Pets in the paper – those puppies will suck you in
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Pet Tales: Never say never. (Moore)
- Newborn dies in mauling. (Florida)
- Meat, poultry rules may aid competition. (nationwide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Puppies dumped in Norman
We just got this press release from the Norman Police Department. Long story short: if you see someone being a horrific jerk, call the police! I mean seriously. Look at these puppies! Good gravy!
Norman Animal Welfare is asking for your help.
Every spring the number of unwanted dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens increases in Norman. On Monday an abandoned puppy was turned into the shelter. The puppy was found at a convenience store located at 36th NW and Robinson. Just two to three weeks old the puppy will need to be bottle feed to survive. On Tuesday another abandoned puppy was turned into the Animal shelter. This one was found next to a dumpster at Classen and Constitution. Appearing to be a litter mate of the first puppy, this second one is two to three weeks old and needs to be bottle feed.
These two are lucky, and that is why we need your help. They were found and turned into the shelter and a foster home was immediately available. They could have just as easily been run over, starved to death, killed by another animal, poisoned, or abused by others in the area. Animal Cruelty is the charge that Animal Welfare Officers will file if the person responsible for abandoning these puppies is found.
How can you help? Call the Norman Police department immediately if you see someone dumping unwanted pets. A description of the vehicle, including the tag, make and model, and individuals involved would be very helpful. If you have a reason to suspect that someone is abandoning their pets call the Norman Animal Welfare at 292-9736
Another way to help is to have your pet spayed or neutered. This will help ensure that your pet does not have an unwanted litter of puppies or kittens.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Another reason to quit
Secondhand smoke is bad for the lungs, whether it’s human lungs or animal lungs. (Can you believe cartoon characters used to smoke? No wonder kids started smoking!) Here’s some information the Oklahoma City-County Health Department sent out today:
While the effects of secondhand smoke on human health are well known, there’s also evidence that smoke-filled rooms can cause serious health problems for pets. “Most pet owners probably don’t realize that if they smoke they’re putting their pets at risk of debilitating and deadly diseases,” says Mary Pointer of the Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition.
The Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition will host a booth at the Dachshund Dash this Sunday to provide information for pet owners about the dangers to pets from secondhand smoke.
Research over the past twenty years has found that dogs and cats living in households with smokers may be at significantly higher risk from a variety of cancers. “Secondhand smoke can cause oral and nasal cancers, as well as malignant lymphoma in animals,” says Oklahoma City veterinarian Dr. Richard Mauldin.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, dogs with long noses are the most vulnerable to developing nasal cancers associated with secondhand smoke. “That’s one of the reasons we are reaching out to dachshund owners,” Pointer says. “All pets may suffer health consequences from tobacco smoke exposure, but dachshunds and other long-nosed dogs appear to have a higher risk of nasal and sinus cavity cancers.”
Short-nosed dogs are at greater risk of lung cancer from tobacco smoke. “In short-nosed dogs…less filtration of cigarette smoke occurs in the nasal cavity than in long-nosed breeds,” says University of Massachusetts School of Public Health professor Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, who conducted several studies on the effects of smoke on dogs and cats. That’s why collies, greyhounds and Dobermans are more likely to get nasal cancers, whereas pugs, boxers and bulldogs are more susceptible to lung cancer.
Other research shows that cats may also be at much higher risk from oral cancers related to household tobacco smoke. That’s partly because cats spend a lot of time grooming. When cigarette smoke settles out of the air, it can leave behind deposits of cancer-causing chemicals on floors, walls, furniture, bedding and cat fur. Scientists have identified more than 40 distinct mutagens and carcinogens in secondhand tobacco smoke.
To help celebrate “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month,” the Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition is making a special effort to help make the public aware of the dangers of secondhand smoke for pets.
“The best way to protect your pets from tobacco related diseases is to avoid smoking around them,” Pointer says. “And of course it would be even better to avoid smoking altogether- to protect your own health as well as the health of your pets.”
For more information on the coalition or secondhand smoke, please call (405) 419-4247. For free help with your effort to quit tobacco use, please call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800 QUIT NOW.
And moments later, this showed up in my inbox from the American Legacy Foundation and the ASPCA:
If you are a smoker and love your dog, there is one VERY important thing you can do to save Toto’s life and yours too: quit smoking. A growing body of research – including the Surgeon General’s Report – shows there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke – for humans and for animals.
An estimated 50,000 Americans lose their lives to secondhand smoke (“SHS”) annually and 4 million youth (16 percent) are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes. A number of studies have indicated that animals, too, face health risks when exposed to the toxins in secondhand smoke, from respiratory problems to allergies and even cancer.
Toxins in secondhand smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs and malignant lymphoma in cats, along with allergy and respiratory problems in other pets. One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pet owners live with at least one smoker – a number far too high given the consequences of exposure to SHS.
In honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April, Legacy and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) are challenging pet owners to quit smoking for their pets’ health. They are asking smokers with pets to “take it outside” or even better, kick the habit altogether.
“While most Americans have been educated about the dangers of smoking to their own bodies and their children’s, it is equally important that pet owners take action to protect their beloved companion animals from the dangers of secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH, President and CEO of the Legacy, the national independent public health foundation dedicated to keeping young people from smoking and providing resources to smokers who want to quit.
The ASPCA, one of the oldest and largest animal welfare organizations in the world, lists tobacco smoke as a toxin that is dangerous to pets. “Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans,” said Mindy Bough, Vice President of ASPCA Animal Poison Control. “Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts.”
“Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if ingested,” said Bough. “A dog that accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, decreased breathing rate, and could possibly die. The ASPCA strongly recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke.”
Legacy and the ASPCA are optimistic that pet owners who smoke will be motivated to quit once they learn about the dangers of SHS to their pets. At the very least, smoke outside and preserve the lungs of your two- and four-legged family members.
Legacy provides resources and information to smokers who want to quit for good through a national campaign called EX® – as in EX-smoker. EX encourages smokers to approach quitting smoking as “re-learning life without cigarettes,” which may include putting that cigarette out the next time you take Toto for a walk! For more information visit www.becomeanex.org. To join or view the community of smokers who are quitting for their pets, visit: http://community.becomeanex.org/pg/groups/27185/quitting-for-our-pets/.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Plaza pup looking for owner
Check out this poor little gal!
She was found this morning in the Plaza District in northwest Oklahoma City. Contact kristen@plazadistrict.org to claim her!
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Players survive Puppy Bowl
As football season comes to a close, what is everyone talking about? The Puppy Bowl! Oh, the Super Bowl? Nah. Puppy Bowl. And don’t fret – none of the cute competitors were hurt in the rough-and-tumble game. Here’s info from the AHA:
For the sixth consecutive year, Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl” television program — started in 2005 as an alternative to the Super Bowl — has earned the American Humane Association’s “No Animals Were Harmed” ® end-credit disclaimer.
This year’s “players” include 43 puppies and 20 kittens providing halftime entertainment. New to this year’s lineup are bunny cheerleaders and hamsters flying a blimp. American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ Sandi Buck was the authority on set to make sure the action was safe for all animals involved. She has been monitoring “Puppy Bowl” for American Humane’s Film & TV Unit since the show’s premiere season. The main action essentially consists of puppies just being themselves — roaming around on a miniature indoor football field and having fun with toys and each other.
“Because of six years experience and planning, this year’s Puppy Bowl ran the smoothest,” Buck said. “I think it says a lot about American Humane’s involvement and the valued partnership we have created with Animal Planet that American Humane has been part of all six filmings of this popular and fun program.”
The on-screen action takes place on a scaled-down gridiron about 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. There is even a referee to call penalties, such as “unnecessary ruffness.” The adorable lineup was carefully monitored to achieve a good mix of cheerful and playful puppies on the field at one time. All of the puppies, kittens, bunnies and hamsters came from shelters and rescue groups that can be found on the national PetFinder.com website. The majority of the animals are of mixed breed.
“Puppy Bowl VI” premieres Sunday, Feb. 7, from 3-5 p.m. (ET/PT) on Animal Planet with five consecutive repeats.
Of course, we’ll make our annual Puppy Bowl predictions on Pet Show this coming week.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Best. Idea. Ever.
Ladies and gentlemen, the puppy cam:
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Rescue group robbed, dogs stolen
A dog rescue group is looking for help after someone robbed their Doggie Care Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
The group, led by Tammara Josselyn, keeps all its rescue animals in the center while they are nursed back to health so they can be adopted. Josselyn’s niece, who lives in an apartment above the center, came down to check on the dogs when they wouldn’t top barking in the middle of the night.
She was confronted by the robbers, one of whom pulled a knife and cut her. The woman was treated at a nearby hospital. The robbers made of with 14 dogs. Twelve were dobermans, one was a labrador retriever and one was a miniature pinscher. Some of the dogs have special medical needs.
Animal advocates in the area fear the robbery could be the work of a local dogfighting ring. There has been a strong of break-ins at shelters recently, with thieves taking large breeds known to be used by dogfighters, along with declawed cats, puppies and small dogs.
The small animals are used as bait to test the larger dogs’ fighting instincts. They are often mauled and killed. As the owner of a miniature pinscher mix, this story is particularly disturbing to me.
Supporters have set up a Web site with the full story along with photos and contact information for anyone who might be able to help bring these dogs home.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Emergency fosters needed in Ardmore
Here’s some information from Ardmore Animal Care:
Bailey and her puppies are in desperate need of foster care. She arrived at our animal shelter heavy pregnant and delivered these adorable little 8 puppies within an hour of checking in! It is almost impossible for puppies to survive in an animal shelter environment, the stress level is just too high. The pups can’t be adopted because they need their mother and Bailey can’t be adopted because she needs to nurse her puppies.
Bailey is a beautiful young adult, yellow Labrador Retriever. She is very calm, quiet and loving. She walks on a leash and sits when you ask her or when you are petting her. She really likes to be with people.
If anyone can find it in their heart and their home to provide foster care for Bailey and her pups for the next 6-8 weeks, we will provide you with food and any minor pre-approved medical care. Then, when the pups are weaned, just bring them all back to us and we can try to find new loving adoptive homes for everyone. And as a bonus… if you decide to adopt Bailey or one of her pups, their adoption fee will be 1/2 PRICE.
Give us a call at 580-223-7070 if you are interested in being a Foster Family to Bailey and her puppies. Their lives depend on it!
Cute overdose
I can’t think of a better way to end the week than a 3-minute video of a begle puppy wrasslin with a rottweiler. So here you go.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper – safe seals in Canada
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Seal hunting drops in Canada.
- Local philanthropist injured in house fire. (Oklahoma City)
- Pair charged after puppy slain, skinned. (Muskogee)
- “Critter Camp” teachers kids about wildlife. (Oklahoma City)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
