Month: May 2009

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Sunbear Squad Watch Tip of the Week: May 31st

The Sunbear Squad has resolved to make a difference for neglected and abused companion animals. They are transforming animal lovers into animal welfare defenders — with knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

Watch Tip: Watch out for pets accidentally trapped in student housing without food or water or intentionally abandoned by students moving out for the summer. Call the authorities.


Be Sunbear Squad Informed
►5 Simple Things
►Bill of Rights for Pets
►Risk Factor List
►Learn about Abuse
►Action Guidelines
Be Sunbear Squad Active
►Neighborhood Watch
►YouNet FAQ
►Start a Squad
►Free Materials
Be Sunbear Squad Prepared
►Wallet Card
►Roadside Rescue Kit
►Disaster Plans
►Reciprocal Fostering
►SCRAPS Breathing		 Be Sunbear Squad Inspired
►Roadkilled Blessings
►Be a Good Samaritan
►Inspirational Sayings
►Avoid Dog Slang
►Humane Awards
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Oh my, are these puppy orphans adorable!

May Orphans of the Month, Bogey and Caddie, are six-week-old Great Pyrenees mix puppies. They have the brighest blue eyes you will ever see and are extremely laid back for puppies. Bogey is the boy and is distinguishable by the black spot on his back and his crooked tail. Caddie is the girl and is smart and playful. Both will make a great addition to any home, and were snatched up very quickly by some very smart dog lovers.

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So sad for Animal-Assisted Activities to be effected this way

Pet Therapy Dogs May Carry MRSA And Clostridium Difficile Between Patients

ScienceDaily (May 8, 2009) —  University of Guelph in Canada researchers investigated whether MRSA and C.difficile could be passed between pet therapy dogs and patients. The findings suggested that MRSA and C. difficile may have been transferred to the fur and paws of these canine visitors through patients handling or kissing the dogs, or through exposure to a contaminated healthcare environment.

This study was conducted amongst 26 pet therapy dog-handler teams between June – August 2007. Twelve teams visited acute care facilities and 14 visited long-term care facilities. Prior to each visit, the dog’s forepaws and their handlers’ hands were tested for MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and C.difficile. In addition, the investigator sanitized her hands, handled each dog, and then tested her hands for the same pathogens. Testing was repeated on departure from the facility. The dog-handler teams were observed at all times during the visits and all interactions with patients and staff were closely monitored.

None of the tested pathogens were found on the hands of the investigator or the handlers or the paws of the pet-therapy dogs prior to these visits. However, after visiting an acute care facility, one dog was found to have C.difficile on its paws. When the investigator’s hands were tested after handling another dog that had just visited a long-term care facility, MRSA was detected, suggesting the dog had acquired MRSA on its fur. The dog that acquired C.difficile had politely shaken paws with many of the patients. The dog found to have acquired MRSA on its fur, had been allowed onto patient’s beds and was seen to be repeatedly kissed by two patients.

Finding MRSA on the hands of the investigator who petted a dog after its visit to the long-term facility suggests that dogs that have picked up these pathogens can transfer them back to people. Even transient contamination presents a new avenue for transmission, not only for the pathogens evaluated in the study, but potentially for others such as influenza and norovirus.

The authors conclude that in order to contain the transmission of pathogens through contact with pet therapy animals, all patients and handlers should follow recommended hand sanitation procedures; as for the dogs, perhaps it’s time they learn how to clean themselves after contact with humans!


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A Golden Lady needs our help – Updated 2x

JUNE 4 UPDATE:

LADY IS DOWN TO 134 POUNDS and is really doing well! She has tons of personality and is just one of those funny, sweet goofy goldens. She craves and loves all the attention she can get. She is able to lie on her side now and sorta get into the “belly rub position “( long way to go to be able to roll over on her back but definitely a step in the right direction) and when we comply with her request she just grins ear to ear with her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth. She LOVES kids. One of our volunteers took her kids to see her and we have never seen her so excited and happy.

MAY 31 UPDATE: I was so thrilled to receive this email today from Adopt a Golden Atlanta’s founder, Lauren Genkinger.

