Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Protecting Your Dog From Bears

"Woman Attacked by Bear While Protecting Dog... a black bear and its two cubs had wandered into her yard and attempted to attack her dog Maggie. The 200-pound female bear chased the dog as it ran towards the house... The bear was euthanized and tested for rabies as a precaution, according to state officials. The cubs were deemed old enough to survive on their own and will be released into another area"

This is normal behavior for a mother bear with cubs. They aren't going to let another predator near them, whether it is your dog... or you.

If you live in bear country, then the responsibility lies with YOU to educate yourself about bear behaviors and take necessary precautions. It isn't the bear's fault for being a bear.

So, now a momma bear is dead and the cubs are being released into the wild earlier than would normally happen.

All wrong. All. Wrong.




Protecting Your Dog From Coyotes

"A Department of Environmental Control official and an animal advocate recommended high fences – not invisible ones. They also said people should haze coyotes – throw rocks and bang pots and pans – to scare them away. CBS 2’s Lou Young reported Tuesday that a coyote den likely has been established in Chappaqua, and its members consider other canines to be competition – and occasionally food. “They’re having they’re pups; they’re getting a little more protective of their territories,” said animal trapper Jim Horton. “You know you leave you little Fluffy out in the yard and they’re going to take advantage.”'

I am amazed how people turn to government to wipe out species when the problem lies with the people. Look, we don't need to kill more coyotes, foxes or wolves. The problem is that if we decide to live near the habitats of wild animals, then we need to practice good supervision and containment of our domesticated animals, including our dogs. In addition, stop putting out "bait" for wild animals... such as food scraps... or unattended dogs.

We either come to terms with nature, or we wipe it out. That's the choice. We don't need more laws, we need more common sense, and we need to understand that nature isn't what we see in a Disney cartoon.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Another Stupid Dog Law

"Quarantine law comes as shock to dog owner"

So, a woman is playing with her dog, and her finger gets nicked by the dog's tooth when they both reach for the fetch toy at the same time. She goes to the doctor, the doctor is obligated by law to report it to the authorities. The authorities then want to put the dog, a very old and friendly dog, in quarantine for 10 days.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

First, most dog bite laws are written by dog hating politicians. So, one bad incident is used to punish millions of innocent dog owners and dogs.

Second, most dog laws have nothing to do with the behavioral and social reality that people face. We need to define what is a health hazard, and when it should be OK for a dog to bite. In this case, the dog isn't vicious, not a danger to society, and the woman's health (and yours) was never at risk.

Politicians pass laws that stay on the books long after they have retired to a nice fat pension, while we pay the price for their stupidity. This is another good example why we need limited government.

Protecting Your Dog In Case Of A Disaster

"Dog Pulled From Rubble A Week After Tornado Hit Moore"

Very few people have plans for what they should do if a disaster hits their community. Even fewer people have plans for protecting their pets in case of a disaster.

In an ideal world, you'd have a special kennel for your pets. Here are some ideas for such a thing: How To Build And Operate A Home Dog Kennel

What would you do if a tornado, flood, earthquake or terror attack caused you to flee your home without your dog? Would your dog survive? Think about it.

And do something about it.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Loose Dogs Attacked Jogger

"Sydney jogger's heart was visible after dog attack"

OMG.

How many times do people have to be told that they MUST contain and control their dogs?

Dog training is more than just teaching your dog a bunch of tricks. A good dog trainer will help you look over your situation and give you suggestions on how to more safely manage your dogs and prevent escapes. I do this kind of thing all the time. The more experience you have with dogs, the more you recognize potential risks that the average person might not notice.

So, go hire a trainer for a lesson where they evaluate your home and situation, and get some professional advice on ways to prevent your dogs from escaping.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

It's Not Safe To Leave Dogs Unsupervised

"The thieves stole loaded guns, electronics and beat up her dog Maddie. “They threw cinder blocks and used firewood that was for our fire pit in the backyard to hit our dog,” said Daily. “They could have just shot her and left, but thank God she’s alive.”'

I don't believe it is safe to leave dogs unattended in a back yard. Yes, I know that for some people, that is their best option, but it is also important to understand the risks to you and your dog.

I suggest that every home with a dog have a security system. Get the best system you can afford. If you are really poor, at least have signs, pretending that your place is alarmed and under surveillance. Get involved in a neighborhood watch program. Install cameras and alarms if you can.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Should Stray Dogs Be Put To Death?

