
#1 - Go for walks
I was only able to catch the last few minutes of this story but it appears as though this has been a major problem in the UK and it is being fully exposed in a BBC special tonight. The problem, as it was stated, is with breeders now inbreeding dogs to the point of bother / sister - Father / sister - Mother / son, etc.
This is causing huge health risks and problems for these dogs and people that purchase them are not being told of the increased risk. It is also not healthy and normal for the dogs.
I'll try and watch the special this evening if I can and report back what I learn here tomorrow. This is why we have pushed SO hard for people to adopt. First of all pets need to be adopted so that they can be saved from certain death at the shelter. Second, mixed breed pets seem - for the most part - to be better adjusted and healthier.
We were eating dinner last night and Wheel of Fortune came on. During the introductions we noticed that Pat was asking everyone about their pets. We thought that was kind of strange for the show (one person has chickens so that added to the strangeness!!).
As the show progressed they continued to talk about pets and dogs and we finally learned (yes were we're paying very close attention) at the end of the show that this is "Pet Lovers Week" on Wheel.
I need to check further but I believe they must be making some donations to various (or maybe just one) pet association (ASPCA???). Anyway - its cool that they are raising the awareness of pets and will be featuring them all week.
We watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "A dog named Christmas" last night. It is a heartwarming story about a runaway dog that befriends a family and teaches the father in the story to finally let go of his past and learn to love again.
Its not that he doesn't care or love people. The father in the story is portrayed as a loving
Dad, devoted to his family. His problem comes from the loss of two dogs that were very important in his life.
The first is from his childhood and learns about the death of the dog while he is fighting in Viet Nam. The second is the separation from a dog he finds and bonds with him while he is in Viet Nam.
Champion Roundtown Mercedes of MaryScot, also known as Sadie, captured her 100th Best in Show at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina in 2009.
America’s top-ranked, all-breed showdog by a wide margin throughout the year, Sadie is owned by Amelia Musser of Mackinac Island, MI.
She is only the third Scottish terrier to win in the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s 130-year history. In February, 2009, Sadie won the Terrier Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and has dominated the sport ever since.
A little puppy was found Friday August 22 here in the Greensboro, NC area. The dog had been badly burned, suffered several broken bones and was covered in maggots. The little girl had been fighting to stay alive for probably two weeks before she was discovered.
Fortunately this story has the beginnings of a good ending. Ember (her new name is Susie) is going to recover and there have been numerous people in the community stepping up to either adopt her or pay for her treatments.
Doctors and her foster parents report that she is a very special puppy and will lay next to you have just snuggle. She is a loving as can be for a dog that has been through so much.
I saw an interesting article the other day discussing a small German company that is now making contact lenes for animals, including your favorite pet! The company now has offices here in the US and is looking to promote the products.
These lenes can be used on dogs, cats, horses, and even zoo animals. The company claims it helps with a variety is problems with the animals including protection from UV rays that can help horses impacted with "head shaker syndrome".
I have provided a link the the article here. It doesn't say how much something like this might cost to give good old fido his sight back!

