To support Lake County with implementing this decision, American Humane has awarded the shelter a $1,600 grant to make the transition to euthanasia by injection (EBI), which American Humane considers to be the only humane and acceptable means of euthanasia for shelter animals. The grant will cover the costs of permanently removing the shelter’s gas chamber, as well as the costs for the initial supplies and equipment to perform EBI. The shelter is working to make the transition in the next 60 days.

“American Humane encourages adoption and spay/neuter to reduce pet overpopulation and thus reduce the rate of euthanasia,” said Dori Villalon, American Humane’s vice president of Animal Protection. “However, we recognize that euthanasia can be necessary, such as when an animal is suffering or cannot be adopted. But we believe that the use of gas chambers is an outdated and unnecessary method. We applaud Lake County for its decision to stop this practice, and we strongly encourage the remaining nine counties and one township in Michigan that still use gas chambers to follow Lake County’s lead and take advantage of an American Humane grant to transition to EBI.”

In 2009, American Humane launched an intensive legislative initiative to ban gas chambers in animal shelters. Currently, American Humane is continuing its efforts in Michigan to achieve the passage of House Bills 6042 and 6043, which state that all Michigan animal shelters and Class B dealers (laboratory animal brokers) may not euthanize cats and dogs by any method other than EBI. The bills, drafted by American Humane with assistance from the State Bar of Michigan Animal Law Section, are sponsored by Reps. Rick Jones and Fred Miller.

For more information about American Humane’s work to ban gas chambers, visit www.americanhumane.org/stopgassing.

“Pets have become important members of the family, and their needs are often high on the list of must-haves for many buyers, sometimes even higher than priorities of the two-legged members of the family,” says, Eileen Healy at Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors® in Colorado. “Calling out features or local pet-friendly amenities can make or break a buyer’s interest in a particular property.

If a buyer knows a home they love already has features the family dog or pet will also love, they’ll be more inclined to give that home a second look and consider it more than others on their list.”

While proximity to dog parks, doggy day-care centers, or pet fashion stores are often priorities for dog owners interested in city properties, suburban properties generally have ample space for seemingly unusual pet-friendly features. For the sophisticated canines, this Victorian dog house that matches this $10,995,000 home listed on Realtor.com in California is a must see. If country living is for you and your ‘dawg’ needs a warm place to chill after a long day of sheepherding on the prairie, consider a heated doghouse with a deluxe dog run listed on Realtor.com at $520,000 in Idaho. Or, for pooches in need of alone time or a quiet space, consider this secluded cottage on Realtor.com at $524,000 in Illinois.

While spaces customized to a dog’s specific needs are not uncommon according to Shari Guess, a Realtor with Buy Wise Real Estate in Texas and active member of the Great Dane Rescue of North Texas, many dog lovers do go the extra mile when it comes to creating a pet-friendly environment at home.

“We have one particularly enormous Dane named Sampson, and we couldn’t find a pet door big enough. So we made our own out of a semi-truck mud flap. It’s a few years old now so we’ll be duplicating our efforts and replacing it soon,” said Guess. “We also put in a small outdoor patio so when it’s muddy Sampson and our other dogs can go outside for whatever reason and come back into the house without us having to wipe 16 muddy paws! It has a short three-foot fence, pea-gravel with fire hydrant and can be accessed via the dog door from the dog room.”