"As a result, Flagler County animal control officers are putting residents in that community on notice — wandering dogs could lead to the owner being fined. If an owner can't be determined, the dog will be taken to the kennel. Officers will be patrolling the area daily, Voigt said. After a dog is brought to the shelter, it will be assessed to determine whether it is adoptable. If not, it will be euthanized, she said"

It is one thing to capture a free roaming dog. It is quite another to kill it.

First, shelter evaluations are, on average, not valid representations of the temperament of any dog. The staff aren't qualified to make the assessments, and they are evaluating extremely stressed dogs and expecting them to act like a Disney movie cartoon dog. The evaluators are often not much more qualified to assess temperament than the checkout person at the local pet store.

Second, if the owner can be found, it is irrelevant what the dog's temperament is, provided the dog hasn't been involved in some kind of crime. Give the dog back. Killing the dog is, in my opinion, a taking of property by the government without due process, and unconstitutional. This can and should be challenged in court. It is not clear, in the article, whether dogs with known owners, who want their dogs back, can get them back. That should be spelled out.

The stray dog problem in any city is a problem. Draconian solutions only de-legitimize the efforts of animal control. If the punishment doesn't fit the crime, then it is immoral and will be defied. Innocent dogs will be condemned to death by the government.

I think the government had better re-think what they are doing. Could you live with killing an innocent dog, knowing you are incompetent to make that decision, and knowing that the owner is going to be harmed, as well? Most sane people couldn't kill a dog like that. It won't pass public scrutiny for long.

Dogs Poisoned, Police Investigate

"2 Dogs Being Treated For Antifreeze Poisoning In Fayette Co... she came home to find her dogs unable to move, and she found vomit everywhere"

If I can give a tip to the owner and the police, it would be that these situations usually revolve around some crazy neighbor getting angry about barking dogs. There are goofy people out there that will take the law into their own hands and kill your dog.

I tell people all the time to not leave their dogs unattended in the yard, especially if you have a known nasty neighbor, or if your dogs are known to bark a lot.

Few things make people go mental over a dog more than barking.

Another target are dogs that poop in neighbor's yards. It drives some people nuts. It can also be someone that is a dog hater in general.

Lastly, some people are psychopaths or psychotic, and they will kill dogs.

But, if I was placing a bet, it would be on the guy that hates barking dogs.

I hope these dogs recover, and the person responsible sent to prison for a good long time. I think it is reasonable to figure this was not an accident.

Cougar Kills Dog

"State wildlife officials are searching for a mountain lion that killed a dog in Boise Tuesday, but say it may have already left the area."

At some point, we are going to have to come to a truce with nature, where we accept the risk and responsibility for preserving the wild habitats, and animals that go with them, instead of always going out to kill a wild animal that kills a human or one of our domesticated animals.

I have a real problem with killing wildlife when we choose to put ourselves and our domesticated animals at risk in rural areas. Cougars, wolves, coyotes, lynx, and such are just trying to survive. As we encroach upon their habitats, what else are they to do?

We manage habitats very poorly in this world, here in the US and abroad. That's why we are facing the extinction of so many species of plant and animal.

This is not about eating meat, or hunting. That's a separate topic, and I've addressed that in other articles I've written.

So, unless there is an imminent danger to a human or domesticated animal, then I think we should leave the wild animals alone... and not put temptations in their path... like leaving little fluffy dogs unsupervised in rural communities.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Don't Be Your Own Veterinarian

"Man played at-home vet by stitching up his cut dog with twine and clamping mouth shut with duct tape so it couldn't whine"

This kind of thing happens more often that you might realize. I've been around the dog world for a very long time. I've seen situations about this bad a few times. In every situation, the person had a substance abuse problem, was a cheapskate, and did the surgery themselves because they screwed up and the dog got hurt and didn't want others to find out.

This stuff is felony / prison territory folks. It is better to take the dog to the vet than to have the police take you to jail. And it is cruel to do medical procedures that you are unqualified to perform.

Monday, May 20, 2013

What Kind Of Punishment For Killing Dogs?

"Matthew David Jensen is accused of breaking into three different homes between May 8 and May 9, and in the process, killing the family dogs who were inside of the homes. The dogs allegedly killed by Jensen were either stabbed, strangled or killed by blunt force trauma"

What should be done with folks like this? What kind of punishment, treatment and such should the law require? What do you do with violent offenders?

I have a hard time believing that people that do violent things like this ever change. Look at the crimes here, and tell me how this turns around some day?

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Bitten By A Police K9

"'The dog came up on him pretty suddenly, and he did attack the dog," said Sergeant Tim Lewandowski of the Tulsa Police Department. Monroy kicked the dog in the head multiple times, and the dog bit him in the leg. "The dog was doing what the dog is trained to do, to grab hold of him and hold him," Lewandowski told News On 6."

