How Dogs Learn

Our pets are one of our biggest blessings in life. I can't imagine a day without my five (5) dogs, 3 horses and 4 cats. If you love pets, you know how I feel. They are such a special part of our lives. They bring us joy, they make us laugh. they can even make us a little crazy. I had a rodeo in my yard yesterday when I tried to walk 2 horses from one pasture to the next and they got their own idea of how things should go. Fortunately, my husband heard my cries for help and came out to shut the gate before they hit the road. All is well. Treat your animals well, they love you.

PETSblogs.com

It’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Do You Know Where YOUR Dog’s Mouth Has Been? | petMD

Let's do all we can to prevent dog bites. Homeowner's insurance companies are imposing restrictions on the type of dogs we can own and cancelling policies for homeowners who won't comply. I had a neighbor with an elderly part Rottweiler who lost his home insurance. That dog never hurt a flea and at an advanced age was unlikely to become a problem for the pet owner or the insurance company. Don't let our insurance companies determine what kind of dog we can own.

It’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Do You Know Where YOUR Dog’s Mouth Has Been? | petMD

dangerous plants for dogs ← Universal Search Engine

As responsible Central Florida pet owners and pet lovers we need to be vigilant in protecting our pets from ingesting poisonous plants.

dangerous plants for dogs ← Universal Search Engine

Biggest Celebrity Custody Cases: Pets Not Children « In Entertainment

The issue of pet custody is very important as this article proves. Our pets are like our children and who has residential custody and who has visiting rights are very important decisions in the dissolution of a relationship. Few people consider the prospect of this type of disagreement when they first acquire their cute, loveable pet. If you have a Central Florida pet custody issues, the Center for Animal Advocacy would welcome your inquiry.

Biggest Celebrity Custody Cases: Pets Not Children « In Entertainment

Pit Bulls and euthanasia rates - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Pit bulls get a bad rap - it's not their fault - it's the fault of irresponsible pet owners. If you have room in your heart and home, give a pit bull a home today. "Until there are none, adopt one." If your pit bull has been wrongly accused, please contact us for more information.

Pit Bulls and euthanasia rates - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Pets Get Some Political Power | TailsInc.com

Laws are changing nationwide for the protection of pets. See our earlier post on the recent legislative update for Florida. We are your Central Florida resource for representation on pet related legal issues. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Pets Get Some Political Power | TailsInc.com

Blog: Legal Beagles: Do Animals Need Lawyers? | The Responsibility Project by Liberty Mutual

We absolutely think so. If you or your pets need legal representation, we are at your service. Please contact us for more information.

Blog: Legal Beagles: Do Animals Need Lawyers? | The Responsibility Project by Liberty Mutual

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week | Star-Exponent

It's national dog bite prevention week. Do what you can to encourage all dog lovers to educate themselves (and their dogs) to avoid unnecessary litigation. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week | Star-Exponent

Nowzad dogs - lucky canines rescued from war zones - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

This is a heart warming story. Not only are our soldiers protecting our freedom, now they are rescuing dogs that need their assistance. Please support our troops and all their efforts. If you are aware of animal cruelty, please call your local Animal Control organization or contact the Center for Animal Advocacy, Central Florida's law firm for pets.

Nowzad dogs - lucky canines rescued from war zones - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

May is pet cancer awareness month - Albany Animal Welfare | Examiner.com

Protect your pets from overexposure to the sun. Now is the time to get educated about cancer and pets.

May is pet cancer awareness month - Albany Animal Welfare | Examiner.com

Old Dog House

This is a great story about older dogs who have a place to live out their lives in peace. Planning for our pets when we become disabled or die is a responsibility all pet owners have. For more information on how you can plan for your pet, read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet."

Old Dog House

How Many Legs Does it Take to Run the Kentucky Derby? | petMD

Although we may enjoy the pageantry and fanfare of a Kentucky Derby race day, ultimately horse racing is a cruelty sport. These beautiful, delicate creatures are just babies when they are broken to ride and asked to run. Their bones have not had a chance to fully mature and develop. Is it any wonder they end up broken down and either euthanized or sent to slaughter. The Center for Animal Advocacy encourages everyone to consider the health and welfare of all animals. Be kind.

How Many Legs Does it Take to Run the Kentucky Derby? | petMD

What Is A Pet Panel? : Pet Trust Law Blog

The use of a Pet Panel (or Animal Care Panel as I refer to them) is a great idea. The people you select to be on your panel play a very important role in the protection of your pets. The Animal Care Panel members can include family, friends, veterinarians, farriers, or others with special expertise related to your pets. The Animal Care Panel can help provide guidance to Trustees for the distribution and administration of trust assets. The Animal Care Panel can also provide guidance to your Pet Caregiver for difficult decisions related to emergency care or even, euthanasia. For more information on planning for your pets and the use of an Animal Care Panel, read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet."

What Is A Pet Panel? : Pet Trust Law Blog

Excelling at X-rays: Why What You May Not Know About Radiography Might Hurt Your Pet | petMD

This article is written by a veterinarian. It explains how technology is making specialization more cost effective and can actually provide better care for your pets.