As the nation heads into the Dog Days of Summer, and in honor of National Dog Day on August 26th, Move celebrates man’s best friend with information, tips and guides from pet experts and top Realtors specializing in pet-friendly homes. Whether it’s building a pooch palace or installing a bone-shaped pool, Move offers advice on how to celebrate your canine and improve the value pet-loving buyers will give your property as they search for their next home. Interesting topics available now for pet lovers and home enthusiasts to explore on the Move Network include:

– Properties for sale with fantastic pet-friendly features: As more
people consider themselves “pet parents,” Move showcases homes for
sale perfect for adapting their lifestyles to their furry family
members.
– Dogs go green: Have you ever thought about your dog’s carbon “paw
print”? Find easy ways to go green with your dog, including using
environmentally-friendly dog products like biodegradable toys.
– Celebrity and presidential dog homes: Celebrities love to shower their
dogs with love, affection… and doghouses. Heard about Paris Hilton’s
two-story kennel mansion built for Tinkerbell? Or what about Drew
Barrymore naming her dog ‘Flossie’ in her property trust valued at $3
million?
– Realtor tips on benefits of pet-friendly homes: Realtors share
experiences in working with pet owners in the market for a home and
explain that Fido plays a larger role in finding a home then one might
think.
– How-to build a doghouse: Want to build an abode for Fido on a budget?
Here are steps required, tools needed, and instructions for building a
doghouse for under $75.00.
– Moving tips for your pet: Moving can be stressful for pets, so prepare
a room for your pooch while you’re packing everything up, ensuring
hazardous materials are tucked away. Find a vet near your new home and
a list of pet friendly hotels in case you need to stay at one while
getting settled into the new place.
– Streets named after famous dogs: Wondering how some streets were
named? The famous dog Nipper in the RCA Victrola ads lived in Bristol,
England, and visitors there will find a small road named “Nipper
Alley.”
– Landscaping tips to create a pet-haven in the yard: Is your garden
going to the dogs? Man’s best friend can be a gardener’s worst
headache until you learn how to peacefully coexist with your canine
companions.
– The Top 10 Dog Parks in the U.S.: If you love to play at the park with
your dog, you’ll love Dog Fancy’s list of top 10 dog parks. The
Jackass Acres K-9 Korral in New River, AZ topped the list this year;
it is completely green, and recycles dog waste to create other usable
materials.
– Pet friendly hotels: Traveling with your dog has never been easier, as
hotels across the country are increasingly offering pet-friendly rooms
and activities. According to www.BringFido.com, some of the most
popular cities for pet travel include Myrtle Beach, SC and Santa
Barbara, CA.
– Pet friendly apartments: Finding an apartment that allows dogs is not
always easy. Check out the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals in your area, you’ll probably find a list of local
pet-friendly landlords.

In addition to offering expert advice on pet-friendly properties, Move, Inc., has partnered with top breeders at Breeders USA in California to provide facts and statistics relative to top breeds by city, and the most popular breeds in America.

“We’re pleased Move is helping homeowners identify ways to transform a home into a pet-friendly environment because it’s a great way to maintain a pet’s health and vitality,” said Daniel Hect, Master Dog Trainer and owner of BreedersUSA.com in California. “By identifying the needs of your pet while you’re searching for your next home, whether it’s with an outdoor play area or “doggy-doors,” the property is not only enhanced esthetically, but the upgrades can also become a viable marketing feature when selling or buying a home.”

As part of the campaign, Move, Inc is pawing to get a glimpse into the most luxurious doggy dwellings by asking pet owners to submit their favorite photo of their pets’ home on the Realtor.com Facebook Fan Page and be entered to win $250 gift certificate for Petco. Visit Move.com, Realtor.com/blogs or join facebook.com/realtor.com for additional details on the Dog Days of Summer campaign!

Created by the Dallas-based Diabetes Friendly Foundation, the “K-9 for Kids” program provides assistance in locating Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) while also providing funding for the training and placement of the animals for families in need.

“Every 24 hours, 4,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control,” said Cole Egger, Founder of the Diabetes Friendly Foundation. “Parents of children with diabetes constantly have to check their child’s blood sugar throughout the day and night in order to prevent severe consequences caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels. With a diabetes alert dog, some of the strain and fear of these dangerous side effects of diabetes is lifted.”

To build awareness of the DADs and the “K-9 for Kids” program, the Diabetes Friendly Foundation is hosting “K-9 for Kids Fundraiser” on November 13 at the Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) in downtown Dallas.

