The Houston Zoo Bids Farewell...

The Houston Zoo is mourning the passing of a long time and much loved Zoo resident.  Kiva, a Masai giraffe was 16 years old.

Born at the Los Angeles Zoo on November 10, 1995, Kiva arrived at the Houston Zoo on April 6, 1997. In his 15 years at the Zoo, Kiva made many friends among staff and guests alike.  Kiva fathered 10 calves, 5 of which are part of the Zoo’s giraffe family at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit in The African Forest, Hasani, Neema, Jack, Miles and Asali.

“It didn’t matter if you were a guest or a Zoo employee, Kiva was everyone’s friend,” said Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi who arrived at the Zoo as Director 3 years after Kiva.  “His captivating personality won over everyone he met.  There is hardly anyone at the Zoo who does not treasure fond memories of interacting with Kiva, an experience that usually included feeding him,” added Barongi.

            “Kiva was being treated for an orthopedic condition, degenerative arthritis involving his front hoof joints,” said John Register, Houston Zoo hoofed stock supervisor.  In consultation with Dr. Mark Haugland, a Conroe veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Kiva underwent a procedure late last year in which his left front hoof joint was fused and a wooden block was placed under the hoof and secured to raise his foot off the ground, placing all of his considerable weight on the block.

            “The block created a shoe for Kiva.  It’s a process that has been done with horses and cows but, as far as we know not previously with a giraffe,” said Register.  “The block lasted for 6 weeks and we did see some improvement in his condition,” added Register.  On February 23 the fusing procedure was repeated with Kiva’s right hoof joint and the hoof was trimmed. 

“Follow up x-rays indicated his condition was not improving.  He was in pain and he could not put weight on his front right leg.  It was clear to the giraffe care team and his veterinarians that his quality of life was very poor with no prospect for improvement,” said Register. 

Following a consultation between the giraffe care team and the Zoo veterinary staff, Kiva was humanely euthanized early this morning.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Adams, Housotn Zoo

Holiday Pet Tips!

The holiday season is a time that extra precautions need to taken to avoid potential dangers for our pets. These dangers include, but are not limited to the following:

Desiccant Gel Packs 

• They are found in shoeboxes, electronics, medication bottles, and some foods.
• Ingestion produces mild vomiting and diarrhea.

Christmas Tree Preservative

• The sugar in the mixture entices pets to drink the liquid.
• Ingestion rarely causes severe symptoms, but may produce mild vomiting and diarrhea.
• The signs are more severe when the liquid is contaminated with bacteria or fungi.

 Christmas Trees

• Ingestion of the needles may cause vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and depression.

Poinsettia

• Eating large amounts of the plant will cause mild vomiting.
• Treatment is usually not required.

Holly

• All parts of the plant are toxic.
• Eating the plant causes vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

Mistletoe

• Ingestion of just a few leaves or berries produces a mild upset stomach.
• Eating a large amount causes more severe vomiting, diarrhea and heart issues.

Lily - Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Day lilies, Asian lilies, Japanese Snow, and others

• Chewing on a single leaf can lead to kidney failure.
• Consider all exposures as potentially life-threatening.

Ethanol

• Small dogs and cats are more sensitive to ethanol than humans.
• They are attracted to mixed drinks containing milk, cream, or ice cream.
• Ethanol is rapidly absorbed and can cause signs within 30-60 minutes after ingestion.
• Clinical signs include vomiting, ataxia and disorientation.
• Large amounts lead to coma, seizures and even death.

Chocolate 

• Toxicity causes hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors and potential death.
  • The amount of toxin present in chocolate depends on the type.The more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic.
  • Unsweetened baking chocolate contains 6 times more toxin than milk chocolate.
  • White chocolate contains negligible amounts.

Ribbon, Tinsel and String

• Puppies and kittens are attracted to these items.
• When swallowed, the body tries to move the string or ribbon through the intestineThe intestine tends to "bunch up" along the linear object.  The constant movement of the intestine produces a "sawing" action. This eventually leads to perforation of the bowel.
• This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery.