We have received $260 from your volunteers in just a couple of days. Thank you!  She is immensely better and seems to feel much better. We know it is impossible and an allusion but it looks like all the weight has come off her face. She can now open her eyes completely which is a major improvement. Now that her eyes are actually open we discovered she has the longest, thickest eyelashes we have ever seen on any animal or human. They are so long they curl up like she has used an eyelash curler. She is a very sweet dog and will nudge you to death to keep you petting her. We are going to repeat all of her bloodwork this week to see what her medical improvement is. She can certainly move better and can make it outside now. We can tell she is so happy not to have to soil herself… she is getting her dignity back.

Golden Retriever Lady___________
My heart just about broke when I saw this sweet girl. She hardly even looks like a Golden Retriever given her current appearance. Here is her story from Adopt a Golden Atlanta.

Meet Lady, a sweet and beautiful 7-year-old girl. She is the dog we see all too often. She is the product of years of indifference by uncaring owners who now discard her as if she was worthless when they, in fact, brought her to this point. Right now Lady is very sad and not feeling too well. We tell her not to give up because even though she doesn’t know it she is one of the luckiest Goldens ever because she is now out of a home where she was neglected and her health was compromised for lack of receiving simple, medical care. We tell her this is not her fault.

Lady, like many dogs has low thyroid functioning. A diagnosis that can be managed with an inexpensive medication given on a daily basis. We don’t know how long medical care has been withheld from her but at this point the lack of it has caused multiple problems for her and borders on abusive treatment. First she is extremely overweight with an estimated 85 lbs. to lose to get to a normal weight. She weighs 147 lbs! If she was a human who was supposed to weigh 140 lbs, she would weigh 350 lbs and would be 210 lbs overweight. Her cholesterol level is 900 when it should be 180!

As a result of her obesity, her joints are painful and swollen and she can barely hobble short distances after caregivers help her to her feet. In addition, she has hip dysplasia which adds to her mobility problems. She has horrible ear infections that appear to have never been treated and can lead to permanent damage and/or deafness as well as pain. The skin on her belly is infected and burned presumably due to her inability to come to a standing position and thereby having to lie in her own urine and feces. In addition, her owners had her completely shaved and her coat is coarse and dry due to not only the thyroid problems but to poor nutrition.

Lady is a kind girl who seems to neither ask for or expect anything. She will rest her head in your hands and look at you as if just that simple gesture is unknown to her and then she’ll close her eyes as if she is just worn out. If you are standing nearby she waits with a resignation that can only be from being accustomed to being ignored and she will soon lie down because she cannot stand very long.

Her owner’s parting words were, “Well, she’s not much of a prize but maybe someone will want her!” Quite frankly, we have no tolerance for that kind of cruel attitude because Lady is worth far more than that and we definitely want her– and, we know that somewhere, a wonderful home is waiting for her. First, we have to plan her rehab program with our vet’s guidance and in time she will be just like Cinderella! We have promised her we won’t let her down! In the meantime a lot of fairy Godmothers are standing by to teach her that she is a princess and very special— something she has never experienced before. We have renamed her Lady because we want no part of her former life associated with her and we felt that it reflected just what she is- a real lady!

A lady who needs your help today. She will have to stay at the vet for 4-6 weeks under a strict diet and movement program. She will go on loads of medication. Once she sheds some of her weight and can move without 3 people guiding her, she will need to go to swim therapy — the only exercise her joints will be able to tolerate.

We have started a Lady fund to raise $2500. Please give to this girl and show her that people can be kind and have huge hearts. Lady will be looking for a forever family someday and we will keep you updated on her progress. Oh, and one more thing: when Lady was still able to sleep in her crate, the house cat would join her and sleep on top of Lady. Lady loves cats and other dogs. All we have left to say Lady is: Bibbity Bobbity Boo!

