Saturday, March 31, 2007
Purina recalling additional pet food
Just in: Purina has added some more products to the recall list: 13.2-ounce and 22-ounce cans of its Alpo Prime Cuts and Gravy wet dog food made at plant 1159 and bearing date codes from 7037 to 7053. The tainted food may also carry an older label under the Alpo Prime Entrees name, according to a Purina spokesman. For more information, click here.
Hill's Pet Nutrition Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food added to recall
A prescription diet cat food from Hill's Pet Nutrition has been added to the nationwide and Canadian pet food recall. For more information and the latest on this story, click here.
To read news conference remarks on the pet food recall by Paul K. Henderson, president and CEO of Menu Foods Income Fund, click here.
To read news conference remarks on the pet food recall by Paul K. Henderson, president and CEO of Menu Foods Income Fund, click here.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Prairie Dog Coalition To Hold Fundraiser
The Prairie Dog Coalition, headquartered in Boulder, CO, is dedicated to the protection of imperiled prairie dogs and restoration of their ecosystems. To accomplish this mission, they provide information and advocacy training, facilitate communication and planning, and promote conservation projects.The coalition is an alliance of non-profit organizations, concerned citizens, and scientists dedicated to the protection of prairie dogs and restoration of prairie dog ecosystems. Survival of the prairie dog is critical to the continued existence of the prairie ecosystem—one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.
To learn more, visit http://prairiedogcoalition.org/ -- where you can also read about the upcoming Spring Fling fundraiser on Friday, May 4 in downtown Boulder at 7 p.m.
Note: the cute photo above is (c) Elaine Miller Bond.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Help Save Wolves
A reader passed along this information sent out by Defenders of Wildlife:
"This week, the Alaska governor announced an awful expansion of the state’s controversial wolf management programs: plans to pay a $150 bounty for any wolf killed in specified management zones provided that shooters turn in the dismembered legs of the wolves they kill.
"This week, the Alaska governor announced an awful expansion of the state’s controversial wolf management programs: plans to pay a $150 bounty for any wolf killed in specified management zones provided that shooters turn in the dismembered legs of the wolves they kill.
We’re taking emergency action to halt these plans, but we need your help to win! Click here to support our campaign to stop the Alaska Wolf Massacre…"
Our new issue is now available online
Visit: http://ourplacetopaws.com/newsletter/optp-newsletter6.html to read our new issue!
Issue 6 features:
Reader questions and answers;
This month's winning photo;
Information about Rocky Mountain Animal Defense;
Links to a couple of great animal videos...and more!
Issue 6 features:
Reader questions and answers;
This month's winning photo;
Information about Rocky Mountain Animal Defense;
Links to a couple of great animal videos...and more!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
This is one of my favorite pictures...
...sent in by Peggy Dey of North Carolina, when she was fostering a litter of puppies until they were ready for adoption. Apparently one of her cats, all of which are also rescues, didn't mind sharing the cat bed. The good news is that every single puppy found a happy home.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Inn at Jackson hosts silent auction benefit in NH
We just got this note from our friends at the Inn at Jackson, a wonderful bed and breakfast inn located in Jackson, NH.
Dear Inn at Jackson Friends,
The Inn at Jackson is hosting a silent auction tomorrow night to benefit the I Believe Dog Rescue in Madison, NH which burnt to the ground on February 9th of this year. Their shelter was completely destroyed and 15 dogs were lost in the fire, inlcuding five of their own pets. Our Maggie came from this shelter and we're trying to help them get back on their feet. We are offering four Romance Packages to the Inn at Jackson, which includes two-nights lodging (excluding holidays and foliage) in a Victorian room, a massage for two, arrival refreshments, breakfast in bed, and a giftbag. This package normally sells for $429. Since most of the people attending this auction are locals who don't need lodging, we wanted to offer these packages to our guests who might be interested. Just send us an email (info@innatjackson.com) with your bid and we will submit that bid on your behalf. We'll contact the winners once the auction has been completed. Hope to see you all at the inn soon!