Electrical Cords

• Puppies and kittens are tempted to play with and chew on electrical cords.
• When a pet bites through an electrical cord, severe burns to the tongue and mouth may occur.
• Damage to the area around the heart can also occur causing the pet's lung to fill with fluid. This leads to difficulty in breathing.
• These are emergency situations requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Miscellaneous

Some other potentially toxic or dangerous items to keep away from your pets include:

• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Rising bread dough
• Grapes and raisins
• Tobacco
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)
• Bones
• Candles
• Ornaments
• Batteries 
• Potpourris
• Medications
• Anti-freeze
• Ice melting products
• Rodent poisons
• Stress of having visitor

Bowls That Benefit

Mosaic on Hermann Park has formed a partnership with Houston’s Ronald McDonald House to sponsor Bowls That Benefit, a collection of one-of-a-kind kid-decorated dog bowls that will be auctioned off to raise money to support seriously ill children who are being treated in Texas Medical Center member institutions. Mosaic will also sponsor a kick-off event on October 13 for Houston’s Ronald McDonald House 2nd Annual Trafigura Home Run, a 10K run and family and dog friendly 2K walk.

“Furthering its commitment to the Houston community, Mosaic on Hermann Park is excited to support Houston’s Ronald McDonald House on this important initiative,” stated James Dow, Senior Vice President of ST Residential.   “As a neighbor to Houston’s Ronald McDonald House and a pet-friendly development, we felt strongly about donating retail space dedicated to the Bowls That Benefit project.”

The kids at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House are decorating the dog bowls that will line the running course of the 2^nd Annual Trafigura Home Run, a 10K run and 2K family walk that benefits Houston’s Ronald McDonald House. The dog friendly 2K walk will be held on Saturday, December 3 for runners, walkers, families and dogs, will be led by Mogie, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House resident pet dog. 

Once the painting party is over, the cocktail reception begins from 6 – 8pm in Mosaic on Hermann Park’s Live Here Lounge. While checking out the bowls and enjoying the lite bits and libations you can sign up to participate in the race and even sponsor a bowl for the event. The dog bowls will remain on display through December 1.

 CLICK HERE to join in the fun!

Paws on Patios

One of the nice things about Houston is sometimes we have some really amazing weather! We also have amazing restaurants with great patios. One problem we've had is that we've not been permitted to take our best friends with us to the patios because pets have not been allowed.

Until now!!

Thanks to Paws on Patios which is a grass-roots movement dedicated to giving Houston restaurants and bars the option to allow dogs on outdoor patios.

According to their FB page:

This initiative would support local restaurants and bars, improve quality of life, eliminate government over-regulation, and enhance Houston's image as a walkable, dynamic, and livable city. It has the potential to improve rabies vaccination compliance and increase permit revenues. Finally, this initiative would also bring Houston in line with other major Texas cities including Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, which began allowing dogs on patios in 2006, 2007, and 2010, respectively.

Paws on Patios was started in September 2010 by Patrick Walsh, a native Houstonian who was frustrated after his dog, Lucy, was ejected from the patio of a local cafe. The restaurant staff explained (politely) that the City of Houston could fine the restaurant because the dog was on their patio. Patrick decided to explore the possibility of changing Houston's requirements, and Paws on Patios was born.

A primary focus of Paws on Patios is to be sensitive to the preferences of folks who have dog concerns. Paws on Patios prefers a voluntary system where restaurants may continue prohibiting dogs if they choose. Also, Paws on Patios believes restaurants should be required to comply with common-sense regulations to ensure conditions are safe and sanitary.

It's officially official now that your favorite restaurant can apply for the permit so CLICK HERE to download the application! There is a small fee involved but isn't it worth it to have your fur child with you on the patio watching the sun set in the nice fall weather?
Totally!

P.S Congrats to Ziggy's Bar and Grill for being the FIRST in Houston!

Peace, Love and Dogs

As you well know DISH is in AWE of our DOGGIE Trainer Stephanie Bennett! She's the best of the best and even a slew of celebrities who's dogs she trained agree with me!

Here's the really great news!!! She's opening a DOGGIE DAY CARE!!!! WOOOHOOO!

This will no doubt be the best available in the city or surrounding areas! This is MAJOR!!

Here is the note we got today!

"After almost a year of preparation, planning, and building, we are very, very close to opening!  We could not be more excited and pleased with our beautiful building and all of the wonderful programs we are developing all for the love of dog. Our half-acre dog park and huge state of the art daycare floors are to die for!  We will be moving into the offices next week and then we will begin planning and scheduling for daycare. Our goal is to have large dog and small dog daycare available by the last week of June.  As we establish ourselves, get comfortable in our space, and get into the daycare and training groove, we will follow up with Puppy Preschool, Tiny Dog Zen Den, Arts & Crafts, Day Training, Group Classes, and lots more!   

