Is Nothing Sacred?

What a heartbreak right before the holidays to learn that you may have to move the remains of your pet!

The Pet Rest Cemetery off Glenwood Avenue near Interstate 540 has been a comfort to hundreds of pet owners in the last 30 years. A peaceful hillside spot where you can come and relax and visit with your pet.

Not so anymore.

Owner, Jerry Rogers, sold the 2.3-acre site to the neighboring Brier Creek Corporate Center. Graves have been dug up, caskets are stacked and waiting to be moved.

Of course the owner felt he was doing pet-owners a favor by telling them they could have the remains back to rebury or cremate. "... we thought it was better to honor the memories of people's pets and offered to move all of them."

Unlike human cemetaries, pet cemetaries can be moved at any time.

Maybe Mr. Rogers never loved a dog.

Leave No Man Behind / Leave No Pet Behind

While poking around the Three Dog Bakery web site, I found the following web page:

https://www.threedog.com/special/katrina.shtml

I hope they don't mind - I have taken the following from their site, and hope you will take a minute to read, write to our government, and consider buying a T-shirt that expresses what most pet-lovers feel.

****************************************
Support is on its way to thousands of companion animals who survived Katrina, but in memory of those who didn't survive, we need to insure that no pet is left behind ever again.

The animals need your advocacy.With the silent support of millions of companion animals behind us, we earnestly seek your help in publicizing an effort initiated in the aftermath of the disaster in the Gulf.

Leave No Man Behind
Leave No Pet Behind™

While the efforts to save animals are far from over, the movement to encourage shelter and rescue operations to include pets is just starting.

To this end, we have designed t-shirts to generate awareness and funds for this project, and 100% of the profit from the sale of these shirts will be used to provide food, clean water and a safe environment for the staggering numbers of animals left behind.

Secondly, we must address local, state and FEMA guidelines in order to allow the rescue of companion animals, and their subsequent shelter with their companions in times of disaster.

Forcing people to leave their frightened companions behind in a disaster is, simply put, inhumane.

The US Coast Guard was one very notable exception; they rescued companions whenever possible.

We are requesting your support in getting the word out to change policy. Disaster will strike again, and if we do not act now, people will once again be forced to leave their companions behind.

The sad irony is that "rescue dogs" flew in from all over the U.S. to rescue survivors, who were previously forced to leave their dog behind. The rescue dogs left no one behind, people did.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Mentioning "Leave No Pet Behind", please communicate your opinion to:

Coast Guard Headquarters (USCG) Commandant,
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, SW Washington, DC 20593

President George W. Bush The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500
Email: comments@whitehouse.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA
Washington, DC 20528
Comment Line: 202-282-8495

Milk Bone Glamour Girl

There will be a new glamour girl on Milk Bone cartons - Lucy, the Border Collie!

Lucy belongs to Janet George of Durham, NC and was one of four winners in a national contest sponsored by Milk-Bone dog biscuits. More than 47,000 dogs took part in the competition.

Rumor has it, Lucy's mom is throwing an I Love Lucy party to celebrate!

Lucy will be making her debut in March, 2006!

Gourmet comes to the Triangle

Bone Appetit!

That's probably what your dog will say when you go the new Three Dog Bakery in Apex, NC. A national franchise, Apex is currently the only NC store.

Of course, my dogs will have to wait until I drive to Apex to taste any of the bakery goodies. Some of my others did get some nibbles when I lived in Indianapolis, and I have to be honest. The verdict was split down the middle for preference - 2 liked the bakery goods, and 2 liked good old WalMart peanut butter cookies. Sorry, Three Dog people. Maybe the verdict will be different when this batch of dogs goes on a day trip to Apex.

But it is a neat concept, and it makes a terrific Xmas gift for your doggie friends - both 2-legged and 4-legged. They have a Dogalog and online store as well with everything from treats, to cakes, to baskets, to accessories.

If nothing else, take a look and have a giggle over the word plays - Grin Tin Tin, Pet-It Fours, Scottie Biscotti - clever marketing.

So have a Yappy Holiday!

Want to make your dog a Best in Show winner?

We all look at our pets and think they could be just as famous as any other Best in Show winner. Well, here is your chance to let people in the Triangle see just how special your pet is!

http://www.nbc17.com/news/5436213/detail.html

I know we think dogs are the best - or you wouldn't be reading this, would you? - but the contest is open to any kind of pet you can think of!

Dog Show USA

Another one of those virtual online dog shows that gives you the opportunity to show off your dog to the world. Hey, the best one is always in your backyard - ask me!

MRI's available at NCSU

The Iams Company has built the second Iams Pet Imaging Center on the campus of North Carolina State University (NCSU).

The new center changes the way veterinary students at the NCSU Veterinary School are taught to diagnose disease, in addition to being a valuable diagnostic tool for area veterinarians.

Iams has committed to provide free MRI services to 17 search and rescue dogs participating in some of our nation's worst tragedies. Each year, these dogs receive scans at an Iams Pet Imaging Center. The five-year study continues through 2007 with scans at the IPIC facilities near Washington DC, or Raleigh, North Carolina, on the campus of North Carolina State University.

What is an MRI?
MRI is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create detailed images of tissue. With this technology, veterinarians now can more accurately determine the cause and location of diseases in pets and treat them more efficiently and effectively. MRI identifies conditions such as cancer and orthopedic injuries without invasive exploratory surgery that can sometimes be required.

Update on the Terv in New Orleans

You know, I can write posts about Katrina to lists, to my blog, to my friends, etc I can share information, I can thank, I can co-ordinate efforts, I can remain objective - or so I thought.

But when it is your own breed, or someone you might know, it gets very personal. This got personal for me yesterday when someone shared this photo of a Belgian Tervuren being pulled out of the water and into a rescuer's boat. I made it my task to track this dog down.

What I wasn't prepared for was the director of the rescue group calling me at 9:15 tonight to let me know she had tracked down the fate of this adolescent male Tervuren.

What the photo does not show is that the dog had been living a very long time on top of an air conditioning unit. Long enough that the pads of his feet and the flesh was worn down to expose bone - bone and flesh that absorbed the toxic waters. His prognosis was not good and the decision was made to not let him suffer any more.

A thank you to Joyce Hillard of Arkansans for Animals for making that long distance call to let me know. Thank you for the efforts your group are making in New Orleans.

I made a few phone calls to the president of our breed club, left a message for the head of rescue who had authorized me to do what I could to find the dog, and spoke to two friends. I am drained and I am so sad. So sad for the animals. Sad for the people who no longer have the existence that they once knew. Sad for whatever and whoever is left in that toxic swamp. Sad because so much of this could have been prevented.

Thanks for letting me share my feelings. I am going to bed and just holding my dogs, my breathing, live dogs.

Do you know this dog?

Sure it's only 1 of thousands, but it is my breed. A young Belgian Tervuren. He is being hauled into the boat by his rescuer.

I will find out who this dog is and do what I can to help him. Our breed club will also do what they can to assist in this search.
Caption from Yahoo News:
"William Ladner, of Arkansans for Animals Inc, lifts a stranded dog
into his boat in the Eastover neighborhood of New Orleans."