You're an idiot if you try to fight with the police and a K9... you aren't going to win. Just give up. The place to fight the police is in court. If you feel wronged, that's the venue. Otherwise, suffer the consequences.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Los Angeles worst city for dog attacks on mail carriers

"Los Angeles was the worst with 69 attacks, followed by Seattle and San Antonio with 42 each and Chicago with 41. The city with the least attacks was Wichita, Kan., with 20. Tacoma, Wash., had just 21."

Look, I don't want anyone to get bitten by a dog... but 69 dogs in LA, which is one of the biggest cities in the world, with all the problems including gangs and such... isn't that big of a number. I know they are trying to promote National Dog Bite Prevention Week, but this statistic tells the reader just the opposite, that it isn't a problem to worry about.

Dog bites are a problem, and there are better ways of addressing it... supervision, containment, proper medical care, not leaving dogs unsupervised with kids under 10 years of age, socialization, happy and active life for the dog, and completing basic obedience.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Kids up to no good? Drug-sniffing dog now for hire

"If parents ever wondered if their children were using or selling drugs, a local man is starting an unusual business by renting a drug dog."

I have no problem with this. In fact, I think that employers would be the bigger client of this dog owner. Every smart business wants to be drug free.

I like this... a lot.

Can You Identify A Breed Or Mix?

"In a new study that was just released, researcher Victoria Voith once again exposes the challenges of identifying dominant breeds of mixed breed dogs, even by "experts" in the field"

The folly of pit bull breed bans is that there is no reliable way to identify a breed of dog. All you can get are probabilities, and even then, experts can disagree. That is even true of pure bred dogs. Many pure bred dogs are not really pure bred. First off, many breeds have gone extinct and have been recreated in the past 100 years. Second, it isn't unusual for a breeder to slip in a related breed, to bring in some characteristic, and then sell them as pure bred dogs. It happens more frequently than you might imagine.

Can you make a guess? Sure. Should dog bite laws be designed around those guesses? No.

Hat Tip: KC Dog Blog

Either Contain Your Dogs, Or Lose Your Dogs

"A prize one ton bull had to be put down after it was savaged by two American bulldogs"

Look, you know I love dogs. Love all of them. But, with dog ownership comes a lot of responsibility, which includes making sure your dogs don't get loose and harm someone else, some other animal, or someone else's things. This means using proper containment.

Most of my dog training students need to be educated... and reminded... about how to properly supervise and contain their dogs. We go over proper doors, fencing, gates, crates, kennels, procedures, and such. The law is intolerant of escaped dogs, as it should be.

Obey the law, or your dog might end up dead, and you'll be at fault... and possibly also get a big fine, a huge financial judgment, and even time in prison.

Royal Oak To Require $1 Million ‘Dangerous Dog’ Insurance

"Royal Oak is about to unleash new regulations on dog owners. The new rules, which go into effect Thursday, require owners of “dangerous dogs” to carry $1 million in liability insurance, post signs, complete an obedience class with the dog, and keep the dog in a locked, fenced-in area. Owners must also comply with seven pages worth of other requirements to keep their pets in the city."

We have a Constitution. We have the right to own private property, which includes a dog (which is why I oppose current legal efforts to change ownership into guardianship, since that affects what you can and can't do with your dog). Thus, the government can't just put restrictions on the ownership of things without a reasonableness test... and I don't think this is reasonable... and therefore it can be challenged on Constitutional grounds and probably beaten. It is the same as requiring someone to have $1,000,000 in liability insurance to exercise their free speech, to vote, to own a gun, or in case you might decide to own slaves. This fight will cost the city a lot of money. It is effectively a ban on private ownership of dogs, based on a messy, long dog bite law that will have to support this requirement for each and every sentence and clause.

For example, a nip is different than a bite. A provoked bite is different than an accidental bite. A bite from a Chihuahua is different than a bite from a St Bernard. Do all of these require $1 million in insurance and all 7 pages of these other requirements? No way.

See: When Should It Be OK For A Dog To Bite?

Monday, May 13, 2013

How severe is Anchorage's pet poop problem?