UPDATE WEEK 1: She is slightly better. She didn’t even look up, she doesn’t respond to her name and looks like she feels miserable. She was in her crate, lying down. Kept talking to her and petting her under her chin to force her to look up. Finally got her to look at me and sorta got a smile. She is so fat her eyes are just slits and we don’t know how well she sees. After much talking and petting, she struggled to her feet and painfully walked over, slowly wagging her tail,sat down and offered her paw. We don’t think she has ever experienced human kindness and still — the spirit of a Golden is there under many, many pounds and years and years of neglect. She is on pain meds , antibiotics for her skin infection, ear meds and thyroid meds. It will be at least 3 weeks before the thyroid meds have gotten to the proper level in her blood to influence her weight loss.

5/29: LADY HAS LOST 11 POUNDS! YOU GO GIRL.

I just made a donation and will be closely watching to see how Lady does. She deserves so much more.

Please click here to make a donation.

We have received $260 from your volunteers in just a couple of days. Thank you!  I will be posting a new update on Lady shortly.
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PupStarts . . . finally Beginnings done Right

I recently learned about a loss in our Land of PureGold Foundation family, a loss for Marti Brown, one of our wonderful Board Members. Sadly, she lost her Golden Angel Carly girl to cancer on January 18, 2009. This is the new puppy in Marti’s life and she is committed to providing her an organic, chemical-free, eco-friendly environment.

Of course, I already helped by sending some of our favorite, healthy, moo tube chews from USDA & FDA approved free-ranging, grass-fed beef. There is NO irradiation; NO hormones, no antibiotics, no steroids to the beef; NO chemical processing; NO preservatives or nitrates; NO fillers, additives or added flavors; NO smoking or basting; and, NO colors or dye, so won’t stain carpet

Here at the Land of PureGold, I often come to meet people after life has gone wrong, their dogs diagnosed with major health conditions or cancer. It is a sad, sad time for sure, and I am sending out far more sympathy cards than you can imagine. But, just like with us 2-legged folks, Prevention is the Best Defense. Besides giving our dogs the healthy basics of life such as good food, clean filtered water, regular exercise and grooming, we can do many other things to keep them well. These include providing regular exams, scheduling biannual exams for dogs 8 years and older, having frequent oral exams, and paying close attention to changes in eating and bowel habits.

Surveys show that cancer is the leading cause of death in the Golden Retriever breed, Hemangiosarcoma and Lymphosarcoma leading the list. This has brought the Golden’s average lifespan down to 10½ years. While we believe they should be long-lived (12-16 years) and healthy and active during most of this time, no screening test for cancer is currently available. One approach is for breeders to select bitches from lines where more than 75% of the dogs in the pedigree lived to at least 11 (longer than the golden average). Breeders can also research the cause of death on as many dogs in the pedigree *and their siblings* as possible, and additionally breed to older males who have already reached the average age. Unfortunately, this is seldom done as many want to breed to today’s top-winning dogs. Rather, we need to be breeding to their sires.

Although there are no statistical studies that prove you can prevent cancer in at-risk dogs, “common sense and clinical experience make a strong case for avoiding anything that exposes an animal to known carcinogens or weakens the immune system,” says Stacey Hershman, DVM, a holistic house-call veterinarian in Rockland County, New York. Just like their human companions, dogs live longer, healthier lives when they eat organic foods, get enough exercise, breathe clean air, drink clean filtered water, and stay away from harmful substances. They also are helped by supplements, food-source antioxidants, and free-range, antibiotic-free, and chemical-free proteins.

We have selected our favorite must-have products and developed 3 fun and attractive collections to get folks off to the best start with new pups or adopted dogs.

  1. One collection is focused on keeping our chewers busy and satisfied: PupStarts Chews.
  2. A second collection stresses our need to reward desired behaviors: PupStarts Rewards.
  3. The final collection helps in boosting a healthy immune response in your dog: PupStarts Boosts.

We actually use EVERY ITEM that has been included in these collections. It surely impacts our daily lives and we could not imagine not having them help to create the best in health and training.

Each collection includes a SimplyFido Limited Edition 100% Organic & Dye-Free Character Plush Bone Toy. Our dogs are always chewing or sucking on something. From puppyhood, they, like babies, love to put things in their mouths. Given the prevalence of oral cancers, we wondered if their dog toys were safe and non-toxic. Do I want my dog chewing on toys that have PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a toxic chemical) in the plastic? Do I want him ingesting processed materials or those made using pesticides and growth hormones? I don’t think so. That is why the collections include this fabulous toy.