As always, private training is ongoing and available now.  Daycare registration has begun and the response has been tremendous! 

If you are interested in daycare and have not faxed in your daycare registration paperwork, please do so as soon as possible. You can also scan the forms and email them to me. Hopefully, we will have eforms available on the website sooner than later!

To register for daycare, please visit our Contact Us page on our website.  Please note that we need 4 items sent to us:

1. New Client Form 
2. Temperament Test Form 
3. Emergency Care Form 
4. Vaccination Records  

If you have already sent in your paperwork, please be sure that you have included all 4 items. The Emergency Care Form and Vaccination Records are recently added items.  

 Please remember that because we are a training/activity based daycare, reservations must be made. We will not offer drop-in service. Also, because our daycare groups will be limited to 10-15 dogs (depending on the group), we will fill up quickly.  All approved dogs are required to participate in Dog Daycare a minimum of once per week for the length of their enrollment. Dogs must come on the same day each week so that they can get to know their doggie friends and the pack can achieve a good comfort level.    

Please visit  our website for Daycare Requirements and Rates. "

Kaisur the DISH Dog will be there!

Feline Frenzy!

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), located at 17555 Katy Freeway (77094), is hosting a FELINE FRENZY during the month of May. 

All cats over 5 months of age can be adopted for $25.00; 2 cats for $40.00.  Every adoption includes all vaccinations, feline Leukemia tests; spay/neuter surgery, microchip and ID tags. 

Adoptions are Sunday through Tuesday, I:00pm to 5:30pm and Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00am until 5:30pm. For shelter information call 281 497.0591.

  

About Citizens for Animal Protection

CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION, a non-profit service organization, has served pets and people in Greater Houston for over 38 years. Since 1972, CAP, a National winner of the PetSmart Charities Humane Award of Excellence, has sheltered and cared for over 450,000 orphaned, neglected and abandoned animals. CAP has been awarded a 4-Star rating for sound fiscal management with www.CharityNavigator.com  for the 9^th consecutive year. Only 1% of the charities rated nationwide have

achieved this exceptional distinction. www.cap4pets.org

CAP is in HEAT!! For $100k

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) is one of 95 organizations nation-wide competing in the ASPCA $100,000.00 Shelter Challenge.  To qualify CAP needs your vote. Beginning April 4^th through April 15^th visit CAP’s website and click on the VOTE button.  VOTE DAILY!

The ASPCA $100K Challenge is about saving lives. On April 18^th 50 Shelters with the most votes from the qualifyig heat will be announced as the official contestants in the 2011 Challenge.

The 50 winning shelters will then compete August 1^st through October 31^st to saving at least 300 more cats, dogs, kittens and puppies.  

The shelter that saves the most additional lives out of all contestants wins $100,000. The shelter that saves the most additional lives in each region of the U.S. wins $20,000. The shelter doing the most to engage the community support wins $25,000.

Winner shelters will be announced on or around December 1, 2011.

DISH saved our beloved Kaisur from CAP and thanks to them we have the most amazing animal we've ever known! A shelter pet is one that will love you more deeply than any other AND you've saved a life!  

About Citizens for Animal Protection

CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION, a non-profit service organization, has served pets and people in Greater Houston for over 38 years. Since 1972, CAP, a National winner of the PetSmart Charities Humane Award of Excellence, has sheltered and cared for over 435,000 orphaned, neglected and abandoned animals. CAP has been awarded a 4-Star rating for sound fiscal management with www.CharityNavigator.com  for the 9^th consecutive year. Only 1% of the charities rated nationwide have achieved this exceptional distinction. www.cap4pets.org

Dog Auction: 800+ dogs from Missouri Puppy Mill. Please help!

URGENT!!:: The auction is October 29th and 30th. Appears there are 19 huskies: 14 females + 5 males.  Altogether, over 800 dogs are being auctioned off because of the closure of a Missouri Puppy Mill.  Right now, rescue groups are looking for firm commitments and help.  See below for the list of purebred dogs being auctioned.  Please don’t allow these dogs to be used solely as breeding machines, sold from one dog mill to the next, or worse.

Please contact  gliderdance@yahoo.com OR miskeira@sbcglobal.net
if you can help.

