Dog death reminds us to be careful when flying
A New York couple who traveled to Athens last month was terrified to discover their dog was missing after the return flight.
Leo, an 18-pound terrier, was allowed to fly with the couple inside the cabin on their way to Greece, but on the way back, airline officials insisted his crate go in the plane’s cargo area.
When the couple waited for him in baggage claim, his crate never arrived. Airline officials said when they opened the cargo area, Leo scurried out. The couple finally found his body in Queens, miles away from the airport.
This sad story reminds us to be careful, especially during peak travel times, to be careful when taking our pet away from home. The ASPCA gives these tips to staying safe:
- - Visit your vet and get your pet current on all shots. Take documentation with you.
- - Microchip your pet, and ensure his collar has ID information, including destination and return info.
- - Fly direct.
- - Use a USDA-approved crate.
- - Label the crate with your info, along with arrows pointing up.
- - Put a photo of your pet on the crate and in your wallet.
- - Freeze a tray of water so your pet can drink it as it thaws.
- - Don’t use tranquilizers unless recommended by your vet.
- - Tell every single airline employee – every one – that you have a live animal with you and to be on the lookout for her.
- - If your flight is delayed or there are complications, ask airline officials to check on your pet.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Tulsa dog park has shirts for sale
As if your dog wasn’t accessory enough, you can now buy a t-shirt support Tulsa Bark Parks.
A few months ago, the park hosted a design contest, and the logo by Tulsan Brett Elbon was named the winner. As you can see, it’s a couple of pups fleeing the city to enjoy the serenity of the dog park. The shirts come in four colors – grey, blue, OU red and OSU orange.
Shirts are $20. The price includes shipping. The price also includes helping a worth cause; proceeds go to park development and maintenance.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Poinsettias v. Animals: The Ultimate Battle
Poinsettias are not poisonous to pets.
What?
Yes, you heard that right. Turns out, the legendary toxicity of poinsettias is a rumor, exaggerated beyond reason over time, according to experts at ASPCA Poison Control.
Until now, I thought poinsettias were the kiss of death for dogs, so I’ve never had them in my home. I thought they kept the same company as chocolate, onions and grapes – gangsters of gastrointestinal doom. But like a lot of folks, I had been duped.
The ASPCA says the deadly legend of the poinsettia started in early 1900s, when a 2-year-old girl allegedly died from eating a poinsettia leaf. (The truth is, according to the ASPCA, a 50-pound child would have to eat 600 poinsettia leaves to die. I’m pretty sure most kids won’t go unsupervised that long, and surely anyone who had that many poinsettias in their house is asking for trouble.)
While the plant isn’t deadly to animals, mixing poinsettias in with your dog’s food isn’t exactly a good idea either, according to the ASPCA. The most common side effects of poinsettias are indigestion and upset stomach. The solution: put the plant out of reach. If your pet does happen to sneak a snack, give a little water or milk to calm the stomach.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today, Sunday and Saturday -
- - Cadaver dogs sniffing clues on the bone trail. (Oklahoma)
- - First dog faces tough job requirements. (Washington, D.C.)
- - Edmond dog owner hopes for top honors.
- - Cow’s death investigated. (Logan County)
- - Geese may lose free lunches. (Kansas City, Mo.)
- - Fussing over fumes. (Nation)
- - Counting birds at Martin Park Nature Center. (Oklahoma City)
- - Holiday How-To: Pet Treats.
- - Schedule your eagle viewing. (Indiahoma)
- - Lawton targeting prairie dogs once again. (Saturday, page 14a)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Edmond Pet of the Week
Yum Yum is a spayed female, black and white domestic shorthair. She is about 5 months old and is current on her vaccinations. She has been at the shelter since Aug. 6.Maxwell is a neutered male, gray and white domestic shorthair. He is current on his vaccinations and is about 10 years old. He has been at the shelter since Sept. 30.Adoption fees are $70 for cats and dogs, and $35 for kittens at Edmond Animal Welfare Shelter, 2424 Old Timbers Drive in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex on Covell Road east of Interstate 35. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and is closed weekends.For more information, call 216-7615.
- Staff Writer Dawn Marks
Canadian woman’s dog put down because of her income
Jacqueline Nash just wanted to find her dogs. The three German Shepherd puppies went missing, and she spent three days looking for them. She called everyone with the Canadian city of Wolseley she could think of, even the mayor. Nothing.
Then she discovered her missing pups had been found. But instead of allowing Nash to pick up the dogs, all three were put to sleep. Why? Because Nash was living on welfare. Animal officials presumed she couldn’t afford to pay the finder’s fee to the shelter, so the dogs were put down.
So Nash – shown here with her daughter – sued. She was awarded $6,500 because city officials discriminated against her based on her income.
But there are two sides to the coin. City officials for sure shouldn’t have killed the dogs without at least asking Nash if she could afford to recover them. But the city reports several complaints about those same dogs running loose, and Nash had a $20 fine for that she hadn’t paid.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Happy National Day of the Horse!
Today is the Day of the House, so here are some recent horse stories we’ve had in The Oklahoman. And we couldn’t resist using some lolcats.
- - Oklahoma newcomers use lottery winnings on a rare Gypsy cob. (Newalla)
- - 2,000-mile horse trek helps Kingfisher rider give thanks.
- - Bay stallion named ‘Star’ of American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show. (OKC)
- - Pony attack puzzles Prague family.
- - A ‘Superhorse’ provided life lessons to its owner. (OKC)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Little River Zoo loses porcupine
A porcupine at the Little River Zoo in Norman died Dec. 5, zoo officials announced Thursday. Della was 8. The cause of death is pending veterinarian investigation.
Della was known for her community appearances as part of the Little River Zoo’s education programs, visitng hundreds of schools and churches. She attended parades and community events. Some of her famous appearances include a meeting with National Geographic and going on stage with Jack Hannah during his visit to Oklahoma City.
Della was born on Christmas Even 2000 to porcupine parents Lee and Mary.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- - Bear may have eaten her cub. (Germany)
- - Canine stocking stuffers sought. (Oklahoma City)
- - Do your homework before giving a pet as a holiday gift.
- - Memories of Dutch. (Midwest City)
- - Common items entertain cats.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- - “Jungle Book” production energetic romp through Kipling’s classic. (Oklahoma City)
- - Every dog, even the grumpiest, has its day.
- - Man faces animal cruelty charges. (Norman)
- - Store offers seminars for dog owners. (Edmond)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