In addition to live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a doggie boutique, and silent auction, the event will feature the night’s honored guest – The Wildrose Kennel, select families and Diabetic Alert Dogs and puppies.

Following are two testimonials about the Diabetic Alert Dogs:

“We were very lucky to have Mallie (a Diabetic Alert Dog),” said Crystall Young, mother of 19-month- old Ean, who has Type 1 diabetes. “She truly is an amazing alert dog. She alerted me at times when I wouldn’t have thought I needed to check on Ean. There were times when Ean was outside playing and she would alert from inside.”

“Without JD, my diabetes alert dog, I was afraid to do a lot of things but JD has given me the confidence to live my life now and to not be afraid anymore,” said Deanna Whitehead, a teenager with Type 1 diabetes. “I trust him to take care of me and it’s an awesome feeling. I love JD.”

For more information, visit the Diabetes Friendly Foundation website www.diabetesfriendly.org

But now, as a direct result of little-known proposed amendments to Title 10 of the Los Angeles County Code, animal sanctuaries countywide could be limited to caring for only 50 dogs and cats — and ultimately forced to surrender all the other unwanted animals to an already overburdened county shelter system. It’s effectively a death sentence for thousands of dogs and cats.

Concerned citizens can help ensure the proposed 50-animal limitation is dropped. Actor and lifelong animal activist Leo Grillo, founder of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, urges LA County residents who care about animals to contact the five county supervisors and other county officials to express their opposition to the 50-animal limit on kennel licenses.
“If passed, the changes to Title 10 of the Los Angeles County Code will require all facilities with over 50 dogs and cats to sell, transfer or relinquish all animals above that limit of 50 within 30 days,” Grillo explained.

“Rescued animals are not always easy to place, and we’re talking about thousands of dogs and cats throughout the county. Realistically, most of those animals will end up in the pound, where they will be euthanized simply because there is no space for them.”

While Grillo and the D.E.L.T.A. Rescue team are vehemently opposed to the numerical limit on kennel licenses, they support other proposed changes to Title 10, including requirements for facilities to maintain approved emergency evacuation plans and to have 24-hour staff on site.

“We applaud the county’s attempt to make sure animals receive proper care,” Grillo stated. “However, limiting responsible, established rescue facilities to 50 dogs and cats contradicts the county’s stated mission of preserving and protecting public and animal safety. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue stands ready to assist the county in that mission as we have for 30 years, but we cannot do so if the ordinance passes as proposed. We need the public’s help to keep providing safe haven for the pets abandoned to the harsh conditions of the southern California wilderness.”

To learn more about the proposed changes to Title 10 of the Los Angeles County Code and help get the word out, contact D.E.L.T.A. Rescue at P.O. Box 9, Glendale, CA, 91209 or visit http://www.deltarescue.org/.
Members of the community are urged to contact LA County supervisors and officials to voice their opposition to the kennel license cap at the following emails and telephone numbers:

The Sun reports that the incident happened when the man was getting into the back seat of his four-wheel drive with the rifle beside him when the dog jumped in after him.

Police thought that the dog must have triggered off the .22 bolt-action rifle that went straight into the man’s left buttock in a freak accident.

Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery!

Louise Wilson, from Flintshire-based specialist sniffer dog company Wagtail UK, is helping set up a scheme that will train dogs to find cheetah scats – their poo.

Louise, 28, from Saltney, near Chester, is just back from World Cup-mad South africa where the only big game she was interested in has four legs and can run at over 70mph.

She was there as the guest of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), a South African-based charity who were keen to see if dogs could be used in conservation work. They had approached Wagtail UK Managing Director Collin Singer and it was through him that fellow director Louise became involved.

Collin, a former RAF Police dog handler, set up Wagtail UK in 2003 and the company now specialises in training and using sniffer dogs to detect everything from drugs to explosives to human bodies and they work extensively within the security industry, including at the French Channel ports with the UK Border Agency checking freight for illegal immigrants.

