Friday, December 14, 2012

How Did They Know?



Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller "The Elephant Whisperer", bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during US invasion in 2003.

On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died.

He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons & numerous elephants.


Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs.

Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.  A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House.

A Salute to Military Canines




















Sgt. Stubby - War Hero Dog



Meet America's first war dog, a stray Pit Bull/Terrier mix, named Stubby. He became Sgt. Stubby, was the most decorated war dog of World War I, and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat.

One day, he appeared at Yale Field in New Haven, Connecticut, while a group of soldiers were training, stopping to make friends with the soldiers as they drilled. One soldier, Corporal Robert Conroy, developed a fondness for the dog. He named him Stubby because of his short legs. When it became time for the outfit to ship out, Conroy hid Stubby on board the troop ship. In order to keep the dog, the private taught him to salute his commanding officers, warming their hearts to him.



Stubby served with the 102nd Infantry, 26th (Yankee) Division in the trenches in France for 18 months and participated in four offensives and 18 battles. The loud noise of the bombs and gunfire did not bother him. He was never content to stay in the trenches but went out and found wounded soldiers.



Stubby entered combat on February 5, 1918, at Chemin des Dames, north of Soissons, and was under constant fire, day and night, for over a month. In April 1918, during a raid to take Schieprey, Stubby was wounded in the foreleg by the retreating Germans throwing hand grenades. He was sent to the rear for convalescence; and, as he had done on the front, was able to improve morale. When he recovered from his wounds, Stubby returned to the trenches.



After being gassed and nearly dying himself, Stubby learned to warn his unit of poison gas attacks, continued to locate wounded soldiers in no man's land; and, since he could hear the whine of incoming artillery shells before humans could, became very adept at letting his unit know when to duck for cover.



He was solely responsible for capturing a German spy in the Argonne. The spy made the mistake of speaking German to him when they were alone. Stubby knew that he was no ally and attacked him, biting and holding on to him by the seat of his pants until his comrades could secure him.






Following the retaking of Chateau-Thierry by the U.S., the thankful women of the town made Stubby a chamois coat on which were pinned his many medals. There is also a legend that while in Paris with Corporal Conroy, Stubby saved a young girl from being hit by a car. At the end of the war, Conroy smuggled Stubby home.



Upon returning home, Stubby became a celebrity and marched in, and normally led, many parades across the country. He met Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding. Starting in 1921, he attended Georgetown University Law Center with Conroy, and became the Georgetown Hoyas' team mascot. He would be given the football at halftime and would nudge the ball around the field to the amusement of the fans.



Stubby was made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA. In 1921, the Humane Education Society awarded him a special gold medal for service to his country. It was presented by General John J. Pershing.



In 1926, Stubby died in Conroy's arms. His remains are featured in The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit at the Smithsonian. Stubby was honored with a brick in the Walk of Honor at the United States World War I monument, Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City, at a ceremony held on Armistice Day, November 11, 2006.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

A Whale of a Story

Absolutely amazing!

Michael Fishbach narrates his encounter with a humpback whale entangled in a fishing net. Gershon Cohen and he have founded The Great Whale Conservancy to protect whales.



Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets


Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but in America, many of us don’t treat dogs or cats very well. Most people think that pets who enter the nearly 5000 independently operated community animal shelters in America usually find new homes.  According to the ASPCA, a less happy fate awaits them. Nearly, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats who enter shelters are euthanized. That’s 3 million domestic animals per year crying out for someone to speak for them yet they are left to face death alone in what was intended to be a place of refuge. Additionally, the violence perpetrated on animals has been proven to have a direct correlation to community violence.

Civic leaders in a handful of cities around the U.S., including Austin, Texas, are doing something to change this intolerable situation. They have successfully implemented a NO-KILL policy in their animal shelters proving it is possible to reverse this gruesome reality. To expand the NO-KILL model nationwide, a high-profile figure backed by sufficient resources must take the lead. 

Bo—The White House dog—is perfectly positioned to speak on behalf of these beleaguered animals who want nothing more than a loving home. Help us gather 3 million signatures, one voice for each of the 3 million innocent pets who find themselves through no fault of their own on “Death Row” in animal shelters each year. Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets! 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mudd the Wonder Dog

This one will have you laughing out loud!