Red Cross Needs 40,000 Volunteers

The Red Cross has asked for 40,000 more volunteers this evening on the Larry King Live show. Contact your local Red Cross to see how you can help or check their website for more information, Red Cross .

September is National Preparedness Month, a joint initiative between the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross, is the annual reminder to make sure that you and your family are prepared.

Visit the Preparedness pages on the Red Cross web site to see how you can prepare yourself and your family at home, work, and school. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.

Related Links:
National Weather Service http://www.nws.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) http://www.fema.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

HSUS Needs Volunteers

The HSUS needs volunteers desperately for animal rescue and care.

Check this page on their site if you want to volunteer.

If you are a veterinarian or technician and want to volunteer, check this page.

The picture says it all

This news byte from CBS Early Show just gave a lift to my heart in the midst of this sorrow - we are starting to see more pets and their owners being rescued from sorry situations. I have to share this picture with you as well, since the news article will soon be out of archives.... and the picture says it all.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/12/utility/main666437.shtml

U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard Respond to Pleas to Help Animals; Government Search & Rescue Agencies Reportedly Authorized to Rescue Pets

9/8/2005 6:20:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The United States Coast Guard and National Guard troops have begun to allow pets to accompany people who are being evacuated from New Orleans. Their efforts will help The Humane Society of the United States disaster animal response teams and other animal responders who are in Louisiana and Mississippi working desperately to save as many pets as possible as time runs out for animals.

The task is overwhelming even for the combined efforts of all of the animal welfare groups in the Gulf region. It will take the augmenting of rescue forces to respond to the tens of thousands of animals in need. Yesterday, The HSUS issued a plea to federal, state and local agencies for help to rescue the thousands of animals in distress in the afflicted areas.

Disaster Animal Response Teams working with The HSUS and other organizations to rescue animals in Louisiana and Mississippi have made significant progress in the last 24 hours.

"Our representatives in New Orleans called in late yesterday with the good news that National Guard troops are becoming involved with animal rescues and the U.S. Coast Guard is allowing evacuees to bring their pets with them from the flood-ravaged city," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "We've also heard reports that rescuers have been allowed to break into storm-damaged properties to rescue animals in dire need of assistance."

The HSUS teams have been involved with more than 1,000 animal rescues in Louisiana and Mississippi to date.
1-800-HUMANE-1 or http://www.hsus.org

In one dramatic rescue, a humane officer went to find a pit bull mix trapped under a house that was on fire. Just as a helicopter dumped water on the blaze, the humane officer ran through smoke and fire and found the dog tethered underneath a house where he had wound himself tightly around the PVC piping.

The officer determined the dog posed no threat and was working to cut him loose when the dog jumped on him and started licking his face. A leash was slipped over his head, the tether was cut off, and the lucky dog was escorted back through the haze and heat to the cool comfort of the animal control truck.

In yet another emotional rescue, a disaster relief team found seven stranded cats in a fetid and scorching apartment. Several of the cats cowered in the bathroom and two were hidden under a bed. All were safely rescued and put on the air-conditioned animal control truck.

"I don't think that there is anything that can compare to this disaster for animals," said David Pauli, HSUS regional director who is with the New Orleans team and has been doing emergency response for animals for 30 years. "This rescue mission will set the standard by which all responders will be trained for future disasters."

In Mississippi, an animal disaster hotline is in operation. The number is 1-888-722-3106. A pet-friendly shelter has been established in Barn 8 at the Jackson, Miss. fairgrounds.

In the New Orleans area, many animals have already been removed from the city or evacuated with their families ahead of the storm, but The HSUS has logged over 2,000 reports of animals in need of help. Teams in the field are responding to those reports and picking up a large number of animals on rooftops and other locations. Those animals are being moved to a temporary shelter in Gonzales, La. where they are evaluated and identified.
Each animal will be tracked to facilitate reunions with their families.

More than 250 people are now in Louisiana and Mississippi rescuing and caring for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina and animal control officers, veterinary technicians, and other professionals from around the country have answered the call for help and are streaming into the disaster zone to lend their skills in animal rescue, humane handling, sheltering to the historic effort to save the animals.

At The HSUS' offices in the Washington area, staff and volunteers are answering phone calls, organizing deliveries of supplies and equipment, and coordinating efforts in the field. The organization has received an unprecedented number of phone calls and emails from people around the world who are concerned about the plight of the animals.

For more information on how to volunteer with this effort or to donate, go to http://www.hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country.

Media
Contact: Karen L. Allanach (301) 548-7778, (301) 442- 6658, kallanach@hsus.org

Want to help pets and other animals hurt by Hurricane Katrina? Please donate to HSUS's Disaster Rescue Teams today. Go to https://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005.
http://www.usnewswire.com/

#######

Responsible Dog Ownership Day

The American Kennel Club is pleased be celebrating the third annual "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day" (AKC RDO Day) on September 17, 2005.

Events will be occurring all over the United States. To see the event closest to you, visit http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events/

September 10, 2005
10:00AM-2:00PM
Hosted by American Kennel Club
and Tarheel Golden Retriever Club
Millbrook Park
1905 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC

Spend a day in the park and meet some of AKC's 153 breeds. See Agility, Obedience and Rally demonstrations. AKC experts and local kennel clubs will be on hand to answer questions. Microchipping will also be available at Millbrook Park. For more information, contact Andy Hartman, (919) 816 - 3502, aah@akc.org.

A Canine Good Citizens Test is also being offered by the Central Carolina Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. The event takes place at You Lucky Dog! Daycare and Boarding.
Located at 8604 Jersey Court in Raleigh from 10 AM - 2 PM

For more information, contact Dee Wallis, (919) 782 - 2558,

Take The Lead forms The Katrina Relief Fund

Take The Lead has announced the formation of The Katrina Relief Fund to help people in the dog show world who have suffered losses in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The fund is to help people in the dog show world who have suffered losses in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi. It has been created to assist people who have been involved in the sport of purebred dogs for five years. Immediate financial relief is available to those who live in the federally designated disaster area and have suffered loss as a direct result of the storm.

For further information or to apply for assistance, contact Take The Lead via its web site http://www.takethelead.org or by calling 1-800-814-1123.

Checks should be made out to Take The Lead Katrina Relief Fund and mailed to
Take The Lead,
P.O. Box 6353,
Watertown, NY 13601.

For donations by credit card, please call the office.
All inquiries, applications and awards are held in strictest confidence.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Animal Shelter

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), the Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA), the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) are managing animal evacuations and recovery plans for New Orleans pets and displaced animals.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Animal Shelter at

LSU Ag Center's John M. Parker Coliseum
Visiting Hours:

11 AM–2 PM and 5–7 PM daily

The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales is currently housing the following:

• Stray companion animals (may include pets that escaped from homes or were otherwise lost)
• Some pets belonging to Superdome evacuees
• Horses

Pets Traveling With Owners

The LVMA is currently accepting pets at

• Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette,
• LSU in Shreveport,
• Monroe Civic Center for small animals
• Ike Hamilton Center for large animals in Monroe,
• Farmer’s Market in Alexandria,
• LSU Agricultural Center/Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge.

Animals will be accepted 24 hours a day.