This is just heartbreaking.  800+ dogs at this auction.  If anyone wants or can rescue/adopt etc any of these dogs, I can arrange to make the trip to the auction.  Susan and I would need firm commitment for these dogs and would need to put out a plea for donations to save them, I would need to rent a van, possibly purchase additional used crates etc to get them back, cover their boarding until transport and get them vaccinated and health certificates prior to leaving.  Please let us know if there is support for this.  I have been to one auction in my lifetime and it literally made me ill, I cried, got angry, threw up and I HATE being in attendance of one of these things but I hate to see these poor babies sold to yet another miller so they can breed until they die.  Please email us back with feedback… good and bad.

Susan and Carolyn

******From an earlier email: Here is the story behind the Mexico, Missouri kennel auction******
The infamous Herman and Bonnie Schindler, formerly owners of MO Puppy Expo in St Peters that was protested for over a year and investigated by Fox 2 St Louis reporter Chris Hayes which led to their lease being terminated, will no longer be the largest puppy mill in MO as they are selling out (along with their daughter, Lori Conrad) at auctions the end of October (details below).  While we are thankful the Schindler’s mill is closing, the fate of their dogs is up to us. We need rescue groups everywhere to get involved to save these dogs from going to another breeder/mill and continuing their lives of hell. PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH ANY RESCUE PEOPLE/GROUPS YOU KNOW, BREED SPECIFIC OR OTHERWISE. These dogs (and all the other mill dogs) deserve to know what love is and are the reason we are fighting to get Prop B passed. Once Prop B passes more millers who are unwilling or unable to treat dogs humanely will also go out of business and many more dogs will need to find rescue. Please help these dogs find a life and not another sentence as a puppy machine.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Fox 2 stories about the Schindlers, go to http://www.fox2now.com <http://www.fox2now.com/>   and put “Schindler” in the search box on the right.
Vote YES! on Prop B www.yesonpropb.com <http://www.yesonpropb.com/>

I don’t even have the words……..THIS IS THE LARGEST AUCTION I HAVE EVER SEEN!!  OMG! THOSE POOR SOULS!!
Everyone in rescue want the mills to shut their doors….now what are we going to do with all this dogs?  Will they all go right back into the mills bought by other breeders?
Please cross post to anyone in breed rescue whose dogs are listed to be sold.

TEACHER’S PETS REGISTERED DOGS TO SELL ON
FRIDAY OCTOBER 29th, 2010! SALE STARTS AT 9:00 AM
BASSET
HOUND
12 FEMALES
2  MALES
1F’07, 10F/1M’06, 1F’04, 1M’00
BEAGLE
12 FEMALES
4  MALES
2F/1M’10, 1F/1M’09, 5F’08, 2M’061F’05, 3F’02, 1F’01
SIB. HUSKY
14 FEMALES
5  MALES
1F/1M’09, 6F/1M’08, 5F’07, 1M’06, 1M’05, 2F’04, 1M’01
LABRADOR
15 FEMALES
6  MALES
8F/1M’10, 1F/1M’09, 2F’08, 3F’07, 1M’06, 1F/2M’05, 1M’02
BOXER
4  FEMALES
1  MALE
2F’07, 1M’06, 1F’05, 1F’04
JACK RUSSELL
1  FEMALE
1  MALE
1F/1M’10
BULLMASTIFF
1  FEMALE

1F’07
REG. CANE CORSO
1  FEMALE

1F’01
UNREG.
CANE CORSO
4  FEMALES
1  MALE
1F’09, 2F’08, 1F’07, 1M’03
ENG. BULLDOG

3  MALES
1M’04, 1M’03, 1M’00
FRE. BULLDOG

1  MALE
1M’05
KING CHARLES
CAVALIER
4  FEMALES
1  MALE
1F’07, 2F/1M’03, 1F’02
COCKER
SPANIEL
29 FEMALES
10 MALES
5F/1M’10, 2F’09, 5F/1M’08, 1F’07, 2F/1M’06, 3F’04, 6F/6M’03, 2F/1M’02, 2F’01, 1F’00
SHIBA INU
1  FEMALE

1F’10
PEM.WELSH
CORGI
6  FEMALES
3  MALES
1F/1M’09, 3F’06, 2M’04, 1F’03, 1F’01
DALMATIAN
4  FEMALES
1  MALE
1F/1M’05, 3F’03
GERMAN
SHEPHERD
7  FEMALES
2  MALES
1F’08, 1F’07, 1F/1M’04, 2F’03, 2F/1M’02
SHAR PEI