"Anchorage has a lot of dogs -- an estimated 74,000 of them, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. And they poop a lot, producing 8 million pounds per year, according to the city department that monitors such things, Anchorage's Animal Care and Control Center"

Isn't it interesting that Alaska is also home to the most wild animals per square mile, but no one is asking to control their poop? Yes, people should be considerate and pick up. But, a lot of this is also usually driven by the squeaky 1% of dog haters out there. Everything in moderation, folks

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Don't Abandon Your Dog, It Is A Crime

"Ms. Malliotakis, who's sponsored a number of pet-friendly bills, said folks who can no longer care for pets, for whatever reason, shouldn't leave them to fend for themselves, as Charlie was. They can bring the animals to a veterinarian, no-kill shelter, police or groups such as Anarchy Animal Rescue"

It's shocking the number of dogs that are abandoned by their owners... in the desert, left behind when people move, put in dumpsters, thrown out of cars, and on and on. Laws need to be stiffened for such abuse and cruelty. There are places that will take a dog if you can't keep it.

Otherwise, suffer the consequences. They are committing a crime.

You have to figure those that abandon dogs need some serious prison time. If they are this callous about a helpless dog, then they need some serious punishment.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Animal Rescue Takes Over Former Pet Store Location At Superstition Springs Center

"The idea of a mall location came in the fall when Elek read a story about Superstition Springs Center’s parent company, Macerich, looking to put animal rescue facilities in former pet store spots. It took months of contact and work, Elek said, but in March, Pawtique had its “soft” opening. Since then, the facility has averaged about one adoption a day. The Pawtique only carries cats and small dogs, but Panacea takes in dogs and cats of all sizes."

I think this will be a new trend in animal welfare. Think about it. If a pet store can sell puppy mill dogs for $3000, why can't a rescue "sell" dogs for $300? Of course they can, and people will buy. And they will also buy supplies to support their efforts, which will bring in even more revenue for the rescue operation. Shopping mall operators could also use these stores to generate additional traffic to help support their other tenants. So, it is a win for everyone. This is one idea that you should be studying if you are into animal rescue.

Pit Bull Abuse In Australia

"The attack on this staffordshire terrier, whose owner allegedly cut his throat with a boning knife, has been described as one of the worst animal cruelty cases seen in the country"

Once again, some loser gets a pit bull and abuses it. I'm still asking why losers are attracted to pit bull types of dogs. I've trained lots of pit bulls, and they are great dogs in the right hands.

I hope this guy gets a long prison term, and gets a good does of his medicine by the other prisoners while there... but considering it is Australia... he'll probably get a slap on the wrist and a fine... typical socialist country.

4 Pit Bulls Blamed for Southern California Jogger's Death

"Authorities in rural Los Angeles County were warning people to be on the lookout for four pit bulls suspected of killing a 63-year-old jogger Thursday"

I don't understand why so many losers are attracted to owning pit bull type dogs. I really don't get it. You take a perfectly good dog, wreck it by not socializing, supervising, giving appropriate health care, caring for, or training it... and what else do you expect the end result to be?

I know of a situation happening right now in the Phoenix area, where a neighbor is allowing his two pit bulls to wander from his home. The dogs have bitten a horse twice, animal control has been consulted... and now the police have been called. These dogs are now on the path to being killed, and most likely, the owner will get away with it all. And pit bulls will be blamed for the actions of another loser.

In the above tragedy, please explain to me why four pit bull dogs are roaming loose. Do you let your dogs roam loose? I'm sure you don't. No normal person does.

Doesn't this infuriate you?

Owning A Dog Can Make You Healthier

"Dog owners have healthier hearts than people who don’t have pets"

I do believe this.

When I graduated from college, my mom wanted to give me a graduation present. I remember the day she asked me if I would like a dog. I told her I thought that was an interesting idea, but I'd have to think about it. A while later, I came back and told her that I thought it was a great idea... and that was the beginning of my dog, Kate, the Bouvier.

One reason I decided to get a dog was because of my dad. My dad never took care of himself, always had health problems, always overweight... and I just didn't want to turn out like he did in so many ways. I figured if I got a dog, it would force me to walk many miles a week for at least a decade... and of course, that became true.

Even today, I look way younger, feel younger, act younger, and think younger than my peers because I decided to get a dog instead of a car or some other silly object.

It was the right decision then, and it is probably the right decision for you, too.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Puppy Found In Locked Car Nearly Month After It Was Towed

"A puppy survived for nearly a month locked inside an impounded vehicle at a Kansas City tow lot by foraging on leftovers in fast-food bags and, apparently, cigars. The scared dog is scrawny, but is expected to survive. The 12-week-old puppy was found inside a Buick, but has been named Kia."

In my experience, tow truck drivers and tow truck yard operators aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Their mentality is more like that of a predator. So, it doesn't surprise me that they didn't even take notice if what was inside the vehicle that they towed. What if it had been an abandoned baby?

Thank goodness this dog is safe. Hopefully someone socializes it and finds it a good home.