Baby Elephant Rescue

This is an absolutely beautiful little video!  Enjoy!

A Dove Called Noah

A story from the Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in Texas:

This one makes you wonder who are the smart ones.  How we treat the weakest among us is how we will be judged...




These little bunnies, about 6 days old, were attacked by a dog and orphaned.   Two out of the litter of five did not survive, and these three were not doing very well.


Noah  is a non-releasable, one-legged homing pigeon/rock dove that is in the rehab center.  Noah kept going over to the bunny cage and  looking in -- even sleeping in front of the door to the cage.



Then, suddenly, there were only two bunnies in the cage.
 
But when Noah moved a bit from the front of the cage, to everyone's surprise... there was the tiny bunny... under Noah's wing... sound asleep! That  little bunny rabbit had crawled through the cage, preferring a feather bed, no doubt to snuggling up with its litter mates!



Now, they are all together and the bunnies are doing GREAT. When the bunnies scoot underneath Noah's feathers, he carefully extends his wings out to surround them and then they snuggle.  When one of them moves and they start sticking out here and there, he gently pushes them back under him with his beak!  It is  beautiful and amazing to see.

This is what God does with us when we need the warmth and love He offers. He gathers us under His loving wings to a warm cradle of protection. All we need do in  return is give Him the thanks and praise for being with  us.

UPDATE ON NOAH:

We are Bob and Georganne Lenham of Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in Texas, home of Noah the Pigeon.
 
After  finding many posts online featuring Noah and the bunnies and reading about the many lives he has  touched (his story has been forwarded around the world), we thought we'd post a follow-up and a few new  photos.
 
We knew there was something special about Noah the moment we saw him.
 
Although the bunnies seem to be his favorite, Noah helps out with many rescue babies here at the Wild Rose Rescue Ranch.

Noah's first litter of bunnies, almost raised and ready for release:


Now, Noah helps out with many rescue babies here at the ranch.


How  wonderful it is to have a full-time, soft-feathered nurturer here at the rescue ranch!  He cuddles with all the babies as they snuggle under his warm feathers... and he "coos" as if singing them to sleep with a  lullaby.

Noah is truly, truly a God-send.


He will cover you with His feathers
And under His wings you will find refuge.
Psalm  91:4

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The KFPS Royal Friesian Horse

Creatures such as these are what makes this world so special. These horses are native to the Netherlands. Enjoy!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Pig Rescues Baby Goat

A small pig becomes a hero when it dives into a petting zoo pond to save a drowning baby goat. Simply precious!

Bringing Home Bruno

What a truly amazing story of love and commitment.  Bless this wonderful family for giving Bruno the chance he deserved.

I, too, have been captured by a “set of eyes” many times over my 50 years in rescue.  Yes, they do indeed reach out through a picture or the computer screen, grab your heart... and NO, they won’t let go.  These are the dogs that have already chosen YOU to come save them.

It is an honor to put this video and the story of Bruno on my blog.  I hope it inspires others to get involved and adopt a dog in dire need of another chance at life.

May God Bless this family for their generous hearts and selflessness.  I wish them the very best.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

8 Ways Dogs Improve Your Health

By The Week's Editorial Staff | The Week

Canines can work medical wonders, from easing the side effects of chemotherapy to helping army veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder

A dog is man's best friend in the most ordinary situations, but it's when you're down and out that your canine partner really comes through in the clutch. From easing military veterans' battles with post-traumatic stress disorder to reducing heart and lung pressure for heart-failure patients, the tail-wagging beasts are walking therapy centers. They're also great motivators to get you off the couch and exercise, and can even improve infant immune systems. Here, eight ways dogs improve our health:

1. Lessen the side effects of chemotherapy

Once a week for the past seven years, Veronica Pardo, a volunteer, has brought two dogs to the only hospital in Quito, Ecuador that treats children with cancer. The dogs not only "bring a sparkle to the eyes and smile to the faces of little ones in the midst of a huge struggle to stay alive," says The Associated Press, they also have been shown to boost the children's adrenaline, which helps them bolster their resistance to the harsh effects of chemotherapy.