Excelling at X-rays: Why What You May Not Know About Radiography Might Hurt Your Pet | petMD

Letter to Animal Advocates - Legislative Update

Following is a letter from the Humane Society of the United States providing an update on the animal related legislation that was pending in Florida this year.  Thanks to the HSUS and animal supporters everywhere for their efforts.  

Dear Florida Grassroots Animal Advocates,

Thanks to all of you who called (and called again), emailed, and visited with your elected officials on behalf of animals this year. Your outreach made a tremendous difference in helping advance legislation to protect animals and defeat legislation that would be detrimental to animal welfare. Below is a final report on animal-related legislation during the 2011 Legislative Session, as well as links to how each member voted. Following up with your lawmakers on their vote is extremely helpful to animals-it lets your elected officials know that you are paying attention to how they represent you!

Legislative Session 2011: A Mixed Bag for Florida's Animals:

Bestiality Bill Finally Passes Legislature, Awaits Governor's Approval: A bill to prohibit bestiality in Florida SB 344 (Rich)/HB 125 (Kiar) unanimously passed both chambers and awaits the Governor's approval.

Florida's Greyhounds Lose: The bill to remove minimum live race requirements for dog tracks (HB 1145 Young/SB 1594 Sachs) known as the "greyhound racing decoupling" bill, died in the final hours of Legislative Session. After passing 6 committees and both Chambers, the House and Senate refused to concur on the slightly different versions of the bill, and the measure died. Click here <http://bit.ly/kbmHkT>  to see how your Senator voted, and click here <http://bit.ly/itoOWB>  to see how your Representative voted.

Racing greyhounds endure lives of confinement and suffer severe injuries. There are an estimated 8,000 racing greyhounds at any given time on Florida's tracks. Based on the industry average, these dogs will be replaced every 18 months with more dogs. Many are adopted, but some are not. We will continue fighting until we end greyhound racing in Florida, and we need your help. Please contact your state lawmakers and ask them to pass this bill next year.

"Ag-Gag" Factory Farm Cover-Up Bill Dies: SB 1246 (Norman, R-Tampa), which would make it a crime to take a picture or video on a farm without the owner's written consent, was withdrawn from its second and third committees before passing the Senate 25-10 (5 abstained). Even as amended, the bill would make criminals of anyone on a "farm" who takes a picture or produces a video of anything without the owner's written consent. 

This bill would not only allow animal abuse to go unreported on factory farms and horse pastures, as well as other properties, but it would be detrimental to the environment as well as to public health and safety. Click here <http://bit.ly/kuMFAw>  to see how your Senator voted and make sure to let your Senator know you oppose this measure. (Note: Senators Garcia, Hays, Montford, and Siplin supported the bill in the Agriculture committee as well.) Florida should prevent animal cruelty-not prevent the public from learning about it.

Bill To Give Ex-Fighting Dogs a Fighting Chance Passes Legislature: A bill to remove the automatic dangerous dog designation for dogs removed from fighting operations unanimously passed the Senate, and passed the House 99-17. Click here <http://bit.ly/iHqcsz>  to see how your Representative voted. The bill now awaits approval by the Governor.

Animal Fighting Bill Dies, But Will Return Next Year: A bill to strengthen Florida's animal fighting law by clarifying the prohibition on animal fighting paraphernalia and protecting agencies from frivolous lawsuits by animal fighters passed the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously. Unfortunately, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the first committee of reference, didn't hear the bill before the committee stopped meeting. Sponsors have committed to support the bill again next year.

 Spay/Neuter Bill Stuck in Committee: The spay/neuter funding bill (HB 359/SB 676) didn't receive a hearing in 2011. The current Legislative majority frowns upon bills that contain fees or generate revenue. These bills would raise funding for spay/neuter surgeries at the local level by adding a civil penalty onto citations written for violations of local animal control and cruelty ordinances. We are grateful to the sponsors, Senator Nan Rich, D-Weston, and Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, for filing these bills, and hope these bills will succeed next year.

Bill to Protect Pets from Domestic Violence Dies:  A bill that would include pets in domestic violence protective orders (SB 206 Fasano) died without a House companion. The bill may be introduced next year.

Legislature Adopts Shelter Pet Resolution:

On April 6, the Florida Legislature adopted a resolution declaring April 2011 Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Month. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, and Representative Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.

 Please contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel about their votes. It's important to thank them for voting to support animal welfare, and also to let them know you disagree with their votes on bills that would harm animals. Polite, respectful calls to lawmakers are the most effective way to communicate your views (second only to a face-to-face meeting).

Many of you may not know that your elected officials have offices in your home district. Please consider making an appointment over the summer or in the fall with your lawmakers to discuss these issues. Several of these bills will be back in January when the Legislature reconvenes, and if your lawmakers hear that you support or oppose the measures, it will make a difference. If you are interested in setting up a meeting and would like some assistance, please contact me. I can provide contact numbers, fact sheets, background information, and I may even be able to attend the meeting with you if you like.

You can find contact info for your state lawmakers here <http://action.humanesociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=electedOfficials> . You will need your zip + 4 <http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp> . And if you are on Facebook, please join the Humane Society of the United States Florida Group for more updates and information on animal issues in Florida.

