It is so sad that Atlanta’s Mei Lan was called back to China, but what an interesting read her adjustment to her new life makes. It seems Chinese Zoo Keepers are looking for a tutor to teach Mei Lan Chinese?!
And while she will have some of her American Biscuits now, she will be transitioned over to Chinese ‘wotou’ (steamed bread made of corn and sorghum) and fresh bamboo. Read more in the AP Wire Story.
And check out China’s Panda Kindergarten!
I thought those were stuffed animals when I first saw them!
The Atlanta Humane Society has stepped in to help transport over 100 animals from the City of Clarksdale Animal Shelter. The ASPCA helped organize the rescue of over 400 animals from the shelter. For more information on the ASPCA’s role check out ASPCA.org.
The Atlanta Humane Society has taken in over 6 dozens of the rescued animals and reports that many will need costly medical care before they can be adopted. To find out more about the state of the rescued animals or to make donations to help care for them click here.
Billionaire’s Wife Wants to Purchase Land for Horses
As he bicycled away, choppers appeared in the sky. A few people from the town gathered in front of the saloon as two helicopters floated closer and closer to Bruno’s and eventually just landed right there in the field in front of the gas station.
Doors opened and out popped Madeleine Pickens, the blonde and perfectly-coiffed wife of billionaire oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens.
Wearing a tan shall and Ralph Lauren cowboy boots, she pushed her 18-year-old blind dog Ollie in a baby stroller across the field and made her way to her room at Bruno’s where she would spend the night.
Please continue to read the dramatic story at Good Morning America
A rare disease normally found in horses has hit local Paulding County Animal Shelter. The shelter is currently under quarantine. The Georgia Department of Agriculture closed the doors of the shelter on January 19th after the sudden mysterious death of several dogs. A necropsy, by the University of Georgia, revealed that one of the dogs had succumb to Streptoccocus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. This disease is treatable in early stages by antibiotics and all exposed shelter animals are receiving antibiotics at this time. Once the shelter has gone seven days with out any additional illness it will be allowed to reopen.
For more information on Streptoccocus equi subsp. zooepidemicus check out this helpful data sheet link.
For more information on this story check out the AJC article Shelter closed after 12 dogs die from illness.
To find out more about Paulding Animal Shelter visit the Paulding Humane Society site at PauldingHumane.org.
From Stanley Coren’s book the Intelligence of Dogs come this list ranking the top 12 intelligent dogs.
Goldendoodle, Barley is a mix of two of the top 4, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand he volunteers to show foster dogs what to do when we say ‘Crate’, on the other we recently found him devouring a jar of peanut butter on the library floor, having somehow figured out how to remove the lid. Do you have a Smart dog at home? In what was is it good or bad?
Rank Breed
1. Border Collies
2. Poodle
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Doberman Pincher
6. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Labrador Retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottwieler
10. Australian Cattle Dog
11. Pembrook Welsh Corgi
12. Miniature Schnauzer
Guilty Goldendoodle
Atlanta based Mother Nature Network, is looking for the most eco-friendly dog in the country.
Could it be yours?
Find out by submitting a photo at http://www.mnn.com/green-dog-of-the-year-contest, no later than February 12.
While you are there check out the cute photos already submitted of four legged environmentalists across the country.
The winner will be named Green Dog of the Year, be featured on the home page of MNN.com, and win a year’s supply of Eukanuba’s Naturally Wild Formula dog food.
“Pet lovers are always taking photos of their furry friends,” said Emily Murphy, Managing Editor at MNN, who finds creative ways to reduce her own pup’s impact on the Earth. “Green dogs enjoy the outdoors, use natural toys and pet-care products, and, if they are so inclined, sport organic clothing. Some of the greenest dogs are adopted from animal rescue groups and shelters.”
*Atlanta-based Mother Nature Network, launched in 2009 by celebrated environmentalist and dog-lover Chuck Leavell, longtime keyboardist for the legendary Rolling Stones, offers the latest in environmental news and encourages ecologically responsible behavior. MNN is intended to help the average person - whether you’re going green or have been there for years - figure out which choices to make, a one-stop guide to greening your daily routine as big or as small as you want.*
FDA January 14 2010
FDA urges consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” due to the possibility of Salmonella contamination.
No illnesses have yet to be reported and it appears the Salmonella was identified in routine batch testing.
For more information on the recall check out the FDA information page:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm197700.htm
Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.
So I caught this news clip from Good Morning America the other day about Doggie Boot Camp. It appears to be a combination of Boot Camp Excercise programs and doggie training. Maybe a take off on agility training? I love getting out and exercising with my pet. And training is a great way to stimulate your pet, it expends great amounts of energy for them to learn new things and can definitely help improve problem behaviors. But I don’t think this type of training/exercise if for me. Or maybe it was just the craziness surrounding this particular clip. What do you think? Would you and your dog enjoy exercising together at a Doggie Boot Camp?
Ever thought about owning a House Bunny?
Check out Kennesaw based House Rabbit Society North Georgia Chapter and their new Rabbit House!
Bunny 101
Calling all new adopters, previous adopters, or anyone interested in adopting or learning more about rabbit care! Christy Christensen will be teaching a class that will cover everything from apple branches to white vinegar. This is what you need to know to make living with a house rabbit easy, healthy and fun!
Please email Edie at thebunnylady@bellsouth.net or call 770-992-0235 to reserve your spot!
A $5.00 donation for the class covers the cost of
handout materials and a healthy treat package for your bunny.
Location:
Center for Rabbit Education, Adoption, Rescue and Services
2280 Shallowford Road
Marietta GA 30066
678-653-7175
And Visit with their Adoptable Bunnies here.
Forbes recently had an article on how to best care for your pet after you are gone. Within the article was a slideshow of 10 ways to best protect your pet.
One of my favorite ideas and one that I had never considered is to carry a Pet Wallet Card.
“In case of an accident or sudden illness that makes you unable to care for your pet, carry a wallet alert card listing your address, the number of pets in your home, their species, size and friendliness, and their names. On the back, list emergency pet caregivers and contact info for a pet sitter, vet or kennel to watch your pets if the caregivers are not available.”
It amazes me how logical simplistic and simple the best ideas are, rest assured one of these will be going into my wallet today!