1  MALE
1M’04
IRISH TERRIER
1  FEMALE
1  MALE

CONRAD’S CUDDLY CANINE REGISTERED DOGS TO SELL ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 29th, 2010: SALE STARTS AT 9:00 AM
BICHON FRISE
1  FEMALE

1F’06
CHIHUAHUA
6  FEMALES
5  MALES
1F/1M’08, 2M’07, 4F/2M’06, 1F’05
DACHSHUND
7  FEMALES
4  MALES
1M’09, 3F’08, 4F/2M’05, 1M’00
JAP. CHIN
3  FEMALES
1  MALE
2F/1M’06, 1F’01
PEKINGESE
7  FEMALES
3  MALES
1F’09, 3F/3M’08, 2F’06, 1F’05
POMERANIAN
7  FEMALES
2  MALES
1F’10, 4F’09, 2F’06, 2M’02
TOY & MIN. POODLE

3  MALES
1M’08, 1M’06, 1M’02
MALTESE
10 FEMALES
3  MALES
1F’10, 4F’08, 2F/2M’07, 2F’05, 1M’04, 1F’02
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
16 FEMALES
4  MALES
2F’10, 1F/1M’08, 2F’07, 4F’06, 7F/1M’05, 1M’03, 1M’01

TEACHER’S PETS REGISTERED DOGS TO SELL ON
SATURDAY OCTOBER 30th, 2010! SALE STARTS AT 9:00 AM
BRUSSELS GRIFFON
3  FEMALES
1  MALE
3F/1M’03
BICHON FRISE
24 FEMALES
6  MALES
1F’10, 1F’09, 3F’08, 10F/1M’06, 2M’05, 2F/1M’04, 1F’03, 4F/1M’02, 1M’01
AME. ESKIMO
1  FEMALE
1  MALE
1F/1M ‘10
LHASA APSO
9  FEMALES
7  MALES
1M’10, 1M’09, 3F’08, 3F/2M’06, 1F/2M’02, 2F/1M’00
MALTESE
5  FEMALES
2  MALES
4F/2M’10, 1F’03
MINIATURE
PINSCHER
11 FEMALES
7  MALES
1F/1M’09, 1F’08, 2F/1M’07, 4F/2M’06, 1F/2M’05, 1F’02, 1F/1M’01
PAPILLON
13 FEMALES
4  MALES
4F/2M’10, 2F’09, 1F’07, 1F/2M’05, 3F’04, 1F’01, 1F’00
PEKINGESE
9  FEMALES
2  MALES
4F/1M’09, 1F’08, 1F’04, 2F’03, 1F’02, 1M’00
POMERANIAN
21 FEMALES
10 MALES
1F/1M’09, 5F/1M’08, 5F’07, 4F/3M’06, 3F/2M’05, 1F’04, 2M’03, 2F/1M’00

CONTINUED…. TEACHER’S PETS REGISTERED DOGS TO SELL
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 30th, 2010! SALE STARTS AT 9:00 AM

PUG
7  FEMALES
3  MALES
1M’07, 3F/2M’06, 1F’05, 2F’04, 1F’03
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
18 FEMALES
5  MALES
3F’10, 1F’08, 2F/1M’07, 6F’06, 1F/2M’04, 1F/2M’03, 1F’02, 3F’01
MINIATURE DACHSHUND
7  FEMALES
7  MALES
1F’09, 1F/1M’06, 2M’05, 2F’04, 3F/2M’03, 2M’02
HAVANESE
14 FEMALES
8  MALES
1F/3M’10, 1F’09, 5F/2M’07, 1F’06, 5F/1M’05, 1F/2M’01
SHIH TZU
48 FEMALES
22 MALES
4F/2M’10, 5F/3M’09, 2F/3M’08, 11F/7M’06, 10F/5M’05, 3F/1M’04, 2F’03, 4F’02, 6F/1M’01, 1F’00
MIXES
5  FEMALES
1  MALE
1F’08 Bea/Bull, 1F’04 Coc-poo, 1M’05 OrePei, 1F’07 Rat-Chi, 1F’06 Bic-Shih, 1F Bull-Matian
SILKY TERR.
3  FEMALES

1F’10, 2F’09
WEST HIGH. WH. TERRIER
9  FEMALES
9  MALES
1F’09, 1F/1M’07, 4F/4M’06, 2F/4M’05, 1F’03
WIRE FOX TERRIER
1  FEMALE

1F’06
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
63 FEMALES
20 MALES
5F/9M’09, 6F’08, 3F’07, 16F/7M’06, 15F/2M’05, 6F’04, 6F/1M’03, 2F’02, 4F’00, 1M’98
CAIRN TERRIER
9  FEMALES
4  MALES
1F/1M’10, 1F’08, 3F’06, 4F/2M’05, 1M’04
CHIHUAHUA
30 FEMALES
16 MALES
4M’09, 6F/2M’08, 5F/3M’07, 6F/4M’06, 3F/1M’05, 3F/1M’04, 1F’03, 4F’01, 1F/1M’00

Only 2 more til 2010!

