Thursday, June 30, 2011

Going to the Dark Side: Singing the Last-Day-in-June Black Cat Blues | petMD

So you may remember that June was Adopt a Cat Month? I hope everyone went out and adopted a least one cat or kitten. Thank you! This is an interesting story about the plight of black pets. I heard this before, it's sad. Why are people reticent to adopt a black dog or a black cat? Black Labs are very popular - we had one. Tiger was the sweetest dog ever. We currently have one solid black (Black Jack) and one mostly black (Shamu) cat. We previously had two other solid black cats - Tommy and Tootie. I never noticed they were anything but cat like. Maybe you can find room in your heart for a black dog or cat the next time you decide to adopt a pet, recognizing they have an adoption disability. Remember, "until there are none, adopt one."

Give the black pets a break - maybe we should have Adopt a Black Pet month?

Going to the Dark Side: Singing the Last-Day-in-June Black Cat Blues | petMD

Saturday, June 25, 2011

New law brings new hope for abused dogs | wtsp.com

This is good news for all dogs that may have had the unfortunate experience of being owned by the wrong person. No longer will dogs automatically be labelled "dangerous" and lose the right to be evaluated and adopted. This law is one of the new important pieces of animal legislation that passed in Tallahassee this year. A few more deserved to pass, but didn't get the support they need - from people like you - people who love and care about their pets and the welfare of pets everywhere.

New law brings new hope for abused dogs | wtsp.com

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Euthanasia in animal shelters - whose fault is it? - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

This is one of the best articles I've ever read on the growing problem of euthanasia in shelters. It is a must read, but be warned, if you are a true animal lover, it will break your heart. Pets are being given up for "adoption" at alarming rates. The shelters can't keep up. They don't have enough money, enough staff, enough space. They have lots of compassion but the real, cruel world says, "make room for more." Bringing a pet into your home has to be a very serious and permanent decision. Pets are not temporary beings that can simply be tossed aside when we no longer have the time, the interest, the money, whatever. The excuses people make for giving up their pets would simply drive me crazy. And, I can't even imagine the terror felt by a once loved pet, now in prison, surrounded by people and other pets that are unfamiliar to them. No wonder they don't "show well" in their pens.

Let's promote responsible pet ownership, including the spay and neutering of all pets. If you want to see the miracle of birth - I'm sure there's a video on YouTube. We don't need more unwanted puppies and kittens in this world.

Euthanasia in animal shelters - whose fault is it? - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

It’s Almost the Fourth of July! Do You Have Your Pet Appeasement Program Prepared? | petMD

It's not too early to start thinking about how to protect your pets on the Fourth of July. My Papillon, Leiden, shakes so hard and her heart beat so fast I think she's going to explode. Inevitably at least one or two of our neighborhood dogs run away. They hear the noise and just start running. They have no concern for their safety - they just want to get away from that terrifying noise Good time to make sure your dogs identification tags and microchip are up to date and registered with a "get me home" organization. I used to worry a lot about how my horses would deal with fireworks. Some of my neighbors have had horses that were terrified when the fireworks started. I even bought "puff balls" to put in their ears. Well they hated that idea and actually, seem to deal with the fireworks better than the dogs.

I like Dr. Khuly's suggestion - Mozart and Spielberg. Find a way to distract your pup from the noise. Last resort, call your vet for a sedative. Happy Fourth!

It’s Almost the Fourth of July! Do You Have Your Pet Appeasement Program Prepared? | petMD

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Treats for Dogs Are Potentially Dangerous - Lake Forest, CA Patch

Beware of dog treats produced in China. They could be making your dog sick. Only buy dog food and dog treats from reputable sources. Read the ingredients. It's amazing what they put in pet food.

Treats for Dogs Are Potentially Dangerous - Lake Forest, CA Patch

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Average Dog Bite Claim In The United States: $26,166

I came across this article posted by another law firm regarding dog bites. It's a reminder to pet lovers everywhere just how devastating a dog bite can be. You don't want your dog to be the culprit and you certainly don't want to be the victim. If you have questions regarding dog bites, please don't hesitate to call.

Average Dog Bite Claim In The United States: $26,166

Monday, June 20, 2011

Mosquito Season Means Heartworms ... In Cats? | petMD

Since we live in the heartworm capital of the world, Central Florida, it makes sense to take a look at this article on heartworms in cats. You decide. Do you want to subject your cat to this deadly parasite or take preventative action. I've fortunately never had a dog or cat that was heartworm positive, although I know many who have adopted pets with this malady and the treatment that comes with it.

Mosquito Season Means Heartworms ... In Cats? | petMD

Sunday, June 19, 2011

ASPCA | Hot Weather Tips

This weekend has been particularly hot in Central Florida. As a result, I wanted to post/repost some tips about hot weather and pets. NEVER leave your pet in a car without proper ventilation - they can die in less than 10 minutes. We've all heard horror stories of people leaving their children in car seats in locked cars, along with the tragic results. Same thing happens when you leave your pet in the car - they die! If you must leave your pet in the car, you absolutely have to leave the sun roof open - all the way and the windows down. Your dog has to be able to get fresh air. Don't believe me, sit in a closed car, see how long before you absolutely can't stand it.