Veterinarians will be on hand to handle any medical needs. Owners are encouraged to be responsible for the feeding and cleaning of their pets at the Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge, but the SVM, along with volunteers from the Baton Rouge Veterinary Medical Association, will provide veterinary care. If for some reason, an owner is unable to care for a pet sheltered in the Parker Coliseum (e.g., the owner is housed in a special-needs shelter), volunteers will provide primary care, such as feeding and cleaning.

The East Baton Rouge Animal Control Center will be taking stray animals.

The Parker Coliseum will be staffed 24 hours a day by a supervising veterinarian, student volunteers from the School of Veterinary Medicine, and others. Pets in the Coliseum will be given physical exams and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations. If a pet requires medical attention and veterinary monitoring, it will be sent to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Volunteers
Volunteers (minimum age: 16) are needed to work in the pet shelter at John M. Parker Coliseum.

In Baton Rouge, please come directly to the Coliseum and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator to sign up. Or you may call toll-free (888) 773-6489 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm or e-mail Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov for more information. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty!

If you live outside the Baton Rouge area and would like to volunteer your time to work in one of the Emergency Animal Shelters, please call toll-free (888) 773-6489 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, or send an e-mail to Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov with your name and contact information, level of experience (e.g., veterinarian, veterinary assistant/technician, animal control worker, lay volunteer, etc., and please indicate any specialized skills you may have), your level of self-sufficiency, when you can travel to Baton Rouge, and how long you can stay.

Any animal handling professionals or animal control officers who wish to assist with search and rescue missions going into flooded areas, please visit the Louisiana Animal Control Association Newsblog at www.lacanews.blogspot.com for more information.

Please note: this will be a dangerous, dirty job and not one that members of the general public can assist us with. Only trained professionals can be used for this task.

Continental offering FREE pet fares for a limited time

If anyone is looking to foster or adopt a Katrina victim, this information on the Petfinder forum...contact any of the rescue groups working in the area.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CONTINENTAL IS ONLY OFFERING THIS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THESE HOMELESS ANIMALS SHIPPED TO FOSTER HOMES ACROSS THE COUNTRY NOW!

PLEASE CALL Continental Airlines at 1-800-575-3335 TO GET THE DETAILS AND TO COORDINATE.

The number for animal transport is 800-575-3335. You have to wait through the announcement and then you will get a live person! Continental IS providing free transport to the pets of hurricane victims.

Here are some details:

• Only offered on large jets - no small commuter planes for the animals safety.
• You must have a crate. It must be the appropriate size for the animal.
• The shipper must have identification from LA, MS or AL.
  
• If the person is traveling with the pet, it must be in under the seat crate, she thought this applied to rescue flights from NO, but was not sure.
  
• If the animal is traveling from a non-affected city (like Houston) a health certificate is required. There are lots of resources for health certs in these cities.
  
• If the animal is traveling from an affected city (within LA, MS and AL) they will allow a hand written note from a rescue organization stating that the animal is healthy enough to travel.

Unfortunately the airport in Biloxi is still not open.

This service will only be available for another 3 to 5 days.

They want to limit this to a couple of weeks at the most - so, time is of the essence. Call the number above for more info if you need transport.

NCSU Vet School Lends a Helping Hand to Katrina's Animal Victims

Today at North Carolina State University students and professors at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine are loading supplies and medicine to lend aid to companion and farm animals affected by Katrina's devastation.

The Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine has NCSU CVM to collect large kennels. Donated kennels can be delivered to Wake County Animal Shelter. 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603 Phone (919) 772-2326 FAX (919) 772-2482.

Corporations MATCHING Katrina Donations

If you still have moments of undecision on how to help, consider one of the following companies and organizations that are MATCHING certain contributions.

Do you work for a company that will be matching contributions? Share the information by contacting this web site.
http://www.advfn.com/news_Corporations-kick-in-millions-to-offer-Katrina-relief---UPDATE-6_12340785.html
Don't miss out on an opportunity to not only help, but to double your efforts!

If you know of other groups matching donations, please take a minute to post a comment here with the details.

** List Updated SEPT. 6 **

Loewe's
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-02-2005/0004099315&EDATE=
match in-store customer donations to the Red Cross up to a total of $2 million.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
http://www.thrivent.com/fraternal/katrina.html
50% match of all member donations to Lutheran Disaster Response and three other organizations up to $2 million.

Colorado Gay and Lesbian Fund
http://www.coloradohelps.org
match donations made by any Colorado resident to the Red Cross via their website up to $1 million.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (& Warner Bros. Entertainment)
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/showinfo/hurricane.html
match contributions to the Red Cross made via the show's web site up to $500,000.

Sears and Kmart
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050901/cgth066.html?.v=14
match customer donations to the Red Cross made at Sears and Kmart stores up to $500,000.

Barry Manilow
http://www.manilowfund.com
double-match contributions made to the Red Cross through the Manilow Fund both online and by check. Barry will personally match contributions up to $50,000 and the fund will also match up to $50,000, so your donation will be tripled.

Boost Mobile
http://www.socialfunds.com/news/release.cgi/4345.html
match donations made by their wireless phone customers up to $50,000.

Wawa (DE, MD, PA, NJ, VA)
http://www.wawa.com/news/news-home.asp
match in-store donations to the Red Cross up to $50,000.

Sovereign Bank (Mid-Atlantic and NewEngland regions)
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-31-2005/0004097722&EDATE=
match donations to the Red Cross made at its banking offices up to $50,000.

Commerce Bank (Philadelphia, New York, and DC)
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-01-2005/0004098250&EDATE=
match contributions to the Red Cross up to $50,000 for users of its Penny Arcade coin-counting machines.

Price Chopper (NY, PA, VT, CT, MA, NH )
http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/PRICEC.148.html
match customer donations to the Red Cross up to $50,000.

BI-LO, Bruno's, Food World and Food Max (AL, SC, NC, FL, GA, TN)
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-30-2005/0004096873&EDATE=
match customer donations made to the Red Cross at checkout up to $25,000.

Quilters Comfort America
http://www.quilts.com/hurricane.htm
match donations made by quilters to the Red Cross via any method up to $10,000.

Reseller Ratings
http://resellerratings.com/katrina-relief.html
match contributions made to the Red Cross via their web site up to $10,000.

Hollywood Super Markets (Detroit)
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-31-2005/0004097647&EDATE=
match donations made to the Salvation Army at their stores up to $10,000.

Strengthen the Good
http://www.strengthenthegood.com/
match alldonations made to the Red Cross at their web site up to $3,200 $4,550.
This total is increasing as individuals contribute their own matching funds here.

Panera Bread (NH)
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050902/NEWS01/109020038/-1/COMMUNITY07
match donations to the Salvation Army made at their stores. No limit was specified.

Non-Monetary Drop-off Point - Mecklenburg, NC

Project HALO is in the process of coordinating a trip to the flood
ravaged areas of MS, AL and LA to help rescue the displaced and
injured animals. They did this when Floyd hit our coast and they are
helping out again.

The NC Director of EARS (Emergency Animal Rescue Services) said she
expects the group of volunteers to be deployed as early as Monday
(9/5).

The people in hurricane disaster area of course take priority and
there are many great organizations heading out to do their part to
save lives and make people more comfortable. The needs of many
thousands of animals is often the last concern and they need our
help too.

