called mood rings?

How Humane is Your Town?

Interested to find out how your city compares to others on humane issues? Check out the Humane Index from HSUS.

Although we live in a suburb of DC, we at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington are proud to live in an area that ranks 4th in overall humaneness of the largest metro areas!