----Don & Joyce
Dear Inn at Jackson Friends,
The Inn at Jackson is hosting a silent auction tomorrow night to benefit the I Believe Dog Rescue in Madison, NH which burnt to the ground on February 9th of this year. Their shelter was completely destroyed and 15 dogs were lost in the fire, inlcuding five of their own pets. Our Maggie came from this shelter and we're trying to help them get back on their feet. We are offering four Romance Packages to the Inn at Jackson, which includes two-nights lodging (excluding holidays and foliage) in a Victorian room, a massage for two, arrival refreshments, breakfast in bed, and a giftbag. This package normally sells for $429. Since most of the people attending this auction are locals who don't need lodging, we wanted to offer these packages to our guests who might be interested. Just send us an email (info@innatjackson.com) with your bid and we will submit that bid on your behalf. We'll contact the winners once the auction has been completed. Hope to see you all at the inn soon!
----Don & Joyce
Monday, March 19, 2007
Massive Pet Food Recall
A major pet food recall has people scrambling for information on how to protect their pets. For more information, including a link to the list of recalled brands, click here to read the story from Albany, NY's TV news. May your pets be safe!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Ohio cats seeking homes, too
There's good news coming out of Ohio. The two dogs that need homes are now being helped by the Forever Friends Foundation, who is seeking a foster home for them until they can be adopted. It turns out that five cats from the same home (their human companion, who loved them dearly, died suddenly of a heart attack) also have been seeking homes. Two of them have now been officially adopted, and they are all being fostered, thanks again to the Forever Friends Foundation. For more information on these animals, pictured below, contact Ruth at: RS281MS@aol.com and she will put you in touch with Linda Bellomy at the Foundation.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Web site is live, new issue is out!
Please visit our new Web site at:
www.ourplacetopaws.com
Bookmark it, and visit often!
You can also read our new e-newsletter issue at:
http://www.ourplacetopaws.com/newsletter/optp-newsletter5.html
www.ourplacetopaws.com
Bookmark it, and visit often!
You can also read our new e-newsletter issue at:
http://www.ourplacetopaws.com/newsletter/optp-newsletter5.html
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ohio Pets Still Need Homes!
A family in Ohio is desperately seeking homes for five lovely cats and two sweet dogs whose owner recently passed away unexpectedly after a massive heart attack. For more information, visit this link. You can also email: rs281ms@aol.com
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
The interview below is featured in our new newsletter issue, coming out later today! Enjoy...
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, located in Yorktown Heights, NY has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 6,000 guide dog teams. The not-for-profit organization provides professionally trained dogs, training and lifetime support services to students free of charge with funds raised solely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and civic organizations. Linda Damato, Regional Marketing Manager for Guiding Eyes, answered some of our questions about guide dogs and their training.
When were dogs first trained to assist visually impaired people? There is some evidence suggesting a relationship between dogs and blind people dating back to the first century, found on a mural buried in the Roman ruins. Again during the Middle Ages, a wooden plaque details a dog leading a blind man. In 1780, a hospital for the blind in Paris attempted to train dogs to aid the sight impaired. In 1819, an Institute for the Education of the Blind in Vienna mentioned using dogs to assist the blind. Then, in 1847, Jakob Birrer wrote about his experiences of being guided by a dog he trained himself. The first modern guide dog training schools were established during the First World War, to enhance the mobility of returning veterans who were blinded in combat, often by poison gas.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduated its first guide dog team in 1956. Since that time, we have graduated more than 6,000 guide dog teams. Our graduates have come from 48 states and 12 countries. Their experiences at the school and with our guide dogs have earned us a reputation as one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world.
Why are certain breeds of dogs best for guide dog training? Most of our puppies are Labrador Retrievers, although a few Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are trained. The dogs have been selectively bred to enhance their traits of self-confidence, serene disposition, willingness to work, ability to take responsibility, good health, intelligence and initiative. They are truly remarkable dogs.