This 9 inch long toy’s fabric and stuffing are grown without pesticides or herbicides, preventing your dog from ingesting toxic materials. Organically grown, the fibers are unbleached, untreated, and unprocessed. The company uses their unique PureWaterWash™ process to achieve their charming colors. The untreated cotton is then woven and color-brightened through Mother Nature’s own plants and minerals. Beige comes from a Chestnut Bur, red from the Madder Root, yellow from a Gardenia Seed, and grey from the mineral Charcoal The fabric is then triple-washed in pure water to set the color. As a result, each toy has its own unique appearance and color variance.

The collections also include your choice of a gorgeous Pawprints Scrapbook or Pawprints Journal to capture your furkid’s many special moments. Collecting your dog’s most expressive and fun photos and sticking them in a scrapbook is a wonderful way to celebrate your special bond. You can also use special embellishments to make your Pawprints scrapbook or journal attractive, adorning it with ribbons, first collars, baby teeth, and more. You can note progress in dog training classes, note accomplishments, and record difficulties as well. You would otherwise forget about these over time, but scrapbooking your dog will keep these memories for a lifetime.

Our 3 theme assortments are each arranged in a whimsical bone-shaped wire basket that measures 10″ L x 6″ W x 3″ H and includes a useful handle. This elegant shiny basket is simply perfect for holding dog wares and is a true keepsake storage container. This gift can be bought to treat yourself right (which is really important) or to present to a fellow dog lover—a special gift note card provided if requested with your order.

All of these collections are beautifully shrink wrapped and topped with a bow. A detailed brochure additionally accompanies each collection, providing insightful information about the contents and why each item was included.

These collections are great for yourself or to give as a gift. They are equally fabulous for a young pup or a newly adopted adult dog coming into your family.

Why Puppies Do That: A Collection of Curious Puppy Behaviors
Why do puppies sometimes lie on their backs when approached? Why do they sleep in a pile? Why do puppies have that special “puppy smell”? Why are some puppies runts? Few things can cause as much head scratching as the peculiar behavior and characteristics of a new puppy, and this book aims to answer all of the questions new dog owners wonder about their new little charge.

Illustrated with pencil drawings, Why Puppies Do That is lighthearted, informative, and as fun as a new puppy. The author, Tom Davis, has been living with and writing about dogs for 30 years. He has written several Golden books and is an editor for several magazines including Sporting Classics and Pointing Dog Journal. Regular Price: $13.95 but only $10 with a PupStarts Basket purchase!

Come check them out here.

USDA & FDA approved
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What are you waiting for?

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For the past several months I have had a raffle fundraiser, the grand prize of a brand new top-of-the-line DC25 Animal Ball Vacuum, Dyson’s newest model for 2009. It retails for $549, comes with Dyson’s 5 year warranty, and will be shipped for free (U.S. only) to the winner’s door! We have had a Dyson Animal Vacuum for years and cannot live without it.

(You can learn more about this fabulous vacuum here.)

Please support our foundation’s work in providing cancer treatment grants for working dogs as well as funding research in comparative oncology. Ticket purchases are not considered to be tax-deductible donations due to merchandise being attached to the purchase.

Our drawing will to be held once we reach our 200 Ticket Goal. And, right now we have less than 50 tickets left to sell.

Want to support a favorite nonprofit? Just indicate the name in the order comments area. That way, folks can better the chances that a fellow group can win this incredible and truly helpful prize.

Buy your Tickets Today to Enter our Fundraising Raffle!

JUST CLICK HERE.

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Why am I not surprised?

Pet food settlement stalled by appeals
By Edie Lau, for the VIN News Service, May 26, 2009

Payments in a $24-million settlement of claims spurred by the largest pet food recall in U.S. history remain hung up in court.Although the settlement was approved last November by U.S. District Court Judge Noel Hillman in New Jersey, two separate parties have appealed the settlement, effectively blocking payments indefinitely.