Karma? Police Officer Kills Dog And Accidentally Shoots Fellow Cop, Too

"A Chicago police officer was shot in the leg by a fellow officer who had fired at a charging dog in the Englewood neighborhood"

Cops shooting dogs is becoming a very big story. Animal welfare advocates are getting mighty angry, and so are many dog lovers, over stories like this.

Those of us that know dog behavior, or do dog rescue, know how to deal with loose dogs. We work with them every day, and most of these dogs are just overly stressed, poorly managed dogs that would be fine in the hands of responsible dog owners. We want to be called by the cops, or we want animal control called, when a dog is loose. That's what animal control is for, that's what we are paying our tax dollars for.

We know a lot of innocent, poorly managed dogs are being murdered (yes, I'm using that language) by overzealous, poorly managed, unprofessional cops. Yes, we also know there might be instances where there is no choice... but that's not majority of these cases. If the police don't clean up their own act, then we'll clean it up for them.

We want legal reform, and we want owners to be able to claim five figure damages. And we want harsh legal penalties for cops who violate these laws. This has got to stop.

Monday, May 06, 2013

Dog Owners Could Be Forced To Tie Up Dogs In Case They Bite A Burglar

"Dog owners might have to tie up their pets to stop them attacking burglars, police have warned – amid growing controversy over a clampdown on dangerous animals. The Association of Chief Police Officers say planned amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act could leave householders 'liable to prosecution' if their dog bites a burglar while they are out"

This is the most ignorant, stupid, appalling, proposed dog law I've seen in years. All to protect the rights of the criminals over the victims. What rational person would support such a law? This is what happens when you cede too much power to government. Government should be limited, not unlimited.

I have had it with the do gooders in government and elsewhere, haven't you?

I have a fundamental natural right to protect myself, my family, my friends, the helpless, and my property against criminals. I don't care what the law says, I have that God given right.

This is too far. This is inhumane to the dogs and to the victims. This is too much.

Don't you agree? And if so, what are you willing to do about it?

Woman Books Dog Into Boarding And Leaves Kids Home Alone

"Round Rock woman abandons two children but books dog into pet hotel, according to arrest warrant"

This is one of those "man bites dog" stories. According to the article, this woman booked her dog into a PetSmart pet hotel, but left her kids alone so she could travel from a town in Texas to St. Louis.

It's jaw dropping, really. Who would do such a thing? I just don't get it. I really don't.

Dog Runs Away One Too Many Times, Owner Faces Jail

"A Fairbanks man has paid almost $1,800 in recent months to repeatedly bail his runaway dog Toby out of the doggy jail. Then he shot a moose, ostensibly to protect the Siberian husky, and now Toby's owner could face jail time himself."

Here's the deal, this sounds like a typical, fun Husky... and if they get a chance to run and roam, they will. But, after 4 escapes, this owner should have gotten a clue there was a problem and hired a professional dog trainer to help him.

Now he is facing jail, because the dog got loose, tangled with a moose, the owner shot the moose dead to protect the dog, the dog was off leash... and so the owner might be without a defense.

I feel bad for the dog, because it is being allowed to learn how to escape, and the dog's life has now been endangered. This dog owner isn't doing him any favors, and hopefully has learned his lesson.

Good dog ownership means proper supervision and containment. I can't call this guy a good owner based on what I've read in this article.

Dog Saves Family From Fire

"Dog alerts east Macon family to burning house, one person suffered burns"

I have read numerous stories of dogs alerting their owners to a fire. I find it fascinating that dogs do this kind of thing. I have never seen an article on a wild animal doing such a thing, such as a wolf, but it wouldn't surprise me. Animals are much more complex than most people realize, thinking and feeling, and doing behaviors that promote their survival and the survival of those to whom they are bonded.

Dogs Save Lives

"Sasha is very obedient — he never jumps, whines or barks, and he’s adorable with children — but at some point in Arbelovsky’s nap, Sasha heard something, she said. He jumped on the bed and woke her. She pushed him off and pulled the covers over her head. But he jumped back up. “Sasha, go to bed,” Arbelovsky said she told her dog. But Sasha wouldn’t. He grabbed Arbelovsky by the shirt sleeve and pulled her out of bed and to their back door. What Sasha heard, Sullivan later said, was his cries for help, as he knelt bleeding in Arbelovsky’s neighbor’s yard. “I think that’s an incredible animal,” Sullivan said."

Many of us grew up watching episodes of Lassie on TV. And even though it was a fictional story, we knew, just knew, that our dogs would be there for us when we needed them.