Do the dogs "enjoy" their training and work? Guide dogs enjoy their work immensely, and they get a lot of satisfaction from a job well done, though there is no room for typical dog fun during the work day. Even when the handler doesn't need assistance, a guide dog on the job is trained to ignore distractions and keep still. This is because a guide dog must be able to come to the handler's workplace or be in public places without creating a disturbance.
Do visually impaired people develop a special relationship with their canine friends? This question is best answered by reading a quote from one of our recent graduates...“I am so thankful for having Farrell in my life. Not only is she my guide dog but, she is my best friend. She has been with me and comforted me through some very trying times. Also, she has helped me grow in my personal life, making it possible for me to make some difficult decisions throughout the past two years we've been together. Her work is superb. And like me, she takes her work very seriously. Also, like me, when she is not working, she is a clown; always making me laugh even when I'm not in the mood to laugh. I am thankful for Guiding Eyes and for Farrell's puppy raisers who did such a great job raising such a special dog. Thank you to all of the puppy raisers. You are really making a difference in people's lives. Keep up the great work. And last but certainly not least, thank you Farrell for being such a great worker and for being the best friend I could ever ask for.”
At what age are the dogs "retired," and what happens to them then? When our Guide Dogs retire they may become a family pet of the blind person. If the person cannot manage two dogs, Guiding Eyes for the Blind will find a new home for the retired guide dog. Working as a guide dog requires peak physical and mental shape, so guide dogs typically retire just before they enter old age. Retirement is usually at age eight or 10; but some work for a little longer. A few dogs are still working at age 13! Giving a retired guide dog a loving home is also an excellent way to help reward these amazing animals for a lifetime of hard, important work.
How can interested people learn more about the puppy raising volunteer program? They can go to our website, www.cdc.guidingeyes.org, and click on the Volunteer Pages. From there, click on Puppy Raising and find a wealth of information about the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Program. Filling in the Application for Puppy Raising actually begins the process. An applicant will attend Pre-Placement classes held locally and that's where they get their individual questions answered and have an opportunity to work with a puppy. Our puppy raisers will receive great support, make new friends and attend fun classes ~ there are many rewards that come from raising a future guide dog! No previous puppy raising experience is necessary!
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, located in Yorktown Heights, NY has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 6,000 guide dog teams. The not-for-profit organization provides professionally trained dogs, training and lifetime support services to students free of charge with funds raised solely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and civic organizations. Linda Damato, Regional Marketing Manager for Guiding Eyes, answered some of our questions about guide dogs and their training.When were dogs first trained to assist visually impaired people? There is some evidence suggesting a relationship between dogs and blind people dating back to the first century, found on a mural buried in the Roman ruins. Again during the Middle Ages, a wooden plaque details a dog leading a blind man. In 1780, a hospital for the blind in Paris attempted to train dogs to aid the sight impaired. In 1819, an Institute for the Education of the Blind in Vienna mentioned using dogs to assist the blind. Then, in 1847, Jakob Birrer wrote about his experiences of being guided by a dog he trained himself. The first modern guide dog training schools were established during the First World War, to enhance the mobility of returning veterans who were blinded in combat, often by poison gas.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduated its first guide dog team in 1956. Since that time, we have graduated more than 6,000 guide dog teams. Our graduates have come from 48 states and 12 countries. Their experiences at the school and with our guide dogs have earned us a reputation as one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world.
Why are certain breeds of dogs best for guide dog training? Most of our puppies are Labrador Retrievers, although a few Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are trained. The dogs have been selectively bred to enhance their traits of self-confidence, serene disposition, willingness to work, ability to take responsibility, good health, intelligence and initiative. They are truly remarkable dogs.