They have also seen the potential for the use of dogs in wildlife work which is where Louise’s involvement with the EWT came about.

She said: “I studied Animal Behavior and Welfare at Chester University and I have a passionate interest in conservation so I was delighted to get involved.

“The EWT were interested to find out if dogs could work in their environment where the temperature is very high, it’s dusty and you are dealing with vast areas of land.

“I see huge potential for the use of dogs in this field because they are able to find rare animals in a non-invasive way. There’s no shooting them with dart guns, tranquillising them and fitting them with special tracking collars.

“The dogs can be trained to find their scat, they don’t bother or upset the cheetahs and it means the scats can be examined so that conservationists know what sort of diet the animals are eating and how healthy they are.

“South africa is just such a fantastic place. It’s so spectacular and the wildlife is amazing – you’re out there in the bush at night and you can hear the hyenas and jackals calling and all the other sounds.”

Louise has been working closely with Rox Brummer, EWT’s Carnivore Conflict Officer in northern South africa, close to the borders with Zimbabwe and Botswana and she shares Louise’s enthusiasm for the use of dogs in tracking the rare animals.

Rox said: “Cheetahs are very shy cats and get stressed very easily and the darting procedure can be very risky for them.

“Using scat detection dogs means you can potentially sample all the animals in a population rather than just a few.

“This will give researchers a much fuller picture of what is going on within the cheetah population so we can find out how many cheetahs there are, their state of health and their dietary preferences, all without seeing a single spot.”

The sniffer dog unit at the EWT is in its early stages, with the facilities still under construction, so on Louise’s visit she helped Rox erect temporary kennels and a large tent for training and she started schooling two dogs, Minkie, a daschund, and Gala, a Malinois or Belgian Shepherd.

She believes both have the potential to be trained to detect cheetahs and also another rare species, the blue swallow.

“Dogs are just the best way of searching,” Louise said: “If you suspect someone of carrying drugs you can go through all the business of questioning them and then strip searching them but with a dog you just get it to sniff them.

“I can’t believe dogs are not more widely used within conservation because they’re so ideal and it’s something that we can bring back and use in this country with our own rare and endangered species.

“And dogs are easily available, cost effective, efficient and fast.

“At Wagtail we have some amazing ideas and projects running with regard to a conservation dog section here in the UK and we really want to hear from people about using dogs for conservation.

Louise said that dogs can be trained to detect a scent in as little as 16 weeks and in Africa they would have to work off-lead much of the time and have a bell on to warn animals of their approach as well as being well trained in recall.

She joined Wagtail UK six years ago, initially as an unpaid volunteer but has become an integral part of the operation and is now Head of Training.

She has worked with detection dogs on places as diverse as Wembley and the QE2 and has five dogs of her own: “I just adore working with detection dogs and conservation is something which I’ve always been fascinated in and which I feel there is so much scope for the use of dogs,” she said.

“They’re ideal for finding things. If it has a scent then a dog can find it.”

To make donations to the Endangered Wildlife Trust or for more information go to www.ewt.org.za

The Hollywood A-Lister and ex-Wife of Brad Pitt is well known for her love of dogs and already owns a Corgi cross Terrier called Norman and a white German Shepherd Dog called Dolly.

Why not follow in the fabulous friends footsteps and take a look at 100′s of rescue dogs looking for their forever families. www.dogsblog.com

“Every week millions of dog owners honor me by allowing me in their homes to teach through the Dog Whisperer television show,” says Cesar Millan. “I would love to use this platform to inform people about pet overpopulation and how it’s killing millions of animals yearly in America. One of the kindest acts people can perform to save the lives of animals is to spay or neuter their pet, which prevents homeless animals from ever being born in the first place.”