Thanks for all you do for animals.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Hobgood, Ph.D.

Florida State Director

The Humane Society of the United States

State Affairs, Eastern Regional Office

1624 Metropolitan Circle Suite B

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

jhobgood@humanesociety.org 

phone  850.386.3435

 humanesociety.org

Postal carriers in the hot seat when it comes to dog bites | JournalNow.com

To avoid the possibility of a dog bite, responsible pet owners should keep their dogs under control at all times; on a leash or in a confined area. If your dog has been wrongly accused in a dog bite situation, please contact the Center for Animal Advocacy, Central Florida's first law firm dedicated to animal law issues that affect pet owners.

Postal carriers in the hot seat when it comes to dog bites | JournalNow.com

Family Wants Veterinarian Investigated By State - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Here's a possible case of veterinary malpractice. Two dogs died during a routine veterinary procedure. Need legal representation for veterinary malpractice? Please feel free to contact us at the Center for Animal Advocacy.

Family Wants Veterinarian Investigated By State - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Pet Trust Dispute Lands In Georgia Court Room : Pet Trust Law Blog

As pet trusts become more popular, undoubtedly there will be an increase in litigation. For all your animal law needs, contact us at the Center for Animal Advocacy.

Pet Trust Dispute Lands In Georgia Court Room : Pet Trust Law Blog

Sickening Dog Fighting Phone App

Stop the promotion of dog fighting today! Sign this petition. For more information, contact the Center for Animal Advocacy.

Sickening Dog Fighting Phone App

ASPCA Assists Feds in Major Dog Fighting, Gang Bust/ASPCA | April 29, 2011

Dog fighting is a brutal and illegal sport. Support efforts to stop dog fighting! Contact the Center for Animal Advocacy. Central Florida for more information.

ASPCA | April 29, 2011

The Purebred Paradox (Part 2): Mining the Middle Ground in the Purebred Dog Debate | petMD

Always remember that purebred dogs are available at the shelter and at breed rescue groups. You don't have to buy from a puppy mill or even a breeder. I have two AKC dogs, neither of which came from either of those sources. "Until there are none, adopt one."

The Purebred Paradox (Part 2): Mining the Middle Ground in the Purebred Dog Debate | petMD

Trained by her disabled owner, a rescued dog becomes a trusted service dog - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Trained by her disabled owner, a rescued dog becomes a trusted service dog - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

The Purebred Paradox: The Problem with Our Dogs (Part 1) | petMD

The Center for Animal Advocacy supports the efforts of our shelters nationwide. Did you know approximately 25% of all shelter dogs are purebreds? If you've purchased a pet store puppy who has serious health issues, please contact us for assistance. Remember, "until there are none, adopt one!"

The Purebred Paradox: The Problem with Our Dogs (Part 1) | petMD

Pet Custody-Who gets the pet?

Pet custody cases are not as uncommon as you might think. Many couples--both married and unmarried--get pets together without any thought as to what will happen if their relationship doesn't survive. When I was divorced from my first husband, we had two cats, one dog. We had gotten the dog and one of the cats during our marriage. Fortunately, we were able to agree that I would take my original cat and the dog and he would keep our other cat. I can only imagine what would have ensued if we could not agree or if he had wanted to keep the dog. We were lucky.

Less fortunate couples have spent thousands of dollars fighting over the custody of their pets. One woman I met spent her entire retirement savings when she discovered her husband unloading their dog from the trunk of his car at the visitation drop off location (in this case the veterinarian's office and not McDonalds or Burger King as is common with visitation exchanges for children).

The law is not clear on pet custody issues and each case will be decided based on its own facts, circumstances and the whims of the court. Protect yourself and your pet with an agreement between you and your partner. The best time to do this is when the pet is acquired. These agreements should be in writing and reviewed by legal counsel. If you need representation, consider the Center for Animal Advocacy, Central Florida's only law firm dedicated to the rights of animals and their owners. 

Here's a case to consider: San Diego Reader | "Central Division Small Claims: Pet Custody Case" by mngcornaglia

Florida pet shop owner arrested on neglect and cruelty charges - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Please don't ever buy a puppy or kitten from a pet store. These animals are raised in "puppy mills" despite what the pet store personnel may tell you. The only way to prevent this ongoing cruelty is to buy only from a reputable breeder, who comes highly recommended. Better yet, "Until there are none, adopt one."

If you've purchased a pet from a pet store and your pet was sick, please contact us.

Florida pet shop owner arrested on neglect and cruelty charges - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Include beloved pets in your estate planning or they may land in a shelter - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

This is a subject that is near and dear to our hearts - protecting your pets by creating an estate plan that contemplates what happens to them if something happens to you. Your plan must contemplate who will be responsible for your pets if you can't be. You have to know the people you choose can be counted on - make sure they don't drop your pets off at the nearest shelter. Far too many pets end up in Central Florida and other shelters each year because their owners filed to do proper estate planning for their pets.

For more information read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet" by Peggy R. Hoyt, available at LegacyForYourPet.com and Amazon.com

Include beloved pets in your estate planning or they may land in a shelter - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com