Dogs are more than just pets. They play a crucial role in our lives, and can't be replaced, even with all our modern technology.

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Man's Best Friend

"A loyal dog waited by its owner for 12 hours after she became stuck in a sinkhole in the woods of Haliburton in Ontario."

How many true life stories have we read of dogs that have comforted, and even rescued, people in emergencies? Dogs play a major role in human society.

Had this woman been trapped even longer, it's possible that this dog would have been the main reason she survived.

Take that, all you dog haters.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Police Dog Dies In Patrol Car Overnight

"A Perry County, Mississippi, police dog was left in a patrol car overnight and died. Three-year-old Napo was found dead in the Perry County sheriff’s vehicle, after spending the night locked inside"

Yes, I'm sure it was an accident. Yes, I support the police. No, there is no excuse. The officer should be fired.

Car Accidents With Elderly Drivers And Pets

OK, here we go... I'm going to make someone angry...

"As reported by NBC News, drivers over the age of 70, traveling with a pet in the car, double their risk of an accident. People who travel with their pets can easily become distracted, which may be dangerous or fatal"

Look, I'm a darned good driver. I drive a LOT. If you don't like driving, and aren't good at it, don't become a dog trainer. That being said, I see a lot of craziness on the roads every day.

I see two types of elderly drivers, the first type are the ones who are still good. The second type are the ones that are so bad they should be off the road permanently. In the Phoenix area, we have a few over 55 communities where it is dangerous. I don't like driving those streets, and I have to be very careful.

I've watched elderly drivers
a.) run right through stoplights,
b.) go way too slow and get other drivers angry with them,
c.) merge over into your lane without even looking,
d.) pull out into traffic without even looking,
e.) had them back right into my car in a parking lot, and then drive off without even  noticing or stopping, and
e.) I had one encounter in a grocery store parking lot where I had to run on foot to get out of the way of the driver as he went straight at me to get into a parking space.

Here's the deal. At some point, you have to accept that your abilities are not what the used to be, and you need to take yourself out of the driver's seat. In some cases, this creeps up on some folks, and the families have to take the keys away from their elderly parents. I have a friend that had to do that with her mom, who began to drive 80 mph in 35 mph zones, and after a police chase, she forced her mom to never drive a car again. Dementia had set in.

Regardless of your age, however, dogs can be a dangerous distraction in a vehicle. You have to know your abilities and your dog's propensities. If you aren't a very good driver, then take back streets, go the speed limit, and be careful. If a dog is in the car, it should be fastened into the back seat with a belt buckle and harness (you can buy them at pet stores). Or, you use a proper crate setup in the back of your vehicle. I also think it is stupid to have a dog in your lap while you drive. You are endangering yourself and others... and for what? Look, if your dog needs some adventure, go for a walk. They don't need to be in your lap while you are driving.

I believe the stats in the article above. The risks are much higher with the elderly, with diminished capacities, and an unrestrained dog in the car. Be wise. And if it's your parent, then maybe it's time to have that talk.

 .

Puppy Severely Injured... Prison Doesn't Turn Most People Around

Here's a guy that's been arrested for severely hurting a young pit bull puppy. The pup was found bleeding with a huge tear to it's lip. Deneoval Joel Derrick "had just been released after serving 15 years in the state penitentiary for child abuse"

I used to think that when people went to prison, it was a wake up call, and that most would turn their lives around. I don't think that any more. I think only a handful are regretful, remorseful, and will come out a better person and do what they can to make right what they did wrong.

Prison's main benefit is to remove losers from the public for a while so we can be safer. That being the case, for some of these losers, they are broken in the head, and I think we'd be better off just implementing the death penalty and getting it over with.

Who knows what this guy did with this puppy and why. If he's convicted of this charge, then tell me why he should ever be in public ever again. And why should we be paying tax dollars to feed and house these losers at all?

We've all done things wrong in life. Some worse than others. But where it goes from there is up to you. When I do wrong, I agonize over it, and I diligently work to puzzle out a way to make things right, and then I do what has to be done and I face the consequences. I discipline myself so others don't have to. I think that's the right way to go. I don't pretend to be a saint, but I'm using myself as an example. Therefore, I don't understand why others don't do the same. I've dealt with people like this guy, however. They don't turn around. Like a dog, they'll return to their vomit and eat it again.

I'm fed up. Try him. Convict him if guilty. And then kill him.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Dog Thefts More Than Double


"With the economy the way it is, a lot of people are in a bad way, and we're seeing more dogs get stolen for all kinds of reasons"

I've watched the "dog news" for many years, and I've seen a nationwide increase in dog thefts across the US. The increase is HUGE.