How can you help? Project HALO needs the following items:
• Advantage/Frontline/Heartguard
• Plastic pet carriers
• Leashes/collars
• Food/water bowls
• Zip ties
• Litter/Litter boxes/Scoops
• Duct Tape
• Wet Ones/Handiwipes
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Trash Bags
• Tarps
• Plastic or Rubber Gloves
• Sharpie Pens
• Bug Spray for the volunteers
• Polaroid Film
• Polaroid Cameras
• Any type of wound dressing material (gauze, tape, wound wash, etc)
• Money

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will have two drop sites
available:

First Ward Recreation
640 East 7th Street
Parking lot is located on 6th Street Marion Diehl Center

2219 Tyvola Rd (between Park Road and South Blvd)
Behind the Senior Center

If any of you have a good relationship with your vet, see if they
will donate some medical supplies. They need everything to set up a
triage area for the injured animals.

As always, Project HALO will gladly supply a donation receipt for
any and all donations. If you can't get supplies to them then you're
welcome to make a monetary donation via Paypal on our homepage of
the website at www.projecthalo.petfinder.com

Project HALO can make tax-free purchases at Petsmart. Every penny
saved counts! HALO wants to get the Bow Wow Bus loaded to the hilt
with supplies for these innocent victims. So many are left behind
and forgotten when a disaster like this hits. It's our
responsibility as an animal loving community to help. Project HALO
will supply the transportation and gas along with volunteers, we
just need your help with the supplies.

Questions regarding the Project HALO rescue should be directed to
Rhonda @ (704) 395-2997

MEMBERSHIP DONATION:
Go Active Club will donate 25% of its membership dues to Project
HALO for all members joining or renewing over the next 2 weeks.
Visit this site to add membership time now:
http://goactiveclub.com/oneyear-ind.html

Please forward this to anyone you think may like to help!

Thank you,

Don Salomon
Go Active Club
http://goactiveclub.com

Hurricane Relief and Show-n-Go, Sanford, NC & Collection point

The Bon-Clyde Learning Center in Sanford, NC, will be collecting
supplies to ship to the Houston SPCA as they deal with the displaced
animals from Louisiana and possibly Mississippi.

The email below indicates needs and the specifics of this problem. We
will be collecting items at our show-n-go's that are being held
Tuesday, 9/6, from 6:30-8:00pm and Wednesday, 9/7, 10:00-11:30am.

Please help if you can.
Wendy Anderson
www.bon-clyde.com

******************************************************
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2005 15:20:06 -0500
From: Penny Winegartner
Subject: Pet Relief Supplies and Needs - Houston, TX

Please help get the word out. Permission to cross post to any and
all lists granted.

Due to Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region, the Louisiana SPCA
moved all animals out of their shelter to the Houston SPCA.
Monetary donations are needed to help care for the over 260 extra
animals in Houston's shelters and to help the Louisiana SPCA respond
to the needs of the animals still in the area.

Monetary Donations are accepted via Houston SPCA site at
https://www.SPCAHouston.org
MODE=NEW&SnID=1685655262&Forms_FormTy>

AKC's Hurricane Relief Efforts are working through the local dog
clubs and due to PAWSitive Impact Agility long standing working
relationship with the Houston Kennel Club (hosting the Reliant World
Series of Dog Shows Agility Trials) PAWSitive Impact Agility is
working with the Houston Kennel Club and AKC with Hurricane relief
for the animals affected by this disaster by:

1. Getting the word out.

2. Acting as a collection point and delivery service for local supply
donations.

Map to our agility training center can be found on our website at
http://www.pawsitiveimpact.com/

Any questions about PAWSitive Impact Agility efforts can be directed
to Penny Winegartner, at daretu@... or 281-692-9053.

In addition local area folks are being asked to take in pets of
evacuees who are unable to take their pets into shelters or hotels
with them.

The Houston Kennel Club is organizing that effort. If you are in the
Greater Houston Area and can take in any pets please send me your
contact information, the limitations on what you can accept and care
for.

Be aware that whatever animals taken in may be in poor health or
have bad temperament and there is some or great risk in doing this.
These animals will be sight unseen basically.

MODE=NEW&SnID=1685655262&Forms_FormTy>

Lastly, but not least is the need for supplies by the Houston SPCA.
They are asking local residents to help by bringing by donations of:

Newspaper
Zip ties/ cable ties
Rolls of paper towels
Foil roasting pans (to be used as litter boxes)
Travel crates for animals
Bowls
Towels and blankets
1 gallon bottles of water
Waders
Gas Cans
D, C, and AA Batteries
Walkie Talkies
Ice Chests
Tarps
Duct Tape
Rope
Gloves
Hand Wipes
First Aid Kits
Masks
General Office Supplies
Trash Bags
Trash Cans
Clip Boards
Spray Bottles
Dishwashing and Laundry Soap
Scrubbing Brushes
Can Openers
Cat Litter

Their physical / mailing address is:
900 Portway Drive,
Houston, Texas 77024-8022

(North of I-10, just east of the 610 / I-10
exchange). See their web page for a map.

Update on Katrina's animal victims and what is needed

The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs is working closely with SART (State Agricultural Response Team) and with the American Kennel Club to provide assistance and coordinate relief efforts to ALL species of animals affected by Katrina - not just canines. Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, ALL species of animals have been assisted by FAKC and AKC in disaster situations.

Here is the situation and what is needed:

First of all, at the present time - NO ONE is being allowed into the areas affected by Katrina (MS, AL, LA).

Roads are impassable - people in the affected areas are desperate - and it is NOT SAFE at this time to travel to those areas.

Understand - there is NO GASOLINE available - so if you get in - you are stuck - and you will have NO police protection. At the present time - only the Military and Police are allowed in those areas - NO CIVILIANS!

That does NOT mean that there aren't things that we can (and should) be doing in the meantime!

1. Donations (which are tax deductible charitable donations) can be sent to:

AKC/CAR Canine Support & Relief Fund
American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016-2401

The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
President: Diane Albers
401 Cardinal Oaks
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
800 597-2987
407-322-8980
dja0218@aol.com

100% of the funds donated go DIRECTLY TO THE ANIMALS in the way of needed supplies (medicine, crates, food, etc.).

2. Arrangements are being made for a location in each County here in Florida where donated supplies can be dropped off. Hopefully, details will be finalized sometime tomorrow - please stay tuned - as soon as arrangements are confirmed, an announcement will be forthcoming.

3. If you are aware of anyone setting up temporary shelters in the affected area (LA, MS, AL) that needs to off-load animals to make room of other refugees or needs supplies for themselves - please contact Diane Albers (1-800-597-2987 or 407-322-8980). Arrangements have been made for shelter trucks to go in and take those animals to help lighten the load.