Highland Village Adoption Center is only two cats or dogs away from its 2,010 adoption. HVAC is confident that on either Saturday, August 28 or Sunday, August 29, the magic number – 2010 – will be realized! The year’s success speaks volumes for the hard work of the organization.

HVAC began in December of 2007 as a three-weekend effort called Home For The Holidays. The initiative, founded by pet activists Tama Lundquist, Tena Lundquist Faust and Tim Moloney, was created to help eliminate homelessness among dogs and cats. The organization got its start when Highland Village, one of Houston’s most popular shopping landmarks, was approached and immediately agreed to donate rent-free space for the effort. With this support, the organizers set a goal of adopting 90 dogs and cats in nine days and were amazed when they were able to find new homes for 242 pets during the three weekends HVAC was open. The success has continued and now adoption number 2,010 is only two animals away.

“Through the efforts of so many dedicated volunteers, we have saved more than 2,000 pets from homelessness or worse. We hope that anyone wanting to provide a happy home for a furry friend will join us at Highland Village this weekend and help us realize the goal of number 2,010,” said Ms. Faust. “We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without the support of our volunteers – and the generosity of Highland Village.’

As the effort has grown, HVAC has evolved into a major rescue effort for homeless animals. Originally funded with grants and private donations, today HVAC is run by adoption agency Buster’s Friends, a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping homeless and abandoned animals in Houston. The homeless animals that HVAC offers for adoption are from Houston’s Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care [B.A.R.C.]. The animals are chosen weekly from B.A.R.C, sparing them from euthanasia. HVAC volunteers wash, walk, feed, play and ready the animals for adoption.  All of the HVAC adopted animals are spayed or neutered and individuals who are interested and qualify to adopt a pet are asked to support HVAC by underwriting the $40 to $60 cost of the procedure.

Highland Village Adoption Center, www.bustersfriends.org

4056 Westheimer Road, a few doors down from Williams Sonoma

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sundays 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Your Pups's New Years Resolutions

1. Enjoy life more.

I will spend less time alerting family and neighbors to approaching eleven-year-old skateboarders and more time sniffing the butts of other dogs. Preferably Rottweilers.

2. Lose that spare Kong I've developed around the middle.

Don't think I haven't noticed the hushed voices when I walk in the room or the fact that you've loosened up the harness a notch. I know I need to shed a few pounds, but don't assume this has anything to do with you - I'm doing it for me. I simply want to be able to chase tennis balls like a pup one-seventh my age.

3. I will not bark at the mailman.

I realize that by now my family knows how menacing the guy in the blue uniform can be, what with the shoving of his unwanted papers and parcels into our precious mailbox. From now on though, I'll trust the humans of the house to respond to postal threats accordingly.

4. If I do bark at the mailman, I most certainly will not bite him (hard).

5. Quit drinking.

I'm not talking about the clear, flavorless liquid you set right next to my kibble each day. I mean the hard stuff - the water from the toilet bowl and the muddy puddles in the yard after a rain. Maybe a sip once in a while when my friends are over, but never more than I can handle.

6. Learn Italian.

 Happy New Year!

 "Love me, love my dog."

~ Proverb, early 1500s

January is Train Your Dog Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month and it is also puppy season.  So, Stephanie, DISH'S favorite doggie trainer is starting the year off with 3 classes back to back.  All in the name of mental stimulation, socialization, bonding, and of course, fun!

1. New Puppy 
2.Trick Training
3.Canine Good Citizen. 

All Classes will be held at Urban Tails in Midtown and each class will be limited to 8 dogs. 

~New Puppy (10-18 weeks of age)

Are you having the Christmas Puppy Blues?  Has your little angel turned into a little devil? 

Don’t wait to start training!  The clock is ticking and now is the time to get started on good habits that will last a lifetime. 