Do the dogs "enjoy" their training and work? Guide dogs enjoy their work immensely, and they get a lot of satisfaction from a job well done, though there is no room for typical dog fun during the work day. Even when the handler doesn't need assistance, a guide dog on the job is trained to ignore distractions and keep still. This is because a guide dog must be able to come to the handler's workplace or be in public places without creating a disturbance.
Do visually impaired people develop a special relationship with their canine friends? This question is best answered by reading a quote from one of our recent graduates...“I am so thankful for having Farrell in my life. Not only is she my guide dog but, she is my best friend. She has been with me and comforted me through some very trying times. Also, she has helped me grow in my personal life, making it possible for me to make some difficult decisions throughout the past two years we've been together. Her work is superb. And like me, she takes her work very seriously. Also, like me, when she is not working, she is a clown; always making me laugh even when I'm not in the mood to laugh. I am thankful for Guiding Eyes and for Farrell's puppy raisers who did such a great job raising such a special dog. Thank you to all of the puppy raisers. You are really making a difference in people's lives. Keep up the great work. And last but certainly not least, thank you Farrell for being such a great worker and for being the best friend I could ever ask for.”
At what age are the dogs "retired," and what happens to them then? When our Guide Dogs retire they may become a family pet of the blind person. If the person cannot manage two dogs, Guiding Eyes for the Blind will find a new home for the retired guide dog. Working as a guide dog requires peak physical and mental shape, so guide dogs typically retire just before they enter old age. Retirement is usually at age eight or 10; but some work for a little longer. A few dogs are still working at age 13! Giving a retired guide dog a loving home is also an excellent way to help reward these amazing animals for a lifetime of hard, important work.
How can interested people learn more about the puppy raising volunteer program? They can go to our website, www.cdc.guidingeyes.org, and click on the Volunteer Pages. From there, click on Puppy Raising and find a wealth of information about the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Program. Filling in the Application for Puppy Raising actually begins the process. An applicant will attend Pre-Placement classes held locally and that's where they get their individual questions answered and have an opportunity to work with a puppy. Our puppy raisers will receive great support, make new friends and attend fun classes ~ there are many rewards that come from raising a future guide dog! No previous puppy raising experience is necessary!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Web site coming soon...
We're hard at work at the Web site, which will soon debut at www.ourplacetopaws.com. The Web site will feature a lot of the content we've had in the newsletter, from articles about animals to photos sent in by our readers, projects for kids and features by our "animal columnists." But it will also include a lot more, such as spotlights on animal organizations and a link to the blog where we can post events and requests to help find home for needy animals. We're also hoping to review pet products, so if you have a favorite animal toy, outfit or book, send us a note. And stay tuned!
In the meantime, our next free issue of the Our Place to Paws e-newsletter, with links to news stories, fun animal videos and our latest articles and photos, is slated to come out next week. Be sure to subscribe with the link on this page, or by sending a subscribe request to faye@ourplacetopaws.com.
In the meantime, our next free issue of the Our Place to Paws e-newsletter, with links to news stories, fun animal videos and our latest articles and photos, is slated to come out next week. Be sure to subscribe with the link on this page, or by sending a subscribe request to faye@ourplacetopaws.com.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Ohio Pets still need homes
If you scroll down a little bit to the Feb. 18th posting, you'll see that two beautiful, loving dogs in Ohio lost their human companion to a heart attack and desperately need a home. These dogs are being kenneled by the family, who are doing all they can to find a home for them. Travel can be arranged. For more information, visit this link. You can also email: rs281ms@aol.com. Thank you!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Puppies all adopted!
If you scroll down a bit, you'll see a flyer noting that eight very sweet rescued puppies were recently put up for adoption in North Carolina. We've gotten word that all of the puppies have now been adopted to loving homes. Great news, and many kudos to the Dey family of New Hill for taking in the puppies' pregnant mom over the holidays and caring for the whole brood until they could be adopted. The mom, a rat terrier, is still up for adoption, pending being spayed sometime soon.
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