4. Shelters/rescues in the affected areas that need assistance. The following information is needed:

A. Where you are located.
B. What do you need.
C. Need a full street address where supplies can be drop shipped.

5. This is just a short list of items that are needed THERE ARE MANY OTHER ITEMS IN THE MEDS. ETC. BUT THIS WOULD BE GOOD FOUNDATION

DIANE J.ALBERS, PRESIDENT
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF KENNEL CLUBS, INC.
401 CARDINAL OAKS CT.
LAKE MARY, FL. 32746800-597-2987

WATER
FOOD
CRATES
CAT LITTER
SHAMPOO
SUN SHEETS
ALCOHOL
PEROXIDE
BETADINE
TOWELS
BLANKETS
RUGS
CAN OPENERS
TARPS
FLEA SPRAYS
FLY SPRAYS
MOSQUITO SPRAYS
BATTERIES
FLASHLIGHTS
GENERATORS
FANS
HOSES
BLEACH
DISINFECTANTS
TRASH BAGS
GAS CANS
LEASHES
COLLARS
BOWLS
WATER BUCKETS
COOLERS
ICE
GAUZE
TAPE
HAND CLEANER
LATEX GLOVES
AUTO AND TRUCK TRANSPORT FOR SUPPLIES AS WELL AS ANIMALS.
BARBED WIRE
CONSTRUCTION FENCING
FIELD FENCING
SALT BLOCKS
HAY
SWEET FEED
ROPE
HALTERS
VET WRAP AND MEDS FOR HORSES, LIVESTOCK.
FEED FOR PIGS, CHICKENS, DONKEYS, GOATS
BIRD CAGES
FISH TANKS
WATER BOTTLES
ORGANIZED VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE SUPPLIES IN.

6. The other thing that is desperately needed is volunteers! If anyone knows of any catteries, kennels, etc. that can help take in animals - please contact Diane Albers.

Another word of warning - be careful of all these organizations that are soliticing for donations. Some of them are not reputable.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity and help.

We were so very lucky to have been spared the wrath of Katrina - Please continue to say a prayer for the victims.

Diane Albers, President
Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
1-800-597-2987
407-322-8980
DJA0218@aol.com

The most difficult of times - New Orleans PD

A news broadcast just came through on ABC that has everything to do with Katrina, everything to do with animals, everything to do with the state of affairs.

24 police officers have resigned from the New Orleans Police Department and 2 have committed suicide.

The situation is so grave, the bodies, the destruction, the chaos... they can't deal with it any longer. They are only human and have hit their limits.

Another ABC news clip was with George Stefanolpolitz and a senator from LA doing a helicopter tour of the city and giving a bird's eye view of the catastrophic damage. The senator was in tears during most of the helicopter flight and the interview. She said she has met the President on Friday, looked him eye to eye, and begged for troops, equipment, help - it the US has it - the regions need it, and they need it now.

"Mr. President, please stop doing photo ops, and help the people in this region survive and recover."

Late night thoughts

I feel so helpless during all these news broadcasts.

Today I went to the Durham KC dog show at the Raleigh fairground to watch, help at the cardiac clinic, gets my dog's eyes CERF'd and visit with friends. I ended up entering Rally at the match held by Cary Kennel Club - the new club in town trying to gain AKC recognition. I visited with friends and had a great time.

But I could not get the destruction of Katrina out of my mind.

Why am I here with my beloved dogs and someone else's is left behind to starve, to die, to nibble on corpses of beloved family members, to be shot on sight by police and rescuers as a matter of mercy. What draws that fine line between someone loosing everything they ever owned or loved and me.

Why aren't we all doing more. Isn't there a Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you?" Isn't that common sense? Courtesy? Isn't that what this country is supposed to be about?

Why has it taken so long for the President to realize these horrors? Other countries have offered aid before we have offered it to our own citizens.

There are still people stranded in New Orleans and I be in some of these other small towns that aren't as publicly important. 1300 prisoners were airlifted out of NO. The Aquarium is destroyed. The Zoo has had minimal casualties because it stood higher off the ground.

The animals will be the last to be saved. What cruelty of life is this that we gave our companions and friends. Another blogger gave me a link to an article she had published on MSNBC. Maybe if you have read so far, you can read her article - maybe you can plan for a disaster if it happens in your lifetime. I hope not, but just in case. Protecting pets in times of disaster - Advance planning helps save people and animals.

My prayers and thoughts are with the families ravaged by this disaster.

AKC Steps in to Lend Helping Hand to Katrina's Canine Victims

AKC steps in to help canine disaster victims again. For updated information, see the AKC website.

#############

AKC and AKC Companion Animal Recovery
Working to Provide Relief to Canine Victims of Hurricane Katrina

[Friday, September 02, 2005]
NEW YORK, NY — In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) and affiliated organization AKC Companion Animal Recovery are working to provide relief where it is most needed by animals and the people helping them.

The AKC is in contact with delegates, presidents and secretaries of AKC Member and Licensed Clubs in the hurricane-stricken states and is working closely with the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Houston Kennel Club and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs to determine where shelters and staging areas will be established so that supplies and assistance may be provided. Contact has been made with the shelter director of the Louisiana State University Veterinary School to provide an initial shipment of supplies.

"The AKC is greatly saddened by the devastating hurricane that continues to leave a path of destruction across the South," said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. "Notwithstanding the human tragedy and untold billions of dollars in damage, we expect there are untold numbers of canine victims that are in desperate need of our assistance. Today we are arranging for the shipment of crates, exercise pens and feeding and water bowls, and will continue do everything in our power to find ways to help. "

Dog clubs, shelters or individuals in need of assistance are asked to contact us
Seekhelp@akc.org or 1-800-252-7894.

The AKC will continue to post frequent updates to our website at www.akc.org.

DONATIONS
In anticipation of the needs of the canine victims, we are accepting monetary donations. If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, you may send it to the
AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund at the address below.

Contributions made to the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund are used to immediately purchase needed equipment and supplies and deliver them directly to contact centers.

AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund
American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue – 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016-2401

###########

Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT)

Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMATs) are the national backbone of animal disaster preparedness and response.

With assistance, funding and support from the AVMF, VMATs provide treatment and aid to animals used in search-and-rescue efforts and animals hurt or endangered by catastrophic events such as floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. Comprised of highly trained veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support personnel, VMATs teams are organized regionally and can be deployed to any state or U.S. territory within 24 hours.

VMATs operate within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All training, preparations and equipment are made possible through charitable support. Once called upon by an authorized federal agency, VMATs are supported by federal resources when deployed.

VMAT teams supplement the relief efforts already underway by local veterinarians and emergency aid providers. Together, they form a collaborative animal relief system that includes VMATs, state and local officials, the state veterinarian, the local veterinary community, state and local veterinary medical associations, emergency management personnel, humane groups, Red Cross volunteers and search and rescue groups.

Through the AVMF’s continued support, VMATs are ready to respond immediately when called upon by federal agencies and have become an indispensable resource in times of state and local disasters.

HSUS Situation Report - Louisiana

The Humane Society of the United States - Situation Report
Date/Time: September 1, 2005, 11:00 AM
Event: Hurricane Katrina
Location: Mississippi and Louisiana

Louisiana:
Thousands of people being evacuated from the New Orleans Superdome are arriving in Houston to be sheltered in the Astrodome. The Houston SPCA is arranging sheltering for the pets of people who are staying in Houston area shelters and are preparing for the influx of more animals.

HSUS volunteers are helping transport animals from the Astrodome to the temporary shelter, which will be fully operational by Friday.