You have be some kind of low life to steal from anyone, and especially if you steal their dog.

And you are taking a huge risk if you leave certain types of dogs alone in a yard or vehicle, such as little cute dogs, certain valuable pure bred dogs, or pit bulls. You're just putting your dogs at risk. Further, I'm now of the opinion that every dog owner, especially if you have one of these types of dogs... and even for rescue volunteers doing dog foster work in their own homes... that you should install a good security system. With video surveillance.

What Is Pit Bull Trunking?

"Some of the dogs might have been victims of “trunking”: locking two dogs in the trunk of a car that is driven around with music blasting and letting them fight to the death in the confined space."

I can't fathom the brutality of some people. What kind of sick mind would do this to a couple of dogs? This should be a very serious felony, with a penalty of at least 20 years in prison with no possibility of early release. This is really sick.

It is also sick that pit bulls are banned in Miami-Dade county. That is also a form of cruelty, resulting in the seizure and death of innocent dogs. The difference is that those who do this kind of thing are not put in prison, yet the dogs end up traumatized and dead in the end. I also think that is sick.

Hopefully the dogs are given to a rescue group, rehabilitated and re-homed..



Is Your Non Profit Dog Rescue Operating In An Unprofessional Manner?

"The San Diego Humane Society will have to pay its former president more than $1.1 million after an arbitrator ruled that the organization illegally fired him because of his medical conditions"

Wow, that's a lot of money.

In my experience, I've seen a number of non-profit entities that are not as diligent regarding the risks of being "in business" as most for profit companies tend to be. At least, that's been my observation over the years. In fact, I'm betting most companies, non and for profit, are not even aware of the risks they face with employment liability laws, especially in California.

This should be a warning to all non profits... you need to examine your operations and policies, including getting professional legal advice regarding employee issues, and also having liability insurance in place to protect you in case of a major claim. In this case, it appears that this organization had consulted with council... yet, the arbitration result was a finding that they were at fault. Who knows what really happened, we can only see what is reported in the news. My main point here isn't about this particular case. I have no idea who any of these people are.

My main concern is that I've seen rescue organizations can become a big entity at some point, and when things get bigger, many organizations still run as if they are small operations. You just can't do things that way because eventually you will be involved in situations like this, and you need to be operating at a high level. A million dollar judgment can destroy some entities.

My other concern is for those working at these non profits. It can falsely be assumed when working for some non profit organizations that you'll sacrifice anything to work there. It can also be assumed that non profit also means less than professional. And for some reason, I think that non profit organizations can tend to become internally very political and petty, and it is better to not work at a place if you see that kind of environment. Otherwise, you might one day be someone who is damaged by your non profit employer, and you'll be forced into a fight.

The San Diego Humane Society may be a fine organization, and may have done everything I would have done in the same circumstances. Or they might be creeps. I have no idea. I also don't know any of the people involved, whether they are good or bad. Whatever happened isn't my business. But this article did concern me...

I am concerned about you: what about your organization? Is your non profit operating to the highest levels possible? Do you understand employment laws? Do you consult with legal council in making your policies? What is your dispute handling procedure? Do you have sufficient liability insurance? And if you work at a non profit, is this a place where you want to make a career? Do you see red flags that you should address before something blows up? Are they going to treat you well?

I don't see many non profits and their employees considering these issues as seriously as they should. You have to wonder how this particular situation will affect the reputations of the organization and people from this point forward.

Start reviewing what you are doing immediately, and hire professionals to sort out the details. A million dollars is a lot of money.

Dog Bowl Starts A Fire?

"The couple didn’t realize the dog bowl had started the fire on their deck until an engineer with the fire department took a look at the situation. He explained that sunlight had refracted off the bowl and ignited the fire on the side of their house."

I like watching survival shows. I like Les Stroud in Survivorman, for example. In one episode, he used a polished soda pop can bottom in the sun to focus light onto some tinder, and he started a fire. In Dual Survival, they used a plastic bag of urine to start a fire, making a type of lens. So, I completely understand how a dog bowl could reflect and focus sunlight to start a fire. They are lucky the dog alerted them.

My bigger question is why was the dog bowl left in the direct sunlight? I have seen numerous dog bowls left in the sunlight, making the water so hot that the dog couldn't drink it... and in the meantime the dog was overheating.

Now I have a new thing to teach people about managing their dogs.

Passersby Filmed Dog Attack On Their Phones Instead Of Helping Victim

"A MAN mauled by a pack of savage dogs has lashed out at passers-by who filmed the attack rather than help him."

