Is your pet extraordinary?
From the ASPCA:
“The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is inviting the public to nominate extraordinary pets and people for its 2009 Humane Awards.
“If you know a fabulous feline or precocious pooch with a knack for saving lives, or a heroic human being who has improved the lives of animals, the ASPCA wants to hear from you. Nominations are being accepted until July l5 at www.aspca.org/nominate.
“Last year’s winners included a guide cat to a blind pooch; a black Labrador mix who helped a 10-year-old boy battling cerebral palsy through his road to recovery; a 12-year-old girl who launched a web site to help provide food to dogs and cats at shelters across the country; a law enforcement officer who works tirelessly to prosecute animal abusers; and a firefighter who saved an injured bear cub from a wildfire.
“‘The ASPCA Humane Awards is our way of recognizing those who have gone above and beyond for animal welfare and animal heroes who have dedicated their lives to help others,’ said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. ‘It’s a wonderful way to acknowledge the important role companion animals play in our lives.’
“Those who may be considered for this distinguished honor include humans who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 29, at the newly-renovated Pierre Hotel in New York City, where the awards will be presented.
“Categories open for nomination include:
- ASPCA Dog of the Year: for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
- ASPCA Cat of the Year: for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
- ASPCA “Tommy P. Monahan” Kid of the Year: for a child under 14 who has helped make the world a kinder place for animals;
- ASPCA Public Service Award: for a member of the municipal police force, a firefighter, or other public service officer who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year; and
- Other Nominations: any other nomination that does not fit into any of the above categories.”
“The ASPCA is accepting nominations via its web site at www.aspca.org/nominate. All submissions must include the following: the nominee’s name, street address, email address; telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or pet deserves the award.
“The deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 15, at 12 PM (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/nominate.”
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Clinic details chimp attack. (Connecticut)
- Eagle survives crash. (Nevada)
- OSU vet program gets $1M donation. (Stillwater)
- House pushes pet-breeding rules. (statewide)
- Ballpark to put up nets. (Oklahoma City)
- Don’t select your pet’s food by price alone. (nationwide)
- A towel for Cholula. (Newcastle)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
I want one
How can anyone look at these pictures of two baby meerkats and not want to just cuddle their little brains out?
The brother and sister meerkat pups are named Zanzibar and Nairobi and reside at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.
They are a mere 28 days old in these pictures.
*disclaimer: I know caring for exotic animals such as Meerkats is extremely difficult. I don’t actually want the responsibility. I just want to pet them because they are cute.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Frog legs, anyone?
This photo of a seven-legged frog reminds me of the three-eyed fish from the Simpsons.
No word on whether this mutant frog, found at a restaurant in China, is a side effect from Mr. Burns latest nuclear power plant, but it certainly doesn’t look natural.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Free coupon for $20 off vet bill
These are tough economic times for everyone, including our pets. To help make sure our animals get the preventative care they need, Advantage and Bayer Health Care are kicking off the “Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet” campaign.
The companies are handing out $20 vouchers for pet owners beginning today and running through Feb. 28.
“In these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness. And unfortunately, veterinary visits and preventive veterinary care are often cut due to financial struggles and concerns,” according to the campaign Web site.
They’re limiting the giveaway to about 83 vouchers every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST so that everybody has a shot at getting some help. After all is said and done, about $260,000 in free vet care will be handed out.
The way it works is simple. You print out the voucher, take your pet to the vet, have your vet fill out the form and you mail it in. The result: you get a $20 check in the mail.
The vouchers are open to any adult in the United States, with a few restrictions. For example, the voucher must be used on preventative care.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Valentine’s date gives a look at zoo animals’ sex lives
Witnessing this kind of thing traumatizes some kids for life. But at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Mich., it’s entertainment. High-class, high-dollar, Valentein’s entertainment.
The zoo is hosting a special event called Zoorotica. Yes, really. It really is called that. Patrons pay $50 a person for a fancy dinner and a look into the sex lives of some of the zoo’s popular animals. There will be a DVD presentation and then a special tour of the zoo. The event is 21 and up. Good idea.
My thoughts:
- Creepy.
- Yucky.
- A severe invasion of privacy for those poor, amorous animals.
- Creepy. Again.
Apparently I’m alone with my sentiments, though. The event is sold out and there’s a waiting list. Apparently lots of folks think Zoorotica is a good Valentine’s Day date. And The Binder Park Zoo isn’t alone. Zoo sex tours have been popular for many years, dating back to the first tours in San Francisco in the 1980s.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pet advice after the tornados
The tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma were a reminder to pet owners how important identification is.
Severe weather can rip down fences, pull down walls and leave pets confused and scared. At least one veterinarian is helping reunite lost dogs with their owners. The best way to ensure a pet is returned is by microchipping, he said. Collars and tags can sometimes be caught and torn by debris. Microchips stay under the skin and can be tracked by any vet or shelter official.
Here is some more information from the ASPCA about disaster readiness:
- The Pet Evacuation Transportation Safety (PETS) Act, passed after Hurricane Katrina, allows owners to take their companion animals with them to shelters. Contact the shelter before you show up to make sure it’s OK. Some shelters are designed for animal owners.
- Practice getting your animal out of the house so it isn’t scary or difficult. This is especially important for cat carriers.
- Owners with pets that require special temperature settings, such as reptiles, need to have duplicates of everything, such as heaters. Fish owners should have a small, transportable tank ready.
- Socialize your pet as much as possible in case they come in contact with rescuers or other people at the shelter.
- Keep an emergency kit of your pets needs, such as any medicines and some food, that you can take with you. Be sure to keep a photo of you with your pet if you get separated and have to claim him.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Koala saved from fire
Finally, there’s some good news from the wildfire catastrophe in Australia. A firefighter saved an injured koala.
The poor little gal was walked around on burned feet when she spotted a firefighter, who immediately called for water and help.
Koalas are known for their cranky nature despite their cute appearance. They rarely come down from the trees and usually aren’t interested in interacting with anyone. But in this case, the injured marsupial was desperate for help.
Animal welfare officers eventually picked up the koala and took her to a nature reserve where she’s healing well. (Word has it she already has an admirer – a male koala who keeps hugging her.)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today, yesterday and Saturday j-
- - Zoo is getting wild at heart. (Tulsa)
- - The big ones are biting. (Oklahoma)
- - Wild horses face a rough ride ahead. (Pauls Valley, Western United States)
- - A wing and a preyer: Falconers develop special rapport with raptors. (Oklahoma)
- - Racing pigeon’s detour showcases Route 66. (Edmond)
- - Pit bulls kill five alpacas. (New Mexico)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – Gator rescued from SE OK
Check out these animla-related stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Bear hunts considered. (Oklahoma, page 3a)
- Workers find mammoth. (California, page 8a)
- Recovery of pet alligator becomes large-scale effort. (Wynnewood/Stuart)
- Poultry firms cite conflicting positions. (Colorado, page 18a)
- Agency to conduct state forest survey.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