The HSUS Southwest Regional Office has been contact with the state veterinarian and is working closely with the Louisiana SPCA. Here is information that the Louisiana SPCA has sent out:

For people with pets who are currently evacuating New Orleans,
the LA/SPCA will transport animals from pick-up points in New Orleans to a temporary facility outside Baton Rouge. The pick-up points have not yet been determined and are being coordinated with the agency charged with transporting people from New Orleans to other areas. Once the shelter is full, animals will be moved to temporary shelters in other areas of Louisiana and Texas.

For confined pets still in the disaster area,
beginning on September 1,2005, residents who left pets in their homes may call a hot line to leave information about the number of animals, species, and their confined location. As soon as the hotline number is obtained, we will advise the media. A regional donation center is being established; the media will be advised of the address once determined.

For more information on disaster preparedness, training, and response for animals for individuals, animal facilities, and communities, or to support our efforts, please refers to
http://www.hsus.org/disaster.
or call 1-800-HUMANE-1 (1-800-486-2631).

HSUS Situation Report - Mississippi

The Humane Society of the United States - Situation Report

Date/Time: September 1, 2005, 11:00 AM
Event: Hurricane Katrina
Location: Mississippi and Louisiana

Mississippi:
Working with the Mississippi State Veterinarian's Office the HSUS DART gathered resources Tuesday and Wednesday in Jackson (MS). Their first task was developing the pet-friendly shelter and emergency animal shelter, currently with approximately 80 animals, at the Coliseum in Jackson and establishing the basis for taking in many more animals from the surrounding area.

This morning seven DART field teams left to conduct damage and needs assessments from Jackson south to Hattiesburg area, and to provide help as they find needs. The HSUS team includes about 35 trained responders and 8-10 vehicles (plus trailers and RVs), including the HSUS Disaster Response Unit (truck & trailer), and members from the Okaloosa (FL) DART, Sumter County (FL) DART, Humane Society of Missouri , Day's End Farm Horse Rescue (MD), and others.

Team capabilities include companion animals, horses, livestock, and wildlife. The team leaders are pushing very hard to get help to Gulfport, but at this time Route 49 is open only to state-authorized emergency vehicles.

An HSUS DART member who lives in Gulfport and reports to us daily has told us that the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi (HESS) shelter has with stood major destruction. Early reports that the animals had been evacuated from this shelter were incorrect. In fact, many of the animals appeared to have perished, though some were able to float free. Reports are that people in Gulfport are leaving more animals at the shelter.

Our team is pressing to bring relief there. Security is apparently still an issue in these areas of Southern Mississippi, even delaying some government response.

Louisiana SPCA lets you know how to Help

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), the Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA), and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) are managing animal evacuations and recovery plans for New Orleans pets and displaced animals.

Donations: What You Can Do to Help

Financial donations are being accepted to fund the animals' care through the Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr. Veterinary Memorial Foundation at the LVMA at 1-800-928-LVMA.

A regional donation center is being established. Our needs include: large air kennels and metal cages, leashes, disposable bowls, canned cat and dog food, disposable litter pans, spray bleach, paper towels, sheets, towels, locks, hoses, bottled water, trash cans, trash bags, pooper scoopers, cat litter, extension cords, fans. The most urgent needs are kennels and monetary donations. The media will be advised of the address once determined. At least 175 animals are currently en route to Baton Rouge.

For more information or to make donations of the materials listed above, please call the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at 225-578-9900 (http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu) or the LVMA at 1-800-928-LVMA (http://www.lvma.org).

KC Working To Provide Relief to Canine Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Working To Provide Relief to Canine Victims of Hurricane Katrina

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is working to make contact with delegates, presidents and secretaries of AKC Member and Licensed Clubs in the hurricane-stricken states. Additionally, the AKC is working with the Houston Kennel Club and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) to determine where shelters and staging areas will be established.

If your club is in need of assistance or you know a shelter that needs help, please contact us at seekhelp@akc.org or call 800-252-7894.

You may also call Diane Albers, FAKC, at 800-597-2987.

"The AKC is greatly saddened by the devastating hurricane that continues to leave a path of destruction across the South," said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. "Notwithstanding the human tragedy and untold billions of dollars in damage, we expect there are untold numbers of canine victims that are in desperate need of our assistance. We will do everything in our power to help them."

The AKC will continue to post frequent updates to our website at http://www.akc.org.

Info from FL Disaster Animal Rescue Team

ALBERS ON KATRINA DISASTER - "HOLD TIGHT"

Comments from Diane Albers, President, Florida Association Of Kennel Clubs, Member Fla. State Agriculture Response Team, Disaster Animal Rescue Team

In the hurried calls re Louisiana, Mississippi and other Gulf Coast Disaster Areas, here's a synopsis as of 8/30/05, Tuesday afternoon:

"Hold Tight. You can't get in there now, Martial Law has been declared.
What you can and must do is get organized, set up a collection point in your area for veterinary supplies and crates. Transportation is extremely important, large vehicles, trucks, and drivers to move the animals to Shelter."

Diane went on to explain that it will not be until after the worst dangers like downed wires, buildings collapsing, and survivors have been rescued that animal rescue teams will be allowed in.

Diane advises "Please, don't add to the confusion or complicate the rescue efforts, but DO ORGANIZE help!"

She is organizing convoys from Florida and trying to help arrange similar efforts in neighboring
states, particularly Texas. Her Group is "trying to locate people who stayed behind because they could not or would not evacuate and leave horses and other beloved animals to die."

The reality is, some of those people died and not knowing who survived, if they are injured, where
they are, well, it's driving everyone crazy.

Don't clog this line!!!!
800-597-2987

Call only if you can offer:

• Shelter
• Transportation
• Supplies (veterinary, bedding, crates)
• Specialty Foods

Diane is in constant touch with AKC's Dennis Sprung. As in other times, help is there. AKC has been magnificent in response to Hurricanes Charlie, Gene, Andrew and other disasters. Dog food was sent by Iams and Purina and Diane believes other manufacturers can be counted on again to move food into the stricken area.

What wasn't anticipated in Florida was the need for specialty foods! For example, pigs born to be
slaughtered can only eat special stuff and big cats eat 200 pounds of meat per day! If there was time for a grim smile it was when she explained a situation where she finally "delegated" someone to do
something she didn't want to do - feed those big cats!

Diane cautions there will be other unexpected problems. The Florida group rescued over 18,000 animals during the Charlie, Gene, Andrew assault. A lot of people really gave the most important thing we have - our time! Diane mentioned one Beagle gal who drove every day to designated areas, worked to exhaustion, then drove back to her home town long enough to get a few hours sleep, then back to care for the animals, day after grueling day. No single hero here. Just people caring for people and for animals. Is there a more noble cause?

AGAIN - Organization is critical.

Diane said "our military will bring out the animals as they can. Right now, they are the only ones allowed in there. Obviously they will bring out people first, but our military and Guard people are great! Most of them love animals and they will get as many as they can."

Here's what Diane's group has learned from experience. Hopefully you are close enough to aid in a massive effort covering the entire Gulf Coast region from Louisiana up into Georgia. Whether you are or not - get organized in your own area!!! If you are a member of any dog club, offer your services. Agility people, field trial enthusiasts, you are all a tremendous asset!!! Your physical strength and endurance may be needed. Disasters are not show rings where the worst we worry about is running into the ring divider or tripping over a mat!