I see two major issues in this article:

First, why were there four loose American Staffordshire Terriers roaming the streets of this town? I'm getting sick and tired of hearing about dogs getting loose from their property and attacking people. Day after day, week after week, there are stories of loose dogs mauling people.

Second, what kind of sick world do we live in where people will film a person being attacked by a dog, to post on Facebook or some other social media site, but not get in and help someone who is being attacked by a pack of dogs? We live in some kind of Lindsay Lohan type of world, where people are wanting to be famous for being famous, and want to be part of the media part of a story. It's sick. It reminds me of the Eloy in The Time Machine. In that supposed future, some people were predators, and the other were the helpless prey. In one scene, a predator is attacking one of the prey, and the prey don't do anything. The hero of the story asks them what's wrong with them.

I'm asking the same thing: what's wrong with you people?!!

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

This Is Not A Vicious Dog

"A rescue dog bit off part of an Ohio prison inmate’s nose after the prisoner tripped while chasing a ball during recreation and fell on the dog... Thor was taken back to a shelter after the incident, the report said. The dog’s status and the inmate’s current condition weren’t immediately available today"

Years ago, back when I lived in Seattle, there was a dog bite incident at a kid's ballgame. A family had brought their Labrador Retriever watch the game. Near the dog, some young kids were goofing around. One of the boys tripped and fell on top of the dog, and the dog mauled the kid. This was an otherwise friendly dog.

The dog owner was sued, the dog was put to death, and the story was used by the media to whip up the legislators to pass a stricter dog bite law.

This was a travesty. This was an innocent dog that was provoked to bite. Any animal will defend itself, and this was clearly a provoked bite. The kids were acting stupidly, no parent apparently intervened, and an accident happened. This dog defended itself. It wasn't vicious.

I wonder now what has happened to the dog in the story above. Hopefully, someone who understands dog behavior won't condemn this dog to death for the accident of this prisoner. In this case, the dog was the victim.

What Kind Of Mental Case Kills A Dog?

"A family is demanding answers after their ten pound dog was shot dead in their backyard. The Garlands want the person responsible to know how much pain they have caused"

I really want to understand what kind of a mental case kills a helpless dog like this? Because... I don't understand. I will not understand. I want people like this found and sent to prison for a very long time.

I do know this... something is seriously wrong with our society. We are suffering from a moral and spiritual sickness. Our worst fears are here, and most of us don't really even know it yet. This stuff is just a sign of things to come. The barbarians aren't at the gate anymore... we've become the barbarians. The problem is us.

Society is breaking down right before our very eyes, and I don't think most people even see it. Did the Roman Empire, the Greeks, the Egyptians know the point at which they were about to collapse? I wonder.

Woman Smuggled Australian Dingoes Into US?

"A SELF-STYLED saviour of Australia's native dingoes smuggled six pups into the US disguised as look-alike Japanese pooches, a court has been told."

I'm not sure how I feel about this. First, a dingo is a feral dog. Not quite as wild as a wolf, not as domesticated as a dog. In the article, they say that if the dingoes were crossed with dogs, they would be considered dogs, which should tell you something. Second, any dog with a lot of wild traits doesn't make a very good pet in most cases.

The only reason I can see for breeding a Dingo to a dog would be to isolate traits that might be useful in a dog. It is rumored that the Australian Cattle Dog is part Dingo, same with the Kelpie, so it can handle heat better than the average herding dog. I tend to believe the folklore on this. I have experience with Kelpies, able to tolerate the hottest Arizona weather and not needing much water to stay cool. Really amazing animals.

We definitely don't need another wild invasive predator let loose in our wild habitats. Look what has happened with the feral hogs around the world. The US already has wolves and coyotes to do the job. Who knows what the effect would be if Dingoes were released.

I'm really not opposed to someone owning a wolf or coyote as a pet. I've read numerous stories of people successfully owning them, and most dog trainers eventually will work with a wolf hybrid. I would NOT recommend going out and getting one, however, when there are so many good dogs you can otherwise get, such as dogs in shelters or from reputable hobby breeders.

Should the exportation be illegal. Not sure. Should this person be prosecuted? Well, you should obey the laws, and if you have trouble with the laws, then work to change them instead of violating them. Let's see how this court case plays out. This article says the accused is a Dingo savior, implying that the Dingo is threatened with extinction. I'm hoping that isn't the case, because that might affect my opinion on this if Australia isn't taking steps to protect the Dingo. Not that I'd advocate breaking the law, but I do want to hear her side of the story, and then take a position regarding conservation laws in Australia.