Many people use invisible fencing to keep their dogs in the yard.  There are many advantages for using an invisible fence (an underground electric fence).  It’s less expensive to install, maintains open views, and does not interfere with wild-life and vegetation. 
However there are also some strong disadvantages that warrant serious consideration.   Invisible fencing does nothing to keep out people or other animals including robbers, dog thieves, animal abusers, wolves or other prey animals, aggressive dog packs or children.  In certain areas of the country it’s highly likely your dog could be harmed or someone might steal your pet.  Areas with major universities that have research facilities often buy animals from certain vendors.  Supposedly most of these animals come from shelters, but often family pets are kidnapped and sold for research.  Also, if your pet is considered valuable in the eyes of a would-be thief, all the thief has to do is walk in your yard and change the dog collar.  Children and toddlers might walk into your yard and provoke your friendly pet.  Even though this should be the burden of the inattentive parent, you may wind up with a huge bill if your dog bites someone in your own yard.  (Note: the average settlement for dog bites is approximately $62,000).

If you decide to install an invisible fence I’d recommend the following:
1.  Talk to professionals who do not have a vested interest to get their opinion on the best types of fence for your dog.  These might include your veterinarian, dog trainers or grooms, and shelter volunteers.
2. Never leave your dog in a invisible fence when you are not home.  Let you pets enjoy their fenced in yard while you are close by.  That way you can keep an eye on your dog(s) while they enjoy the yard.
3. Learn the proper way to train you dog and do not experiment.  Improper training can cause severe injury to your pet.
4. Strongly consider your neighborhood first.  Are there any aggressive animals that could easily cause harm to your pet?  Are their young toddlers who are not well supervised?  Are their teenagers who would tease your dog?

Also, think about your pet and what’s best for him or her.  Does she need to be fenced or would she do better at a dog park.  If you pet is either dog or people aggressive I’d strongly discourage an invisible fence because dogs can get past the barriers if they really want to.

Last year the average insurance pay-out for dog bites was $62,000.  If your insurance company doesn’t cover dog bites, you are likely to be stuck with an enormous bill. 

Unfortunately, we live in a time when people do not take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their children.  You can be enjoying a nice walk with your dog when a two year old comes and pokes your well behaved pet in the eye, or someone’s dog escapes the back yard and runs up to you and your pet.  When your dog snaps back, you’re the one footing the bill, even though the parent of the child or the other dog parent is the one to blame.

My dog is dog aggressive.  She’s manageable on a leash and our city has a stringent leash law.  Despite this, there are times when other dogs get loose.  Because my dog is powerful, she could do substantial damage to a “friendly” dog that is running loose. 

Last month I went to see a dog behaviorist to see if there was anything else I could do to control my dog in case of a loose dog.  My anxiety level was high.  She said she could work with me, but could never guarantee my dog would not bite another dog if given the chance.  Since my dog loves to walk and is very powerful, she advised me to walk my dog with a muzzle.  This has reduced my stress level dramatically. 
If you have a dog that’s strong and dog aggressive, I’d encourage you to walk your dog muzzled so that you will never be the one paying the $62,000 bill.  Furthermore, you’ll never have to say “I’m sorry my dog hurt your pet or child”.   

If the human race (myself included) were as amlicable as my cat Peanut, our world would be in a much better place.  Peanut has an amazing ability to get along with everyone and everything. 

The way he does this is by observing his new acquantance.  Then he eagerly and openly approaches his new buddy.  It’s like he assumes he’s lovable and so is the other guy or gal.  When a new cat gets offended Peanut backs down.  He is always accepted because he knows instinctively when to back down. 

Peanut uses play to get acquainted.  He matches his play with his new friend. If Peanut is trying to win over an older or gentle cat, he plays gentle.  If it’s a rowdy new kitten, Peanut is rowdy.  He welcomes affection but never demands it.  He adapts to new situations with astounding speed.  He’s a lesson for anyone who ever wants to have friends or be successful in business. 

Over the last few weeks I’ve been talking alot about dog fighting and Pit Bulls.  Due to the type of emails I’m getting I’m posting the following article one more time.  Also for anyone who wants to learn more about dog fighting and how to prevent it, please visit the ASPCA’s or HSUS links which are at the bottom of today’s post.

On Thursdays I’ve been sharing my story about finding a Pit Bull who was used for fighting. “Pit Bulls for Dummies,” is an extremely helpful book. I used it when I first found Sabrina. It gave me a good understanding of the breed. Written by well known dog author D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. , she shares information in a fun, easy to read style. She spares no details when it comes to the Pit Bulls gruesome history, but those who are squeamish can speed read that particular chapter. This book includes how to analyze a dog, deciding if it’s a right breed for you, training and health care tips, and other resources. It’s a must read for anyone who’s considering adopting or purchasing a pit bull.

