Tuesday 24 July 2012

No Kill Nation - yes it is possible!

Good Evening My Friends
 I wanted to share with you a wonderful book written by Nathan Winograd. He is an attorney and the leader of the "No Kill Nation" movement in Canada and the USA. My mom heard him speak in Toronto in April and was inspired by his philosophy. If you love animals, and I assume you do or you would not be rewading a blog by a dog, you must read this book. It will revolutionize the SPCA and sheltering methods for animals in North America and beyond.
You will never think of animal rescue in the same way once you have read Nathan's books. Also read "Irreconcilable Differences" by Nathan Winograd. My mom immediately resigned her PETA membership upon reading these books. Find out why!
Happy Reading.
 Wags
 Augie 



Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation & The No Kill Revolution in America
By Nathan J. Winograd
redemptionnew1
Redemption is the story of animal sheltering in the United States, a movement that was born of compassion and then lost its way. It is the story of the “No Kill” movement, which says we can and must stop the killing. It is about heroes and villains, betrayal and redemption. And it is about a social movement as noble and just as those that have come before. But most of all, it is a story about believing in the community and trusting in the power of compassion. Called “powerful and inspirational,” “ground-breaking,” and “a must read for anyone who cares about animals,” Redemption is the winner of five book awards and redefined the animal protection movement worldwide.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Good Morning,
I got to thinking about all the people that would love to have a pet but cannot afford the spay neuter or vet care. lets face it - vet care is very expensive.
There is a low cost spay neuter vaccination program at the Ontario SPCA located in Newmarket. on 16586 Woodbine Avenue and one in Barrie on 91 Patterson Rd Barrie ON.
 It is a little hard to make and appointment - they only man the phones on certain days of the week and only for short periods of time so if you call 905 898 6112 for Newmarket or 705 734 9882 for Barrie between 8 and 6 they will tell you hours of operation for appointments and how to get your pet an appointment. The cost is very reasonable and well worth the trip.
The web site is http://spayneuter.ontariospca.ca. Here there is more information on the pre operative care and post operative care.
 These clinics are open to anyone regardless of geography or income. There is another site being built but not sure of exact location in the GTA.
So get those spay neuters done. We need to stop the birth of unwanted pets because all pets should be wanted and loved.
As soon as I know where and when the next OSPCA low cost clinic is located and open I will be sure to let you know.
 Wags
 Augie

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Fostering for a rescue: JRTRO needs foster homes

Good morning,
 I have  request of all of my followers. Jack Russel Terrier Rescue of Ontario has a serious shortage of foster homes. Foster homes are so important to the rescue. Here is where the dogs wait for there forever homes. If you have never fostered I must say it is a wonderful experience. The rescued dog has a family to live with while awaiting adoption. This means they get out of the pound or when they are surrendered by an owner they have a safe place to land. It means the rescue can save more dogs. The rescue pays for vet bills and may help with food if the foster cannot afford to buy food or if the dog needs a special diet.
 Fostering is very rewarding. My mom has had many fosters over the years and we are thrilled when these dogs get adopted and get a second chance at happiness.
Please consider fostering. Go on the JRTRO web site and fill out an application. You will be glad you did.
Be a hero and help a homeless pet.
Love,
Augie

Thursday 5 July 2012

Hot Dogs #2 To walk or not to walk in the heat!

Hi Everyone.
 My mom has been away for her birthday. I was in charge of my sisters and my brother while we were in the care of the doggy sitter. Max, my brother is a bad ass Jack Russell and can be quite a handful. He was his usual ornery self  while mom was away, growling at anyone that goes near his bed.  I was very happy to see her and my dad come home.
 Today I want to remind everyone about Hot Dogs again but this time about exercising such as chasing a ball, or staying out side for extended periods, or walking dogs in this heat. The temperatures will soar to 35 degrees tomorrow and it has been very humid. Not much relief in sight either.
Dogs do not sweat like humans.  Dogs release heat by panting. The only limited way they sweat is through the foot pads and nose. So they cannot cool themselves like humans. AND you may have noticed the fur.
If you must walk your dog in this heat it must be done in the early morning or after sundown. Keep exercise brief (ten minutes) and if need be put a wet shirt on the dog to keep him cool while walking.
 If a dog cannot effectively rid himself of  heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog's temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body's cellular system and organs may become irreversible.
Too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided. Learn how to recognise the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog. Prevention is better than treatment.

Watch for these symptoms of heat stroke and take action immediately
  • Rectal temperature over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency
  • Panting hard
  • Lying down and unwilling or cannot get up or stand up
  • Look in the mouth  for:
    • Gums that are dark red
    • Dry mouth
    • Sticky, thick saliva
  • Staggering, dizziness or confusion
  • Collapse or loss of consciousness
Immediate action is needed to save the dog's life or prevent permanent organ damage!

First - get the dog out of the heat! Find shade or get the dog in a cool house.

  • Cool the dog by compressing with cool wet washcloths (not ice or extremely cold water) around the face and body and foot pads.
  • The aim is to cool to 103° by rectal temperature
  • Encourage the dog to drink cool water and have someone call the vet while you administer these first aid measures - you must see the vet! If the temperature exceeds 104° or the dog has the above signs and symptoms it is a  medical emergency
  •  Heat stroke has serious consequences - avoid at all costs.
Your dog may be antsy to go out for a walk but figure out a way to entertain him in the house and walk briefly in the coolest part of the day.
Don't forget the wet shirt! Stay cool.
Love Augie