6 week class, Saturday mornings @ 11AM, January 30^th-March 6th

Based on the puppy training techniques created by acclaimed veterinarian and animal behaviorist, Ian Dunbar, owners will spend the entire class learning how to observe, handle, and train their puppies.  Puppies learn to play with other puppies and socialize with their owners.  There will be no separate play times or training times.  Instead all puppies are off leash for the entire class and numerous short training interludes are integrated within the play session.  Thus, rather than becoming a distraction to training, playing with other puppies becomes an effective reward for training.  In no time at all, puppies listen to their owners because that’s what they want to do.  

Requirements: Pups must be between 10 and 18 weeks of age at the start date of class with 2 DHLPP vaccinations, one of which must have been administered after 8 weeks of age but at least 7 days prior to the first session.
Registration Fee: $210

~Trick Training

6 week class, Wednesday evenings @ 7PM, February 10th - March 17th

Registration Fee: $210

**Basic Obedience required

~Canine Good Citizen

 6 week class

Saturday mornings@ 11AM

March 13th - April 17th

Registration Fee: $210

**Basic Obedience required

Contact Stephanie for more information.

323-573-0727

steph@getalonglittledogie.net

Highland Village Breaks Records

What began three years ago as a four-week holiday mobile pet adoption program has turned into a year-round initiative to save thousands of Houston’s cats and dogs from being euthanized.  When Houstonians Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, and Tim Maloney approached Highland Village owner, Haidar Barbouti, about using space at Highland Village as a  “Home For The Holidays” for cats and dogs on the verge of being euthanized, Barbouti, an animal lover, said absolutely.  And, “Home For The Holidays” was born in the old GAP building on Westheimer.  Hundreds of volunteers and dozens of Houston-based rescue groups came together and adopted several hundred animals the first year.  

When the group approached Barbouti last Christmas, he decided to give the group a permanent home at Highland Village.  During the past year, Buster’s Friends’, a rescue group dedicated to helping abandoned and homeless animals in the City of Houston was established and became the Highland Village Adoption Center non-profit organization that has been responsible for adopting out hundreds of cats and dogs. The organization, spearheaded by Deb Gerhardt, oversees the Center, which is manned solely by volunteers.  Highland Village retailers including Michael Kemper, Tootsies, Franco Valobra, Williams-Sonoma, Coldwater Creek and RA Sushi have also been instrumental in providing both in-kind and monetary support. DISH Dog Kaisur was adopted from Michael Kemper Salon 5 years ago in 2004 when they did in salon adoptions.

event chairs, Tena Faust and Tama Lundquist and Buster’s Friends board member Heather FieldsOne weekend in early December 2009, the Highland Village Adoption Center celebrated their third anniversary at an Adoption Center Open House. The well-pawed group enjoyed bourbon cider and treats as they toasted to three years of helping abandoned and homeless animals in the City of Houston find homes. Fifty-one cats and dogs were adopted over the three-day weekend- an all time record for the center.

Highland Village Adoption Center, 4056 Westheimer, is sustained by volunteers of Buster’s Friends, Inc., a 501 (C) rescue group dedicated to helping abandoned and homeless animals in the city of Houston. The non-profit organization provides medical care in the form of vaccinations, testing and spay/neuter services prior to adoption of animals into loving forever homes.

Reality in Your Long Little Doggie's World

A message straight from the DISH dog trainer Stephan Bennett at "Get A Long Little Doggie"....

Hi friends,

I hope this finds you and your pack happy, healthy, and balanced. 

This first year in Houston has been a busy, exciting roller coaster and Get Along Little Doggie is growing.  Slowly but surely! 

A big thank you to all our dedicated clients.

A couple of announcements:

Be sure to tune in tomorrow evening and watch me try to combine dog training with reality television! 

Get Along Little Doggie will be featured  on The Little Couple episode, "Rocky's Revenge".  Rocky is the little couple's little Chihuahua and he rules their house! 

The Little Couple airs Tuesday on TLC @ 9PM.

I discovered that filming a reality television show is not very conducive to practical dog training, but it should be good for a laugh nonetheless!   

About The Little Couple:

Bill Klein and Jen Arnold are just like your average newlyweds -- except for the fact that they're both under 4 feet tall! "The Little Couple" is a new series for TLC that follows the couple as they embark on their new life together. They'll face not only the struggles of two little people in an average-sized world, but will also move to a new city, negotiate the purchase of a home, and weigh the risks of planning a family - all while navigating the ups and downs of any new marriage!