Crates are hard to come by and vitally needed when rescuers move in. How can the people move their pets? Diane came up with a great idea. Go to the airlines (yes now) as representative of _______ Disaster Rescue Organization and ask them to save the crates that people don't take when they pick up pets. Yes, people leave those crates. Get the name of Senior Freight Agents, ask them to give you even one crate now, and to save accumulated crates for your group to pick up once a week.

Go to the hospitals and ask for discarded surgical packs, they don't use everything in them and there is valuable sterile collectibles." says Diane. Collect and store water containers, crates and supplies in your
group's warehouse. Yes, warehouse. A moisture-free rental building to start with.

Get local businessmen to donate space and help. They will!! You'd be surprised. Especially now when this is on their minds. Next month, you will have lost the advantage of news coverage.

Contact a trucking firm and ask them to take what you've collected down to a central collection point at the disaster area. This time, next time, and if God forbid, your area is hit.

And now is the time to remind each and every one of you that it may not be a natural disaster. Homeland Security begins with home folks. That's YOU. Someone must answer the phone. Set up a hotline in your area. It can be call forwarded around to different volunteers so no one has the whole burden.

The Detroit Kennel Club puts it all together:
http://www.detroitkennelclub.com/club_news.htm
Animal Relief

In the devastation caused by the hurricanes in Florida, the forgotten victims are often the dogs. There are two funds which have been initiated specifically for the benefit of the purebred dogs affected by the storms. If you wish to help to the canine victims of the Florida hurricanes, there are two associations that will use your donations to provide medical supplies, necessary care, and if necessary, re-homing.

AKC/CAR Canine Support & Relief Fund
American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016-2401

Contributions are used to immediately purchase needed equipment and supplies and deliver them directly to contact centers. Please note on the check that monies should go toward helping the victims of natural disasters.

The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs
President: Diane Albers
401 Cardinal Oaks
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
800 597-2987
407-322-8980
dja0218@aol.com

**********Permission to Crosspost*********

WHO WILL HELP THE ANIMALS? AVMA

WHO WILL HELP THE ANIMALS?
Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams Deployed to Aid Animal Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Many of Katrina's victims will be those least able to help themselves — animals. So who will be there for the animals injured in this devastating storm? Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT), established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and funded primarily by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), are working as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) to care for injured animals, as well as provide advice concerning public health issues.

As Katrina neared landfall, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deployed two fully-staffed VMAT teams, VMAT-3 led by Dr. James Hamilton and VMAT-5 led by Dr. Garry Goemann, and stationed a separate disaster assessment team in Houston, Texas with VMAT representative, Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMAT-1 Deputy Team Commander.

Twenty-five VMAT members are on the ground in Anniston, Alabama, while another 22 members are making their way from Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans ready to assist the local veterinary community with animal victims as soon as it is safe to do so.

VMAT personnel consist of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, scientists, epidemiologists, toxicologists, pathologists, pharmacists and other support personnel trained to assist the local veterinary communities provide medical care to injured animals, help coordinate animal relief efforts on site, and address public health issues.

Since 1994, VMAT teams have been deployed to both natural and manmade disasters such as Hurricane Floyd and the September 11th tragedy, to assist in the delivery of medical help to injured animals and to provide public health advice. A significant amount of funding for the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams comes from the AVMF.

Individuals wishing to support VMAT in their disaster relief efforts may make an online donation on AVMF's secure website, www.avmf.org or send a contribution to:

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation
http://www.avmf.org
1931 N. Meacham Road Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173

What is the AVMA?

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.

More than 72,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture.

Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) deficiency Study

*** News release from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine ***

Veterinary Surgeon Draws on Engineering Expertise in Search for Measures to Predict Lameness in Dogs

URBANA - A torn ligament in the knee is not just a problem for human athletes. It's the most common orthopedic problems affecting dogs, too--especially large dogs.

A veterinary surgeon at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is doing more than just repairing the problem--known as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency--on her patients. She is conducting research to identify ways to predict which individuals are susceptible to this problem, and to determine what steps can be taken during the dog's early life that will prevent CCL deficiency in its adulthood.

Dr. Dominique Griffon is enrolling adult Labrador retrievers in a multi-dimensional study designed to determine the usefulness of radiographs, bone density measurements, and computer tomography (CT) evaluations of the hind limb conformation as a means of identifying differences in dogs with CCL deficiency and normal dogs.

In addition, the gait, or walk, of some dogs enrolled in the study will be analyzed at the Human Dynamics and Controls Lab within the University of Illinois College of Engineering.
Dr. Griffon is collaborating with Dr. Elizabeth T. Hsiao-Wecksler, a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering who runs the Human Dynamics and Controls Lab. This lab is equipped to study issues related to musculoskeletal biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering using such techniques as dynamic systems modeling, control theory, and movement analysis. As its name implies, this lab was designed for human subjects, so analyzing the gait of dogs is new territory for all concerned.

Dr. Griffon plans to extend what she learns from the comparison of normal dogs and those with CCL deficiency through additional study into preventive measures, such as physical therapy and/or surgical alteration of growth plates, that can reduce the incidence of CCL deficiency in susceptible individuals.

Presently, the study needs to enroll pure-bred Labrador retrievers both with CCL deficiency and normal dogs without orthopedic disease. Normal dogs may qualify for a free dental cleaning and complete orthopedic evaluation. CCL dogs would receive the preoperative work-up routinely recommended for patients at no charge.

A complete description of the study is on the Web at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/vth/documents/cclannounce.pdf

Dominique Griffon is an assistant professor in small animal orthopedic surgery at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a diplomate of the European and American colleges of veterinary surgeons. Her research interests encompass bone and cartilage engineering in three-dimensional scaffolds, clinical applications of synthetic biomaterials, and more.

Read more about Dr. Griffon and her interests here: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/faculty/vcm/dgriffon.htmlwww.cvm.uiuc.edu/lorb/

This news release can also be found at:
http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/news/viewartcl.cfm?id=73

Dog Turns on Master!

Well, not really - but if you are tempted to buy one of these products, don't be surprised if your dog turns on you. I mean enough is enough!!

Poopsadaisy for Dogs - money back guarantee!

UKC weight pull, Charlotte, NC - Sept 16, 17 & 18

The Boykin Spaniel Club and the Breeders Association of America will be hosting a UKC Weight Pull in Charlotte, NC on September 16th through the 18th.

Sep 16; Emily Foster (James Heinz backup)
WPULL Wheels-A
Entries 4-5:15 pm
Pull 6 pm

Sep 17; Emily Foster (James Heinz backup)
WPULL Wheels-A
Entries 7-8:30 am
Pull 9:15 am
NLC: Total Dog (in conjunction with the American Hairless TerrierConformation event)

Sep 18; James Heinz (Emily Foster backup)
WPULL Wheels-A
Entries 7-8:30 am
Pull 9:15 am

Entry costs are $25 for the day of the show; pre-entries are $20 and must be received by September 9, 2005; payable to Piedmont Kennel Club

Directions:
From I-85 North or South of Charlotte:
Follow I-85 towards Charlotte, North Carolina Junction with I-77. North ofCharlotte, exit onto I-77 South. Proceed to Carowinds Blvd exit #90on South Carolina side of NC/SC line. Follow remainder of directions under exit #90.