“This is holding it up for everybody,” said Lisa Rodriguez, a lawyer serving as liaison counsel for the 100-plus class action suits covered by the settlement.

Rodriguez said the appeals have barely advanced. “We’re just in a holding pattern right now. I don’t think there’s been a briefing scheduled yet. We’re still some time away from having the Third Circuit (Court of Appeals) even address it unless they try to deal with it summarily,” she said, referring to a quick dismissal.

A total 24,950 pet owners in the United States and Canada have applied for compensation under the settlement, according to Russell Paul, co-lead counsel for the class. Those claims are being evaluated by the accounting and consulting firm Heffler, Radetich & Saitta LLP in Philadelphia.

The claims arose from the widespread contamination of pet food by melamine and cyanuric acid, which was discovered in 2007. Investigators traced the problem to wheat gluten and rice protein made in China. Unscrupulous suppliers spiked their products with nitrogen-rich melamine, an industrial chemical not approved for consumption, in an attempt to boost apparent protein levels.

The tainted product was imported by the U.S. companies ChemNutra Inc. and Wilbur Ellis and supplied to numerous pet food makers.

The melamine, along with the chemical byproduct cyanuric acid, together formed crystals in the kidneys of dogs and cats that ate the tainted food, leading in some cases to renal failure and death.

The contamination forced the recall of more than 180 brands of pet foods and treats involving 12 different manufacturers and dozens of retailers. In all, more than 60-million containers of pet food products were recalled.

Pet owners whose claims are judged eligible may be reimbursed for expenses such as the cost of veterinary treatment, the cost of carpeting ruined by a sick animal, the cost of a dead pet or its fair market value and the cost of a new pet.

The plaintiffs who are appealing the settlement are Margaret Picus and Daniel Kaffer in one case and Jim W. Johnson and Dustin Turner in the second case.

Picus and Kaffer’s objection stems from separate legal suits involving the use of the phrase “Made in the USA” by pet food manufacturers who obtain ingredients from China.

According to court documents, Picus and Kaffer are concerned that the pet food settlement will release the manufacturers from the mislabeling claims.

Their lawyer, Kyle Nordrehaug of La Jolla, Calif., said he would not comment on pending litigation.

In the second case, the lawyer for Johnson and Turner, Jeffrey Weinstein of Tyler, Tex., reportedly contends that the settlement is not fair, reasonable or adequate.

Weinstein did not respond to telephone and e-mail messages requesting comment. However, he told the Malakoff News, a weekly newspaper in Texas, that the situation should not be handled in a one-size-fits-all manner. “Tainted pet food cannot be settled as a nationwide class because every state has different laws,” he was quoted as saying.

Because of variations in state law, he argued, plaintiffs should receive settlements based on their states’ laws. “It wouldn’t be everybody just gets the same thing,” he said.

Weinstein also said $24 million may not be enough to adequately compensate all individuals with valid claims.

Details of the settlement are posted at http://www.petfoodsettlement.com

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Sadly Oiled, but now Rescued penguins are returned to ocean

Four weeks ago SANCCOB in Cape Town rescued 129 oiled African penguins from the Namibian coastline. These cuties made news when they successfully survived a 19-hour road trip from Luderitz in Southern Namibia. They had been ‘oiled’ in the waters around the islands off the Luderitz coast. A rescue team led by Jessica Kemper saved them from a certain death by rounding them up in boats, then getting them to the mainland where they were stabilized and washed. But, the hard part loomed ahead as the penguins then had to make the journey to Cape Town for extensive rehabilitation. Listen and watch below to learn more.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

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With help from project staff and AVIVA volunteers, 84 of the birds are already healthy enough to be released. Watch as they began their long journey home on May 21st.

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Learn more about this special tale here.

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Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals

Marc Bekoff, one of our favorite authors, is coming out with a new book on May 30th, Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals.

Scientists have long counseled against interpreting animal behavior in terms of human emotions, warning that such anthropomorphizing limits our ability to understand animals as they really are. Yet what are we to make of a female gorilla in a German zoo who spent days mourning the death of her baby? Or a wild female elephant who cared for a younger one after she was injured by a rambunctious teenage male? Or a rat who refused to push a lever for food when he saw that doing so caused another rat to be shocked? Aren’t these clear signs that animals have recognizable emotions and moral intelligence? With Wild Justice Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce unequivocally answer yes.