2. Help veterans with PTSD
Many veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from chronic fear, anxiety, depression, and other forms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and dogs are ideal companions to "draw out even the most isolated personality" and help "traumatized veterans overcome emotional numbness," says Chris Coling at Smithsonian Magazine. There are currently four experimental programs nationwide in which PTSD-afflicted veterans are paired with Labradors and Golden Retrievers as therapy.

Click here to read the full story.

Cheetahs and Dogs: Unlikely Friends

Dogs and cheetahs may seem like an odd pairing, but at the San Diego Zoo…

Click here to view the video on Yahoo! Animal Nation.

Baby I'm Yours

Beautiful images of dog and cat friends. Enjoy!


Famous Working Dogs

By Michael Barmish, CesarsWay.com

Ah, Labor Day. That one day a year when we Americans celebrate the contribution of workers to our society by… taking the day off.

But as we pause to reflect on those of us who toil away each day, we should also take time to reflect on some other workers — those that never go on strike, never ask for a pay raise, and never request extra vacation.

They are the working dogs. Working dogs come in all types, from search and rescue, to guiding, to performing.

Read the full story on CesarsWay.com.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Banker Saves a Dozen Ducklings From Ledge

This video will surely put a smile on your face!  Enjoy!


8 Ways Dogs Improve Your Health

By The Week on Yahoo News

Canines can work medical wonders, from easing the side effects of chemotherapy to helping army veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

A dog is man's best friend in the most ordinary situations, but it's when you're down and out that your canine partner really comes through in the clutch. From easing military veterans' battles with post-traumatic stress disorder to reducing heart and lung pressure for heart-failure patients, the tail-wagging beasts are walking therapy centers. They're also great motivators to get you off the couch and exercise, and can even improve infant immune systems. Here, eight ways dogs improve our health:

1. Lessen the side effects of chemotherapy
Once a week for the past seven years, Veronica Pardo, a volunteer, has brought two dogs to the only hospital in Quito, Ecuador that treats children with cancer. The dogs not only "bring a sparkle to the eyes and smile to the faces of little ones in the midst of a huge struggle to stay alive," says The Associated Press, they also have been shown to boost the children's adrenaline, which helps them bolster their resistance to the harsh effects of chemotherapy.

2. Help veterans with PTSD
Many veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from chronic fear, anxiety, depression, and other forms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and dogs are ideal companions to "draw out even the most isolated personality" and help "traumatized veterans overcome emotional numbness," says Chris Coling at Smithsonian Magazine. There are currently four experimental programs nationwide in which PTSD-afflicted veterans are paired with Labradors and Golden Retrievers as therapy.

3. Strengthen babies' immune systems
"Dander particles, fuzzy fur, hardballs accumulating in corners," says Leah Zerbe at Rodale: "Everything about owning a pet suggests breathing problems," particularly for children. However, a Finnish study shows that "babies living in a home with a dog were generally healthier, suffered fewer respiratory and inner ear infections, and required fewer antibiotics in their first year or life." Scientists theorize that dogs bring an array of germs into the house, and the additional exposure strengthens babies' immune systems.

Monday, August 20, 2012

A Pet's Last Will and Testament


Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind.  If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask...

To a poor and lonely stray I'd give:
  • My happy home.
  • My bowl & cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.
  • The lap, which I loved so much.
  • The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice which spoke my name.
I'd Will to the sad, scared shelter dog, the place I had in my human's loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."

Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM.

This is the only thing I can give...
      The love I left behind.

-- Author Unknown

Nannies and Dogs: Things to Think About Before Bringing Fido Home

This is an interesting article from NannyJobs.org:

Dogs can be a great addition to a family, and many dog lovers often assume that everyone loves man’s best friend as much as they do, however that’s often not the case. When you have a nanny who’s not on board with a new dog it can become a serious problem in the employment relationship. Here are some things to think about before you take the plunge.

Click here to read the full article.

Friday, July 27, 2012

8 Risks of Renting with a Pet


Searching for a rental that meets all of your location, price, and amenity preferences is hard. Finding a place that has it all and allows pets is even harder. No matter how much joy Fido or Kitty bring you, having a pet is a huge hassle when renting an apartment or house. Pets are expensive, time consuming, and sometimes destructive. Knowing ahead of time what to expect when renting with a pet can help you better prepare for the risks you may encounter.

