Happy World Animal Week

Posted by Clare Bristow | Leave a Comment

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October 4 is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

In 1931 a group of ecologists meeting in Florence, Italy started World Animal Day to highlight the plight of endangered species. Since then the event has grown to encompass all animals throughout the world - the day is intended as a celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) supports world animal week from 4 to 10 October, and uses it to promote it's Animals Matter to Me Campaign which has the following aim:

Help us achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. We seek 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations. WSPA

To date over 700,000 people have signed the petition in support of the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

If you can spare two minutes please add your name to the petition and help end animal suffering worldwide and end animal cruelty - for good.

Click here to sign the petition.

Click here to read the WSPA Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Click here to see which animal organizations in your region are supporting the campaign.

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Don't Risk Your Dog's Health - Make Your Own Chicken Jerky

Posted by Clare Bristow | 11 Comments

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States recently cautioned dog owners of a possible link between their dogs becoming ill and the consumption of chicken jerky products.

This alert comes in the wake of the FDA receiving more than 70 complaints from dog owners whose dogs had eaten the chicken jerky treats and became ill; sadly in a couple of cases the dogs died.

The FDA has yet to determine what caused these dogs' illnesses. Despite extensive testing of the products in question, no contaminant has been found.

The products being investigated by the FDA are Bestro’s Chicken Jerky Strips and Chicken Jerky Strips from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co., both sold by Wal Mart.

Dogs that have become ill have shown some or all of the following symptoms:

  • decreased food consumption, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods;
  • decreased activity or lethargy;
  • vomiting;
  • diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and
  • increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

If your dog has eaten chicken jerky treats and is showing any of the above symptoms, take him to a vet as soon as you can.

Source: FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

The alternative has to be to make your own chicken jerky treats

Here is a quick and easy recipe for chicken jerky that I found on the Diet Skin Allergies In Dogs blog:

Homemade Chicken Treats for Your Dog

  • Slice chicken breasts into thin strips;
  • Place the strips on a non-stick or greased cookie sheet;
  • If you don't have a dehydrator (who owns one of these?), bake in the oven at 180 degrees overnight or for several hours during the day - it will be like jerky when done;
  • Let the chicken cool before placing in plastic bags; and
  • Jerky strips can be frozen for use later if desired.

I haven't tried the recipe yet but it sounds easy enough, and a whole lot healthier for your dog than any dog treat made in China.


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Can You Adopt a Dog this Month?

Posted by Clare Bristow | 5 Comments

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“Celebrating October as Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month is a great way to highlight the unlimited potential shelter dogs have to be unequaled pets,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres in a recent Press Release.

A great example is Toula a rescue Border Collie who was recently voted America's Most Talented Pet. Here's the dog video I recently posted showing Toula performing her dog tricks:

Many dogs that are trained for search and rescue and as assistance dogs come from shelters - giving these dogs a second chance at life has enriched (and saved) many peoples lives.

According to ASPCA estimates, approximately eight to 12 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide each year, more than half of which are euthanized due to a lack of space or resources.

If you are able to adopt a dog this month, or add to your existing pack there are two types of shelter dog that are often overlooked and really would love a second chance at life:

  • Older dogs - senior dogs are often passed by. People think that old dogs equal high medical bills, come with ingrained behavioral problems and/or are not so much fun as puppies. However, they are often loved family pets, given up as family circumstances change, and usually well socialized and had some degree of obedience training.

    Here are two web sites dedicated to the adoption of older dogs: The Senior Dogs Project and the Oldies Club.

  • Black dogs - who knows why black dogs are passed over? The BlackPearlDogs web site was established to encourage the adoption of black dogs and sheds some light on why black dogs are so often shunned.

    • The ASPCA web site offers a lot of helpful information about adopting dogs, and emphasizes the fact that shelters (usually) offer support and advice for people who adopt dogs from them.

    If you can't adopt, consider making a donation to a local shelter this month (in many countries your donation is deductible for tax purposes) - either money, food, bedding or your time. Ask your shelter what you can do to help.


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