Marrying years of behavioral and cognitive research with compelling and moving anecdotes, Bekoff and Pierce reveal that animals exhibit a broad repertoire of moral behaviors, including fairness, empathy, trust, and reciprocity. Underlying these behaviors is a complex and nuanced range of emotions, backed by a high degree of intelligence and surprising behavioral flexibility. Animals, in short, are incredibly adept social beings, relying on rules of conduct to navigate intricate social networks that are essential to their survival. Ultimately, Bekoff and Pierce draw the astonishing conclusion that there is no moral gap between humans and other species: morality is an evolved trait that we unquestionably share with other social mammals.

Sure to be controversial, Wild Justice offers not just cutting-edge science, but a provocative call to rethink our relationship with—and our responsibilities toward—our fellow animals.

Read more commentary here, in the article, Animals can tell right from wrong.

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We have long touted Bekoff’s book, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy — and Why They Matter.

Based on award-winning scientist Marc Bekoff’s years of experience studying patterns of social communication in a wide range of species, this important 2007 publication shows that numerous animals have rich emotional lives. Animal emotions not only teach us about love, empathy, and compassion, argues Bekoff, but they require us to radically rethink our current relationship of domination and abuse of animals.

Bekoff skillfully blends extraordinary stories of animal joy, empathy, grief, embarrassment, anger, and love with the latest scientific research confirming the existence of emotions that common sense and experience with animals have long implied. Bekoff also explores the evolution of emotions and points to new scientific discoveries of brain structures shared by humans and animals that are important in processing emotions. He goes on to emphasize their role in establishing evolutionary continuity among diverse species and presents new findings of non-invasive neurological research and detailed behavioral studies. Filled with Bekoff’s light humor and touching stories, The Emotional Lives of Animals is a clarion call for reassessing both how we view animals and how we treat them.

Any dog owner knows that her own pet has feelings, but what evidence exists beyond the anecdotal, and what does this evidence teach us? Bekoff, professor emeritus of biology at the University of Colorado, pores through decades of animal research—behavioral, neurochemical, psychological and environmental—to answer that question, compelling readers to accept both the existence and significance of animal emotions.

Seated in the most primitive structures of the brain (pleasure receptors, for example, are biologically correlative in all mammals), emotions have a long evolutionary history. Indeed, as vertebrates became more complex, they developed ever more complex emotional and social lives, “setting rules” that permit group living-a far better survival strategy than going solo.

Along the way, Bekoff forces the reader to re-examine the nature of human beings; our species could not have persevered through the past 100,000 years without the evolution of strong and cohesive social relationships cemented with emotions, a conclusion contrary to contemporary pop sociology notions that prioritize individualism and competition. He also explores, painfully but honestly, the abuse animals regularly withstand in factory farms, research centers and elsewhere, and calls on fellow scientists to practice their discipline with “heart.” Demonstrating the far-reaching implications for readers’ relationships with any number of living beings, Bekoff’s book is profound, thought-provoking and even touching.

For several years ethologist and author Bekoff (Minding Animals 2002; Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, 2005) studied communication in wild and domestic animals and gradually became convinced that humans are not the only animals that experience emotions. Here, Bekoff examines the concept of emotion in the lives of non-humans, the evolutionary advantages of emotions, and the neurological basis for emotions. The final sections focus on how to conduct scientifically rigorous research while addressing scientific rigidity on the subject of animal emotions, and the ethics of how we live our lives with animals. A readable book equally charming and challenging.

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Courage Campaign – Being fearless in fight for equality

Vodpod videos no longer available.

The California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Proposition 8 is unconscionable. In response, the Courage Campaign will hit the CA airwaves with a 60-second TV ad version of “Fidelity” — the above heartbreaking online video viewed by more than 1.2 million people (most-watched video ever in history of California politics).