This ASPCA article has lots of good hot weather tips, including tips regarding pets around pools. A friend just recently lost her older dog to a drowning accident. This dog was no stranger to water - had been in and around this pool its whole life. Dogs and cats need supervision around pools. One day I was on the pool deck with two of my dogs. They were chasing each other around the pool. In a split second, they both fell in. Funny, initially until I realized that unless you've taught your dog to swim and where the steps are, they may panic. Both my friend and I jumped in and retrieved the dogs. Another thing, Corgis don't swim well. Their legs are too short and their bodies too fat! If you have a pool, teach your dogs to swim and how to get out. There are even devices you can buy to assist your pet in the event of an accidental dip in the pool.

Be wise, be safe. Have a great summer!

ASPCA | Hot Weather Tips

ASPCA | Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This link is in follow up to a previous post regarding toxic plants for pets. A request was made for a site with pictures. This one has pictures so I hope it is helpful to pet lovers everywhere.

ASPCA | Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

Dental health tips to keep your pet smiling - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Dental health for your pets - cats, dogs, horses, etc. is very important. Just this weekend I was talking with some equine friends about our horses' dental health. It's time for me to get moving in that direction. My small dogs get their teeth cleaned, at a minimum, annually. Bigger dogs on an as needed basis. Cats, as well. Another friend said her dog was acting weird lately - turns out she had an abscessed tooth. One of my dogs got a small stick wedged in the top of her mouth once and it ended up doing damage to her teeth.

You take care of your teeth, don't forget your pets!

Dental health tips to keep your pet smiling - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Friday, June 17, 2011

Big victories and near misses for Florida's animals

Please view this link for information related to the recent Florida legislative session and the impact it has on not only Central Florida pets but animals everywhere. Thanks to everyone who encouraged their legislators to vote for animal friendly legislation. Your voice is important. You can make a difference.

The Humane Society of the United States: Email - Big victories and near misses for Florida's animals

The Shark Fin Controversy Rears Its Ugly ... Fin | petMD

Here's an example of unjustified cruelty for vanity. It just doesn't make sense that we would kill an animal for only its fin. Hunters like to justify killing by saying they eat the meat and use every part. That might be true - to some extent. I'm pretty sure only the Indians and Eskimos, who depended on wildlife for their survival used every part. They had to - they couldn't run down to Publix and buy whale blubber or buffalo. They also didn't have access to a mall for their clothing. I would like to think we've evolved to the point that we wouldn't simply kill an animal for a single part but it continues today. Dr. Khuly's article sheds an interesting light on the plight of the shark. I don't necessarily want to swim with them, but I don't want to see them exploited either.

The Shark Fin Controversy Rears Its Ugly ... Fin | petMD

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Equine Personal Injury

If you or your horse have ever been injured in an accident, you may have an equine personal injury claim. Both Peggy Hoyt, Equire and Kim Radcliffe, Esquire are active horse enthusiasts. We understand how equine accidents can and do happen. The article here provides some good insight to the equine personal injury area of the law. Let us know at the Center for Animal Advocacy if you need more information.

Equine Personal Injury

Found a Lost Pet? My Neighborhood’s Tips on Getting Fluffy and Fido Back Home Again | petMD

Here are some good tips for what to do if you find a lost pet. The same could apply if you've lost a pet and you are trying to find them. Since the author is located in Miami, you'll have to revise to meet Central Florida's needs such as placing an ad in the Orlando Sentinel and contacting the Orlando SPCA or local Animal Control Services. Unfortunately, the SPCA doesn't take strays, just surrenders - people who can no longer take care of their pets.

Microchipping your pet is one of the best defenses against getting a lost pet returned. It doesn't cost a lot and can ensure the safe return of your pet. Another good idea I learned from a local rescue, Buddies for Life, when I adopted my two puppies, is to get an engraved tag that says, "Reward" and your phone number. I thought that was brilliant. So in addition to a microchip, my dogs wear reward tags.

Proper supervision of your pet and proper confinement are also important. You should never let your pet run loose. If a pet is outside, it must be in an enclosed area or under the control of an "invisible fence" type product. I've used the invisible fence successfully for years and currently have four dogs that wouldn't dream of leaving my yard. They aren't perfect though because they don't keep other animals out. Stray dogs, wildlife, etc. can still be a threat to your pet and you should supervise accordingly. For example, I never leave my Papillon unsupervised for even a second!

I hope you never know the heartache of a lost pet. If you find one, please try to help.

Found a Lost Pet? My Neighborhood’s Tips on Getting Fluffy and Fido Back Home Again | petMD

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Peggy's Ponderings: Breaking News On Tax Breaks For the Animal Rescuers Among Us | petMD

This is a great article vindicating the efforts of animal rescuers everywhere! The tax court has recognized one woman's efforts at caring for feral cats. I'm always in favor of tax breaks for animal lovers who are committed to helping animals everywhere!