The Millan Foundation approached Lopez Negrete for its strategic insight and assistance in targeting dog owners to promote the importance of spaying or neutering their pets. The agency offered its services on a pro bono basis, helping the nonprofit by designing and producing a fully integrated communications program. All work is focused on raising awareness of the consequences of pet overpopulation, which includes leaving over 4.5 million dogs and cats to die in local animal shelters each year due to a lack of space.

“We are dog lovers and have admired the work that Cesar has accomplished throughout the years,” said Alex Lopez Negrete, president, CEO/CCO of Lopez Negrete Communications. “Pet overpopulation is an important issue and one not commonly addressed in the Hispanic community, so we knew this was a breakthrough project we had to engage immediately.”

Equally, the Millan Foundation and Lopez Negrete understand that U.S. Hispanics love and treat their pets as family members, but are largely unaware of the issue of pet overpopulation and the resources available to provide spaying and neutering services. Research proved that the Latino population is a demographic that is very open to learning of the repercussions of leaving pets unsterilized and willing to take an initiative in addressing the problem.

The list of breeds was compiled at ‘random’ says reports from The Associated Press and these 12 breeds carry the stigma of ‘fight dogs’. Alexander Willer, a spokesman for Vienna’s main animal shelter, told The Associated Press that it was now harder for abandoned breeds of this kind to find new homes.

“The image of these dogs has hit rock bottom,” Willer said, adding that since Christmas, the number of “fight dogs” seeking refuge in the shelter increased from 123 to 170.

“The majority of people who own these kinds of dogs are normal — they aren’t psychopaths,” Willer said.

The law has caused outrage as some groups say that parks, streets and public places are now safer, whilst others claim this is victimisation against certain breeds of dog.

The AP report that officials estimate that about 2,500 dogs will be affected by the new law in a city where man’s best friend is often spotted snoozing in cafes, riding the subway and sitting outside shops.

If owners don’t comply by this time next year and are caught without a permit, they face fines and could even see their pet confiscated by police.

“The animal doesn’t have to know any tricks, fetch the paper or do a double back flip — all the owner has to do is show that he has it under control in a city setting,” city councilor Ulli Sima said.

“This is not about the criminalisation of any types of dogs,” added fellow councilor Sandra Frauenberger.

Have your say on breed discrimination – tell the Government what you think TODAY at: http://k9m.ag/bslrepeal

More than 180 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists participated throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and provided free eye exams to guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue dogs and more.

As part of the program, a team of ACVO doctors hosted a Service Dog screening event at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Center. Approximately 180 Transportation Security Agency (TSA) dogs and military working dogs were screened and several significant findings were made that will assist the breeding programs going forward.

Shown: Dr. Michael Paulsen from the Animal Eye Clinic in Arlington, TX examines a Service Dog during the screening event at Lackland Air Force Base.

“We’ve exceeded our expectations this year and are thrilled with the number of dogs that received free eye exams,” said Stacee Daniel, Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. “We couldn’t have made the event a success without the dedicated veterinary ophthalmologists who volunteered their time and services.”

The goals of the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event are to: benefit individuals and society who rely on Service Dogs, strengthen referral relationships between veterinary ophthalmologists and general practice veterinarians, gather data relative to work performance for future work recommendations and to preserve the sight of those animals who serve us selflessly.

Shown: Dr. E. Dan Wolf, DACVO, from Southern Eye Clinic for Animals in Tampa, Florida examines Mishka.

Mishka is one of those animals. The two-year-old poodle is an active Search and Rescue dog in Tampa, FL. Jenny Logan, Mishka’s handler, brought her in for the complimentary eye exam this year. “It’s a wonderful thing to have offered to you,” said Logan about the event. “It’s preventative medicine and if anything is wrong and you can catch a condition early, you can treat it. And there’s no charge. That’s phenomenal this day and age.”

The ACVO plans to hold the annual ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event again in May 2011. At that time eligible participants will be able to register at www.ACVOeyeexam.org to participate.