The group is launching this TV ad in the spirit of Harvey Milk’s call to “come out, come out wherever you are” and proudly tell the stories of the people most affected by the passage of Prop 8 — in moving images set to the beat of Regina Spektor’s beautiful song.

If you want to help this ad air in Bakersfield, Fresno, LA, San Diego, Sacramento & San Francisco, click here.

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Help save dogs from dying in hot cars this summer

MyDogIsCool.com, a site that heps folks save dogs from dying in hot cars, has some great tips and materials to help spread the word about how to be responsible pet parents during the hot summer months.

The “dog days” of summer can be dangerous for dogs — especially those dogs left inside hot cars. Every year, countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their owners work, visit, shop, or run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable.

Because many states allow only assistance dogs to be brought into stores or malls, some people take their dogs along on errands but leave them in the car. This can be deadly.

A little heat outside a car can quickly make it very hot inside. On a summer’s day of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won’t stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 20 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will within a very short time suffer irreparable brain damage — or even death.

UAN’s “Don’t Leave Me in Here — It’s Hot!” flier has saved countless animals’ lives over the years. With its tips on prevention and treatment, the flier has proven to be a painless reminder that alerts someone of the dangers of leaving animals in the car while he or she is shopping. Whenever you see a parked car with animals inside, place the “Don’t Leave Me in Here — It’s Hot!” flier under the windshield wiper. (If you see an animal in imminent danger or a child left unattended inside a car, see the store manager or contact the police.)

Go print out your own flyers to distribute or buy some here.

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Sunbear Squad Watch Tip of the Week: May 24th

The Sunbear Squad has resolved to make a difference for neglected and abused companion animals. They are transforming animal lovers into animal welfare defenders — with knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

Watch Tip: Listen and watch for pets who scratch or lick themselves persistently; they might be suffering severely from mange, fleas or other threats to health. Look at the fur. Talk to the owner or call the authorities.


Be Sunbear Squad Informed
►5 Simple Things
►Bill of Rights for Pets
►Risk Factor List
►Learn about Abuse
►Action Guidelines
Be Sunbear Squad Active
►Neighborhood Watch
►YouNet FAQ
►Start a Squad
►Free Materials
Be Sunbear Squad Prepared
►Wallet Card
►Roadside Rescue Kit
►Disaster Plans
►Reciprocal Fostering
►SCRAPS Breathing		 Be Sunbear Squad Inspired
►Roadkilled Blessings
►Be a Good Samaritan
►Inspirational Sayings
►Avoid Dog Slang
►Humane Awards
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Baby giraffe gets new chance

Last week the Como Zoo welcomed an adorable baby giraffe to mom, “Clover”. But, this 152 lb. male calf had major health complications, including septicemia and problems with his digestive system. So, he was brought to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine to receive care. He is now doing very well and is eating on his own. I loves when he nuzzles the veterinarian detailing his care.

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“Come out or else, I’m warning you”

Poor Bailey. Just a 14-month-old pup playing keep-a-way.

Bailey, a Golden Retriever from Herefordshire, had run off with a cordless phone in his mouth and dialed 999 while chewing it, police said. The operator raised the alarm when she heard heavy breathing and shouting.

“Come out or else, I’m warning you”, were the last words she heard before the call ended and she alerted police.

Hide and seek
When the operator finally managed to call the number back, Jodie Halfpenny explained that her dog Bailey was to blame. He had stolen the handset and run off into the garden to chew it, she said.

Ms Halfpenny, from Withington, Herefordshire, and her partner Jamie gave chase, but Bailey thought it was a game and hid behind the shed and refused to come out.

The call was made at about 1630 BST on 20 April just as the couple were ordering Bailey to come out.

‘Potential murder’
Ms Halfpenny said: “Bailey chews everything he can just now, but we didn’t think he could dial 999.”

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “Staff thought they had a violent domestic or even a potential murder on their hands. “For a few moments, they wondered what sort of incident they were dealing with.

“An operator phoned the number back hesitantly, only to be greeted by a very apologetic woman who confirmed that all was well and that the culprit was not her husband- but the dog. You just couldn’t think this stuff up, could you.”