Go to the TLC website for more information: 

**Also, right after the holidays I will be conducting a Trick Training class (Yea for stupid pet tricks!) and a Canine Good Citizen Class.  So make sure you keep up with your training!  Just a little bit every day makes all the difference in the world.

Make sure you check back in with the Get Along Little Doggie website every so often as we are in the process of revamping the website (complete with a Thank You Houston Photo Gallery), and designing a blog with tons of new information. 

And of course, we have jumped on the social networking bandwagon.  Even Cowboy and Hud have their own Dogbook page. 
Become a Fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK.

Thank you all so much for your support and much love and mega woofs to the dogs!

~Stephanie


--
Stephanie Bennett
323-573-0727
steph@getalonglittledoggie.net
www.getalonglittledoggie.net

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
~Will Rogers  

Welcome Home Abby!!

DISH friend Dow Hickam...and owner of Top Drawer Lingerie...is also a doggie lover! This delish man just brought home his new fur child and sent a few pics to DISH!

HOUSTON...MEET ABBY HICKAM!

Congrats Dow on being a Daddy again and for being so wonderful as to adopt a fur child that needed a good home! There is a special place for you in heaven =)

Behavoural Issues with Fido??

As we experience on a daily basis here at The Dog Bowl, not everyone has the same "house rules" for their dog(s).

Whatever your house rules/training rules are for your dog one thing is certain - your dog will not succeed unless you (and the whole family) are consistent.

We are currently helping out a friend and client of The Dog Bowl with the training of her Jack Russell Terrier named Dylan (shown on the left with Jennifer). He was a rescued pup and she adopted him approximately 3 years ago... We think he is around 5-6 years old. If you have come into our retail storefront recently you have had the "pleasure" of having us beg you to pet him. (He will be staying with us until tomorrow, Saturday.)

Dylan has A LOT of anxiety... Which many of you know is usually expressed as aggression. In Dylan's case he always needs a "job" and a place to just "be". Many dogs are like this - large or small! So even if you think a smaller dog breed is "easier" guess again! Dylan, for example, has proven to be a challenge, but we are working through it. Every day brings an opportunity to train and work with him (and his visitors/friends). To quote Cesar Millan "Rehabilitate dogs.... train people." Because dogs do behave the way we want them to - this includes the good or the bad.

In our quest to assist Dylan we had to first learn how to best communicate with him and react in an appropriate manner with any negative or inappropriate behaviors "in our pack" we came across Training DVD's as well as Breed Specific DVD's (now offered at The Dog Bowl Online Storefront). These were very helpful in his rehab!

We also took in a few of Cesar Millan's videos & would like to share a few of our favorite points from his show on National Geographic:

• Don't let them climb on you.... You tell them where to be.
• One of the most important things Cesar wants to get across is that dogs are dogs—not humans! (So they communicate differently than we do.)
• Often the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues.
• Nose/Eyes - claim your space If you reward dominance YOU become a part of HIS pack. His tail is up - checking you out with dominance.
• Discipline is not about being mean it is about being a great dog owner, the greatest.
• Discipline vs. releasing frustration on an animal is not good. It is not good with being angry and then touching anybody (much less your dog). Being calm & assertive to protect yourself.
• When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop.
• If dog is aggressive - Do not touch, no talk, no eye contact with dog. Agression is NOT a breed thing. Aggression is a state of mind.
• No one has ever challenged him - he has gone to "the red zone". Dominant needs to challenge him in the red zone. Challenge in a calm & assertive state.
• 2 dogs - 1 touch the other 1 touches.... 1 is going to win.
• Aggression is a result of 1 or 2 things: (1) Animal that is controlling the situation. (2) Animal that is the pack leader.
• If the animal that is the pack leader. Aggression is NOT what happens right away the OUTCOME (behavior) of insecurity, frustration, anxiety, tension... We don't know what the exact source is.
• Dog is more powerful in their own environment - neurotic behaviors come out in that environment.
• Once they feel how good it feels to be a balanced dog they feel good & say "hey let's do this more".
• Improve your relationship with your dog! Learn how to achieve balance and establish pack leadership with practical tips and techniques.
• Easier to influence calm submissive mind than excited submissive mind. Practice NO talk, can touch & can look at him, but sound brings excitement.
• Consistent with expectations of the dog & consistent with behaviors that we allow & with what we do not allow.
• The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!
• Remember, there are no quick fixes; pack leadership is a year-round 24/7 commitment.
• Prioritize what is best for the dog.