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/dogfighting_fact_sheet/

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_dogfighting

On August 20^th, 2007, Michael Vic confessed to his involvement with dog fighting.  Defense attorney, Billy Martin states, “Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made,”… “Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.”  Most likely Michael Vic will pay a fine close to $250,000 and spend 12 to 18 months in jail. 

To an NFL player, $250,000 is probably the equivalent of a speeding ticket or minor traffic violation for an average American household.  If he really wanted to accept responsibility for his action he would sell every possession he owns and donate all of his money it to animal shelters and legal defense funds for animals.  He would spend the rest of his life working to helping others see the errors of his ways, and he would volunteer his time and energy at shelters, and when and if he ever received another endorsement, he would turn that money over as well.  Additionally, he would contact every corporate entity that sought his endorsement and beg them to donate to animal rights organizations such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane Society of America and the ASPCA–or have them as their next endorsement. 

The NFL could gain respect by requiring any player found guilty (or someone who pleads guilty) to animal abuse, child abuse or spousal abuse forever be banned from the game.  Granted none of these actions would restore the many innocent lives that were taken, diminish the horrendous abuse he caused, or bring back the dogs that he strangled or drowned (at least eight were killed execution style), but it would be much more noble than a measly $250,000 and one year of his life.    

When I was growing up, my mother was lost in her own world.  She had some mental health issues that made her emotionally unavailable.  Throughout my life, kind people appeared, interwoven like a rich tapastry.  But suprisingly one of the best “mothers” in my life was a little tortishell cat named Tawny.

Rescued during a rare Tennessee snowstorm, Tawny quickly adapted to my tiny bungalow like she had always lived there.  She would delicately jump up on my antique chair, tuck her legs just so and softly close her eyes.

During the years Tawny shared my life, I went through two breakups.  One man I thought was the love of my life.  As the relationships came to a close, I’d sit on my couch and cry.  Rountinely, Tawny would get next to me on the couch, stand on her back legs, and wrap her arms around my arm and back. (No I’m not making this up).  She would rub her head against my arm and whimper soft meows.

At night she liked to sleep just above my head-front legs drapping down near my right ear, while her back lags draped near my left ear.  She also liked to lick my forehead when I laid down.  I often felt she was making up for the tender kisses I never got as a child.

Tawny passed away  many years ago, but she left a graceful, tender mark that still brings an immediate smile.  Motherhood is never limited by blood, sex, age or species.  Who have you been nurtured by? 

Interesting facts about your cat:

Typically, cats sleep 16 hours a day.

A cat’s whiskers are the width of the body.  They actually help the cat know whether or not it can get through a small space.

Cats see very well and night and can detect movement far better than you or me.

Cats purr at various times.  It may or may not be because they are happy.  Several pet parents report their cat purred while it was dying.

The lifespan of a cat varies by breed and environment.  An outdoor  cat’s lifespan is approximately 4 years.  They are more suseptible to disease and being killed by cars.  Cat’s that are kept indoors in a low stress household have the greatest possibility of a long life within breed specific parameters.  Maine Coons life span is about 8 years where as a Siamese is closer to 18.

I’ve often wondered what causes some people to have so much concern for others, including animals, and why other people are indifferent or worse yet, cruel.  I’ve also wondered how someone who loves animals can think bow hunting or steel trap hunting is ok.
Do people who receive cruelty as children inflict it on others?  If all people were equally compassionate, could we end the suffering of animals, children and the elderly?  Why is it that 5 children raised in the same home by the same abusive parents with the same genetic make-up react differently to life’s challenges?  Some of these children will be extremely empathetic and may use their compassion to serve others, while their siblings may lack compassion or become cruel themselves.  Is compassion something we can teach or is compassion imprinted within our genes?
Several major universities are participating in on-going studies of compassion or studies related to compassion.  Some researchers believe we have more compassion if a person or animal looks like us.  In other words, if you’re a petite blond, you’d have more compassion for petite blonds.  Personally, I disagree with theory.  Many people don’t like sharks, crocodiles or grizzly bears, but are appalled when they see these animals hunted for sport, killed for no reason, or forced to live their life in an unnatural environment. 
There are a few things we know for certain.  Early childhood is the best time to set life patterns that will include compassion.  This is why it is so important for animal advocates and volunteers to spend time at local elementary and junior high schools teaching humane education.  For more information on the topic of compassion and how it links to society please visit the University of California, Berkley, University of Washington (state), and the ASPCA websites.  If you need assistance starting a humane education center in your area contact your local animal organization rescue groups.  The Humane Association of Michigan has an interesting website that discusses their humane education outreach. 

