Man’s best friend
If you are one of the few people who hasn’t seen this story yet, have some tissue ready.
Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson was one of 30 American troops killed Aug. 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.
At Tumilson’s Aug. 19 funeral in his home state of Iowa, mourners witnessed a touching moment between Tumilson and his Labrador retriever, Hawkeye. At the beginning of Tumilson’s funeral, Hawkeye walked up in front of 1,500 mourners and dropped to the ground, lying in front of his owner’s casket while one of his friend’s gave a eulogy. The dog will now be owned by that friend, who has clearly inherited a loyal dog who will go down as a symbol of grief for anyone who has lost a friend or family member in war.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
How to help dogs and the community
If you’re looking for a cool way to volunteer in Oklahoma City, the Plaza District needs your help! Check out their blog. Here’s an excerpt:
Who doesn’t want to do something nice for mans best friend? The Plaza District is working on getting its next brilliant idea up and rolling. We want to make the District more pet friendly and we need your help! We want to form a committee whose sole job would be to helping out our four legged friends.
A word about heartworms
Here’s a public service announcement from the American Heartworm Society. My dog had heartworms when I adopted him, and it was so sad. Luckily, I was able to get him treated before something horrible happened. Heartworms can be found in every state, especially Oklahoma.
Norman duo named K-9 team of the year
In case you were wondering, Lux and his human, Darin Morgn, shown at left, are pretty amazing. Here’s a press release from the Norman Police Department:
Detective Sergeant Darin Morgan and his canine partner Lux have been selected as the 2011 State of Oklahoma K-9 Team of the Year by the Association of Oklahoma Narcotics Enforcers (A-ONE).
Detective Morgan and Lux are assigned full time to the Norman Police Department’s Interdiction Unit. From March 2010 to March 2011, Detective Morgan and Lux have seized 45.1 pounds of high grade marijuana and in excess of $79,000 dollars in drug proceeds. Additionally, Detective Morgan was responsible for disrupting a multi-state criminal enterprise in which the perpetrators were making and selling fake computers.
Although primarily focused on interdiction, Detective Morgan also assists other divisions within the police department with narcotics related incidents. In December 2010, Detective Morgan assisted the Patrol Bureau with an interview of an individual believed to be dealing in large quantities of high grade hydroponic marijuana. The interview resulted in Detective Morgan acting as the lead case agent. This case resulted in the seizure of more than 50 lbs of hydroponic marijuana, drug proceeds in excess of $130,000, and has lead to several other investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Detective Morgan and Lux are a highly motivated, experienced, and skilled team of investigators. Their tireless efforts in the field of Drug Interdiction have earned them the A-One 2011 State of Oklahoma K-9 Team of the Year. The Norman Police Department is extremely proud of the favorable recognition they have brought to the Norman Police Department and the City of Norman.
For more information on A-One, please visit their web site at www.okienarc.com or Facebook (AONE).
Pets in the paper – Mr. Ed’s joint doctor
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday -
- Animal chiropractor helps from head to tail. (Oklahoma City)
- For many students, it’s a zoo out there. (Oklahoma City)
- Metro students work alongside zoo experts. (Oklahoma City, Edmond)
- Lead sickens rare baby bird. (California)
- Wild fishing industries exploring strategies. (Gulf of Mexico)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – gorilla fans come to OKC
Holy smokes! We have some catching up to do! Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- City zoo to play host for gorilla conference. (Oklahoma City)
- Pet tales: Everybody loves Sammy. (Yukon)
- Bill updates: Pet fund. (state capitol)
- Shark tales always come with teeth. (Jenks)
- Cuts urged on season, bag limit. (southeast Oklahoma)
- Wolf law could change. (Montana)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – breeding law signed
Check out this animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Governor Henry signs bill that regulates pet breeding. (state capitol)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Workers rescue animals from Nashville flood
ASPCA workers help rescue a chicken saved from flooding in Nashville, Tenn.
As Nashville residents bail out of a massive flood, volunteers and animal workers are trying to help save the animals that were also affected. Here’s information the ASPCA sent out about their work:
The ASPCA ® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ® ), under the authority and request of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society in Dyersburg, Tenn., has dispatched its field investigations and response team to assist in the recovery and sheltering of animals displaced by recent flooding.
ASPCA responders arrived Tuesday afternoon and are helping care for more than 70 companion animals, including dogs, cats and various birds that were rescued from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and abandoned homes in the Dyersburg city limits, approximately 80 miles north of Memphis. The ASPCA has established a temporary shelter behind the humane society to handle the overflow of animals, and set up a decontamination station where animals affected by the flooding are washed and cleaned. In addition, the ASPCA provided extra cages, bowls, food industrial fans, and other necessary supplies to help care for animals.
“Our city has been declared a disaster area and many neighborhoods have been evacuated,” said Dr. Carol Feather, president and co-founder of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, which services all of Dyer County, Dyersburg and Newbern. “We’re grateful for the ASPCA’s assistance, and to our own staff and volunteers, all of whom have been working non-stop to help animals that are abandoned or lost. We want to save all the animals we can–that’s our job.”
The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society’s animal control officers have been navigating some areas in a small motor boat to access abandoned pets. Most of the 70-plus pets received so far are owned and were removed from homes at the request of owners who were forced to evacuate. They will be housed at the humane society until they are claimed, according to Dr. Feather. Residents wishing to contact the humane society may call (731) 285-4889 or visit in person at 1120 E. Court Street, Dyersburg, 38024. Volunteers high school age and over who are interested in caring for animals at the shelter may also contact the humane society.
Allison Cardona, the ASPCA’s Director of Disaster Response, said the temporary shelter has “helped ease the strain on the already full humane society.” She added, “The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society and its staff and volunteers have been extremely dedicated toward the pets in their community during this life-threatening event. The ASPCA will continue to provide supplies, support and manage the temporary shelter and decontamination area, an important component in this operation, as long as we’re needed.”
According to Dr. Feather, all incoming animals are given a physical exam, and if veterinary records cannot be located, they are being vaccinated as a precaution. “A few pets have already been claimed, but the rest we will be holding onto until their families get situated,” she said. “In most instances, even if they have identification, we’re not yet able to reach their owners because they’ve had to evacuate.” Dr. Feather added that the Humane Society is not charging owners for boarding or vaccinations.
In addition to the ASPCA, local businesses assisting Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society include Hollywood Feed, which provided cages, and Pet Stop, which relieved the organization of some of its adoptable pets so room could be made for incoming animals.
“We are making sure that the animals’ immediate needs are being met, and that they receive appropriate care,” said the ASPCA’s Cardona. “The ASPCA is glad to be in a position to provide relief.”
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – birds
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Pet fund measure advances. (state capitol)
- Nature center plans bird-themed activities. (Norman)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – rodeo princess
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman -
- Man recovering after dog shooting. (Oklahoma City, page 26a)
- Bizzell a three-sport star. (Mustang)
- School’s 4H club to plan activities, discuss funding. (page 14a)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