Peggy's Ponderings: Breaking News On Tax Breaks For the Animal Rescuers Among Us | petMD

Dangerous Weeds for Dogs | eHow.com

Here is some very good advice about how to protect our pets from common dangerous weeds. I often see my dogs "eating" grass and other weeds in the yard. This is good information for Central Florida pet lovers.

Dangerous Weeds for Dogs | eHow.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

How to Handle a Veterinarian Who Won’t Let Up On the Yearly Vaccine Protocol | petMD

This is an issue I struggle with personally. Do our pets really need so many vaccinations? I appreciate Dr. Khuly taking this one straight on. Protecting our pets should be our first priority. However, over vaccinating and over medicating should not be at the top of the list. One of my horses, Tahoe, has extreme reactions to vaccinations so I'm hesitant to vaccinate him at all. He gets only the bare minimum of vaccinations and then only one at a time. I recently stopped giving him his annual rabies vaccine, thinking the chances of him getting rabies is probably pretty low and it's one shot he really reacts to.

My veterinarian, however, had some really good advice that as a legal practitioner I think is well-reasoned. He suggested that if my horse ever bit anyone that not having proof of rabies vaccine may result in an extended quarantine. So you might say, "my horse isn't going to bite anyone" and hopefully that's true. However, horses do bite, especially when we are sharing them with inexperienced little people who want to give them a treat. In fact, after saying this myself, Tahoe did actually get my finger as opposed to his carrot the other day. It wasn't serious and of course, I didn't go to the doctor. But...if someone is bitten and they do go to the doctor, the doc is required to report the bite. That's when the trouble can start.

So, protect yourself, and protect your pets. If you aren't sure of your legal rights regarding animal law (or as some might call it, dog and cat law), we'd be happy to receive your questions. Love your pets!

How to Handle a Veterinarian Who Won’t Let Up On the Yearly Vaccine Protocol | petMD

Friday, June 3, 2011

Teaching the next generation about animal rescue through school clubs - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Educating our young people about animal advocacy, preventing cruelty, spay and neuter and responsible pet ownership will be one of the keys to creating a more humane future for all of us. This is a great article highlighting the activities of concerned individuals to get information to the young people. Remember, "until there are none, adopt one."

Teaching the next generation about animal rescue through school clubs - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com

Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse and Why That’ll Help Your Pets Weather a Storm | petMD

Now that hurricane season has arrived. It is imperative that Central Florida pet lovers prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster. This article provides some good food for thought. For more information on creating a disaster plan for your pets, check out "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet" or information posted on The Humane Society of the United States' website.

Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse and Why That’ll Help Your Pets Weather a Storm | petMD

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Protect Florida's Black Bears -

You can help Florida's Black Bears by participating in this effort sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States. Peggy's father, John A. Hoyt, is a former President and CEO of The HSUS. As a result, Peggy Hoyt acquired her love for animals as a young child and has advocated for pets and animals most of her life. Partner, Kim Radcliffe and COO, Casey Taylor are also passionate animal advocates. Kim currently serves on the Board of Freedom Ride, a Central Florida organization meeting the equine riding needs of disabled individuals. Casey serves on the Board of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, a Central Florida wildlife advocacy and rescue organization as well as volunteers her time at The Center for Great Apes.

The Humane Society of the United States: Email - Will you help Florida black bears?

Stick to dogs and cats for pets | PoconoRecord.com

Exotic wild animals aren't meant to be pets. Every day there is a heart-breaking story about a well-meaning pet owner who wants to make something wild tame and then ends up with a tragedy. Either a tragedy to themselves or to the pet. This is a good article regarding the smuggling of exotic pets into our country. I'm with the author - stick to dogs and cats for pets. The Center for Animal Advocacy is Central Florida's law firm dedicated to the rights of animals and the people who love them.

Stick to dogs and cats for pets | PoconoRecord.com

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The No Kill Nation - Maddie's Fund Newsletter

Here is the latest version of Maddie's Fund Newsletter. Maddie's Fund is bringing attention to busting myths of homeless pets, free cat adoptions, and the prevalence of pit mixes at shelters, among other interesting animal topics for Central Florida's pet community. The Center for Animal Advocacy is dedicated to preserving the legal rights of animals and the people who love them.

Maddie's Fund -

Warring couples fight like cats and dogs over who gets the pets | Easier

Pets have long been like our children. Is it any wonder we would fight over who gets them in the event a relationship ends? Courts are ill-equipped to deal with pet custody issues as there just isn't much guidance in the law. There is no family law statute that discusses how the custody of pets should be determined. As a result, it is left up to the pet owners to work out an amicable agreement among themselves. If they can't reach a consensus or mediated agreement and find themselves in the court system, the results could be unpredictable and less than optimum for the pet. I know of one instance where a couple was sharing custody of a dog - meeting at the vet's office for the swap. Once day, the husband arrived and let the dog out of the trunk of the car! That was enough to make the dog mom crazy and she spent most of her retirement savings fighting for custody of her beloved dog. The Center for Animal Advocacy is dedicated to protecting the rights of animals and the people who love them. Attorneys Kim Radcliffe and Peggy Hoyt are both passionate pet lovers. We serve all of Central Florida's pet community.

Warring couples fight like cats and dogs over who gets the pets | Easier