Back to school shopping can be a wonderful time to educate your children about humane treatment of animals.  One of the worst and most offensive industries concerning animal welfare is the fur industry.  Although the United States has a ban on the use of cat or dog fur, it is allowed in several other countries including China, and dog and cat fur has been illegally imported and used for clothing in the United States.  The fur industry is barbaric and brutal.  In order to get a pelt that looks nice, healthy animals endure horrific violent deaths which may include being clubbed to death or multiple electrocutions.  As many as 45 million animals are used annually for fur, and many of these animals are raised inhumanely and endure tremendous suffering during their short lifespan.

Fortunately, there is an exciting movement within the retail industry to boycott the fur industry.  More and more retailers and designers are adopting fur-free policies.  They either sell no fur or they sell only faux fur (something made with synthetic products, not animals.)  The Humane Association of the United States maintains a list of “fur-free” retailers and designers.  The list includes popular stores such as The Gap, which includes Banana Republic, and Old Navy, J. Crew, Footlocker, and the Limited which includes Victoria Secret, Express, and La Senza.  Polo Ralph Lauren has stated that as of its holiday line in 2006, it will eliminate fur usage world-wide.  Many designers and fashion models are vehemently opposed to the use of fur and work to educate the public about the atrocities of the fur industry.

If you are shopping and notice a retailer is selling fur, please boycott the store.  Consider writing a letter the store manager letting them know you are boycotting the store because it sells real fur products and you find this unacceptable.   Use this as an opportunity to teach your children about compassion for all beings. 

The Fur Free Alliance (http://infurmation.com) is a worldwide coalition dedicated to terminating the use of fur.  In order to combat fashion designers that commit to fur- free designs, but then do not follow through, the Fur Free Alliance maintains a current list of fur-free designers. 

Both the Fur Free Alliance and the Humane Associate Website (www.hsus/furfree) have videos, pictures and more information on the fur industry.  Parents should view the pictures and videos first to see if they would be appropriate for their children.   However, both website contain information about the fur industry and how you and your children can help improve animal welfare. 

Hello,

Today I’m featuring an article by a fellow dog lover.  I have read numerous reports and have had veterinarians confirm that both grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs. All the best, Kate.

According the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, they have found that grapes and raisins can cause poisoning in dogs when eaten in large quantities. This is something that dog owners should be aware of if you normally give your pet fruits and vegetables as snacks.

The Center managed 140 grape/raisin poisoning cases from April 2003 to April 2004. According to their information, out of these 140 cases, over 50 of these dogs developed symptoms of toxin poisoning ranging from vomiting to kidney damage and kidney failure. Seven of the dogs died. At this point, no one really knows what is in this fruit that causes such a problem in dogs.

What Are The Symptoms?

The toxic symptoms can vary, but most of the signs exhibited by canines include lethargic behavior, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of kidney failure within 6 to 24 hours of eating this fruit. Should you come home to find that your dog has eaten the bunch of grapes sitting on the table or a packet of raisins, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

However, please be advised that your veterinarian may not even be aware that grapes and raisins can cause severe toxicity in your dog… so you may need to educate your veterinarian on this. Be insistent and have blood tests done immediately.

How do you know if your dog has eaten too much grapes or raisins? Here’s a true story to give you some idea:

One lady lost her Australian Shepherd/Saint Bernard mix to renal failure after her dog ingested one cup of raisins. Keep in mind that this would be a fairly large dog. After the dog began vomiting later in the day she took her dog into her veterinarian. The vet believed it was only an upset stomach and sent the dog home. It wasn’t until a few days later when the dog’s condition hadn’t improved that blood tests were finally taken. Unfortunately, by then acute renal failure had developed and the dog died, despite the aggressive treatments given.

What Is The Treatment Provided?

Care and management of this toxic poisoning will most often consist of induced vomiting, stomach pumping and administrating activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of the toxins by the body. This will most likely be followed by intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours.

In addition, blood tests will have to be taken to check on the elevation of blood calcium levels (Hypocalcaemia), as well as on the elevation levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorus, all of which affect kidney function.

Unfortunately in some cases, even aggressive treatment may not work due to the dog’s poor response to the treatment or length of time between realizing that your dog is showing signs of poisoning and getting help. Kidney damage and failure is very likely, which could result in death. Therefore it is imperative that you get veterinary help as soon as possible. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear if you know your pet has eaten several raisins and/or grapes.

If you have been feeding your pet these fruits on occasion as a snack (one or two grapes now and again probably won’t do any damage), it would be wise to stop the practice altogether. There are many other safe and healthy alternatives such as apples, carrots and celery that dogs are quite happy to snack on instead.