Click HERE to learn the 8 risks of renting with a pet.

California 'actively reviewing' charity executive

This is a follow-up on the SPCA International "Baghdad Pups" charity investigation (see my previous post).

On July 13, 2012, CNN filed another story, this time focused on SPCA International employee and former Noah’s Wish president Terri Crisp.

Read the CNN story at the following link:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/us/california-charity-review/index.html

Related video:


In 2007, Terri Crisp made headlines when she was fired from Noah’s Wish, a nonprofit she founded. Crisp and Noah’s Wish raised 8 million dollars during Katrina. Crisp and her daughter Jennifer McKim (also employed by SPCAI) live in Somerset.

The California Attorney General’s office investigated the nonprofit for misuse of funds raised during Katrina and settled the case against Noah’s Wish in 2007. The AG stipulated that 4 million of the 8 million dollars raised go back to the state of Louisiana where donors had intended for the funds to be used.

Additionally, the founder of the nonprofit, Terri Crisp, was fired from the organization and the settlement agreement was banned from having a fiduciary role with another nonprofit for a period of 5 years.

This is the settlement agreement with Noah’s Wish:
http://ag.ca.gov/charities/pdf/ms.pdf

According to the CNN story, Ms. Crisp is once again being looked at by the California Attorney General’s office. SPCA International is also being investigated.

Cool Dogs: 30 Dogs Cooling Off

From The Huffington Post:

During the dog days of summer it can feel impossible to stay cool. And if you grew up in the suburbs, you know about the false promise of a kiddie pool. Sure, it cools you off when you're a baby, but once you're grown up that shallow water is a joke. A joke, we say!


But there are some creatures who can take full advantage of the pools (and water in general). Namely: dogs.

Oh, to be carefree like a dog, plopped in a kiddie pool that his owners probably blew up just for him, sprayed with a cold hose, or paddling in a lake to get a tennis ball.

We decided to let you live vicariously through these lazy, silly, adventurous, but ultimately cool dogs by collecting some of our favorite photos of dogs cooling off in water. Hopefully you'll take to it like (wait for it) a dog to water!

View this wonderful slide show on The Huffington Post.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

MyPetRescueBlog.com is a Petties DogTime's Pet Blog Award Finalist!

WOW!  I am so honored that MyPetRescueBlog.com has been chosen as a finalist in the "Best Overall Pet Blog" category for DogTime.com's Petties Annual Pet Blog Awards.

You can vote for MyPetRescueBlog.com at the following link:
http://petties.dogtime.com/


 

Thank you very much to my loyal vistors and DogTime.com for this HUGE honor!

WAG! Dog Festival in Hilliard, OH


Looking for a splashy and drooltastic time spent with your best furry friend and their owners? Look no further. WAG! Dog Festival is at attention and excited to give dogs across Central Ohio the best FREE adventure of their lives!

With endless trails to wander, exhibits to experience and lots of treats to taste, all tails will be left wagging after a day’s adventure at WAG!

WAG! is the most exciting, largest family-friendly dog festivals in Central Ohio. It all takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2012 in the Darby Bend Lakes Area of Prairie Oaks Metro Parks in Hilliard, Ohio.

The WAG! Marketplace will include exhibits of products, samples and services from pet retailers, clubs and organizations dedicated to the health and well being of canines.

  • Dogs can take a dip at the Water Bark Beach off-leash swim area.
  • Demonstrations, entertaining programs and contests at the Take a Bow-Wow Stage. Pups that stand out from the pack will have a chance to compete in the Top Dog Contest.
  • Guests can meet experts from various area rescue groups to learn about the best four-legged match for their home and lifestyle at the Meet the Breed Pavilion.
  • The icy oasis of the Canine Ice Castle will provide for a cool canine respite on a warm afternoon.
  • Captivating disk demonstrations and dog agility demonstrations by some of the area’s most talented canines.
  • Canine companion adoptions available through various dog rescue groups.
  • And much more!
WAG! helps over 30 Central Ohio dog-serving organizations reach thousands of donors and potential parents each year.

Visit www.wagfest.com for more information.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall

On Saturday, June 30, 2012, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary dog food recall of a limited number of three varieties of Pedigree weight management canned products due to a potential choking risk.

Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic — which entered the food during the production process.

The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved.

Consumers who have purchased affected product are advised to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, the company claims it has not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product.

The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. Mars Petcare US is working with its distributors and retail customers to ensure the recalled products are no longer sold and are removed from inventory.

Click here to read the full story.

Forever Ellen & Leo - Farewell Angels

Ellen:  Michael Vick Dog Fighting Survivor Euthanized

One of the rescued pit bulls, otherwise known as the Vicktory dogs, saved from the dog fighting ring bankrolled by Michael Vick in 2007 was euthanized after coming down with an unknown illness.



11-year-old Ellen was living at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Sadly, she began rapidly, and inexplicably, losing weight and muscle leaving her caregivers with humane euthanasia as the only choice after exhausting all other options.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/michael-vick-dog-fighting-survivor-euthanized.html#ixzz20RzBXA31


Leo, Former Michael Vick Dog Dies



Leo, one of the dogs brutalized in Michael Vick’s Bad Newz kennel, died last week of a seizure disorder. Gaining fame as a therapy dog, Leo was a shining example of how animals can heal if given the chance.

In 2007 Leo became one of fifty Pit bulls rescued from the dog fighting kennel owned by Vick. He went to live with Marthina McClay, founder of Our Pack Pit Bull Rescue and under her guidance earned his mark as a superstar therapy dog. Together the duo worked in hospitals to bring comfort to cancer patients.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/leo-former-michael-vick-dog-dies-slides.html#ixzz20S0cck1C.

Little of charity's money going to help animals

(CNN) -- A charity that raised close to $27 million to help animals worldwide spent nearly all of that money on fund-raising expenses paid to a direct-mail company.

In addition, CNN found that the charity, SPCA International, misrepresented one of its programs called "Baghdad Pups" on its tax filings and hired an officer for that program with a questionable background.




Jo Ann's comment:

There is certainly nothing wrong with making charitable donations to the larger organizations, but it has been proven, time and time again, that too much money is wasted on other things leaving little for the actual rescue or care of animals.

I have always been a strong advocate for the small, local rescue groups... as they are the ones who do a far better job for the prevention of cruelty and neglect, fighting for affordable spay/neuter programs, and giving our homeless animals a second chance through careful adoption policies.  They do all of this with very little funds.

So, if you really want to help the animals and make charitable donations, please support the local rescue groups in your own hometown.  They will spend those donations wisely and you will indeed be helping to save a life.

7 Awesome Pet Tips for Road Trips

I found this to be a very helpful and informative article for those taking their pets on the road this summer:

A family road trip just isn’t complete without Fido or Kitty in the back seat. Traveling with your furry friends can truly enhance a vacation, but it can also complicate one if you’re not prepared. From the lodging to the crate, there are so many important things to consider before you pack your pets and hit the road. Check out these seven awesome pet tips for road trips.

Click here to read the full story.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Should You Microchip Your Dog?

By Cesar Millan

I just heard a story in the news about a family who had lost their dog. They did everything to find him—putting up posters, checking shelters—nothing. Then, after two years, they get a phone call. Their dog was found. The person who found the dog took him to be scanned for a microchip and it showed who his family was and they were reunited.

The chip’s only as big as a grain of rice. It’s usually implanted in the scruff of your dog’s neck and doesn’t cause any pain for your pet. And it only costs around $25 to $50, depending on your vet.

I think it’s so much safer than other forms of identification. If your dog gets lost, he might lose his collar and tags; if your dog is stolen, the thief might remove his collar and tags. With a microchip, you can help people who find your dog find you and if someone else says it’s their dog, you can prove the dog is yours.

They make some neat stuff that works with your dog’s microchip, too. Like a pet door that recognizes your dog’s chip and lets him into the house (but not the raccoon that comes by later). The microchip won’t track your dog though. Your dog has to be taken somewhere to be scanned.

To me, the decision whether to microchip your dog or not is an easy one. You should microchip your dog as soon as possible, and you’ll rest easier knowing that if anything happens to your dog, you’ll have a better chance of recovering him.

Read the full story on Cesar's Way.

Underwater Dogs

A famous photographer in California decided to take a few of his furry friends, a ball, and a high-resolution camera underwater.  Here are the results!  Enjoy!