From I-77, North or South of Charlotte:
Take I-77 South to North Carolina/South Carolina State line. Take exit #90.Carowinds Blvd. Follow remainder of directions under exit #90.

From exit #90
Proceed west on Carowinds Blvd, past Carowinds AmusementPark. Proceed to S Tryon. (NC 49) turn left, proceed 1.3 miles to Choate Circle (Bait Shop at corner). Left onto Choate Circle. Follow Choate Circle to show site which will be on left.

Chairperson: Teri Murphy
Event Secretary: Melissa Kidd, 4509 Pete Lane, Trinity NC 27370
(336) 434-3176

Dog Days

Just how long is it going to stay hot and muggy?



You do realize puppies drink through their toes??

Devil or Angel?

I have no clue where these come from, but they end up in my mailbox and I just have to share....

Rodedawg

Okay, so it's not a real dawg, but this road-dawg will catch your attention! I guess apologies might be in line for the die-hard Hummer fans. :-)

Tick Disease - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has often been associated with ticks found in heavily wooded rural areas carried by dogs and rodents. Recently, the CDC and Indian Health Service officials from Arizona and New Mexico has reported a cluster of cases during 2002 - 2004 in rural eastern Arizona.

Scientists are now reporting that a very common type of dog tick can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This is a tick that can live every where in the world!

Rocky Mountain spotted fever was first identified a century ago in Idaho. Since then it has spread through much of the United States, on particular the south-Atlantic states — Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Oklahoma and North Carolina.

The disease is caused by bacteria that infect ticks that can bite and infect animals and people.

Symptoms: Fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, lack of appetite and severe headache. These symptoms can show up 5 to 10 days after being bitten by the infected tick and are commonly passed off as viral ailments. Late symptoms include a spotted rash, abdominal pain, joint pain and diarrhea.

Treatment: Antibiotics, particularly doxycycline, are effective in the early stages. Fatality rates are reported as high as 20% when cases go unrecognized.

The disease in rising rapidly in this country. The CDC reported 365 cases in 1998 and last year the number rose to 1,514. How many more have not been reported?

Dear Abby talks about making dog obedience a family issue!

What better publicity can you get for dog obedience as a family endeavor than to read it in Dear Abby. I know my mom would swear by that, and if I know her - this clipping will appear in my mailbox before the end of the week!

Dear Abby: Dog obedience a family issue | The Arizona Daily Star �

But as a warning - please folks, don't leave your dog with a toddler or small child no matter how well-trained they are or how much they love the kids. It only takes an instant for something to go wrong.

My dog, Simon

I figured I should post some pictures of my dogs so you would actually know that I really do own dogs. Simon is never far from underfoot, under chair, under desk. He lives and breathes to be with me - but don't think he is spoiled....

He is spoiled rotten...

The rest of the kids will come later!

Because of Winn Dixie

Okay, I admit it, I am a sucker for animal stories- especially anything to do with dogs. So when I saw the previews for Because of Winn Dixie. I couldn't resist, and since the film is now out on video I have to tell you what a great film it is.

Although the dog plays a big role in the film, it is India “Opal” Buloni who steals the screen and your hearts. A 10-year-old girl, abandoned by her mom when she was three and living in a Florida trailer park with her preacher dad, Opal is very lonely and just doesn't fit with the other kids in town. Opal's dad doesn't want to talk about her mother and Opal has made it her mission to find out 10 things about her mother. Then running an errand one day, Opal finds this mangy, smiling dog running rampant in a Winn Dixie (guess how the dog and film got their names). Although dad does not want a dog and the owner of the trailer park does not allow dogs, you can guess the plot of the story from here. Opal and Winn Dixie spend the summer finding the treasures of life and being loved in a town filled with quirky people. Because of Winn Dixie is one of those films they just don't make any more. Sure it is sappy, yes it has a moral, and there are values to be learned in this film - but for the most part, it is a feel good film that kids of all ages may just enjoy.

And, in case you are wondering what dogs make up this odd looking dog - it is all of one kind, a Picardy Shepherd.

Because Of Winn-Dixie, is based on a first book by Kate DiCamillo, published by Candlewick Press. It was a New York Times bestseller; recipient of the prestigious Newbery Honor in 2001; awarded a Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon; placed on the New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing list; was a Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner; a Publishers Weekly Best Book Of The Year and a School Library Journal Best Book Of The Year.

On the Internet, nobody knows you are a blog!

I am not sure where I found this gem, but it was too good not to share!

Sheep Herding

Last year I was introduced to sheep herding with one of my Belgian Tervuren. I had taken my dogs and gotten them instinct tested before, but that is basically a no-brainer for both the dog and the owner.

This time, my dog displayed talent. Oh, great - now what?

Next step was herding lessons at Dogwood Farms. Well I was an abysmal failure out there with the sheep, they really wanted to take my knee caps out and I really wanted rack of lamb! So I took the plunge and let another trainer, Tammy van Deusen, work my dog for me and my dog blossomed into a top ranking herding dog with Tammy's expertise!

Now that I am in Durham, I have found several really great facilities and trainers in the area:

Glenn Haven Farms, Durham

Cathy Hartley, Oxford

Claire Apple, Pittsboro

There is even a herding club, Triangle Herding Club!

Looks like I will be staying pretty busy.

Double Dog Dare 'Ya!

First we had Dolly the sheep in 1996, now in 2005 we have Snuppy - short for Seoul National University Puppy. South Korean researchers claimed, on August 3rd, to have created the world's first cloned dog - a black, tan, and white Afghan hound named Snuppy. Snuppy was cloned from a single cell taken from the ear of a 3 year old male Afghan and fused to an egg obtained from a fertile female dog.

Cloning is such a hot subject in today's world. Since Dolly's birth, scientists have cloned mice, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, cats, and a few other mammals. South Korea's is rapidly becoming growing the premier center for cloning and stem cell research. The researchers said canine cloning will allow them to test stem-cell therapies under development for people and, perhaps, cure some dog diseases.

This all sounds good, doesn't it? But some animal care activists have quickly come to the forefront claiming cruelty and inhumane treatment of the dogs. Approximately 1440 embryo were used; resulting in 1,095 that were healthy enough to be implanted in the 123 female dogs acting as surrogate mothers. All of these bitches had to be in heat for the implants to work. Out of these 123 bitches, only 3 became pregnant; one miscarried and the other two gave birth. One newborn died from pneumonia after only 22 days.

Entrepreneurs are already springing up to assist people in cloning their pets since scientists at Texas A&M produced a kitten named Carbon Copy. Genetic Savings & Clone (how corny can you get?), which funded the research, charges interested parties $32,000 for this service.

In researching this topic I see some validity in cloning species that are almost endangered, such as the Ethiopian wolf and the Mexican gray wolf. But somehow, all I can think of is Stephen King's "Pet Cemetary".

What do you think?

ICE - for you and your dogs!

Robert Stimpson, the acting police chief in Madison, CT is launching a campaign that’s catching on: asking cell phone users to create a specific emergency entry called:

ICE or “In Case of Emergency.”

How easy is this? Just enter the number of your emergency contact into your cell phone’s address book. Label it as ICE and store it. Paramedics or doctors can then access that number if you’re in an accident.

But don't just stop there, add one for your dogs:

ICEdogs or “In Case of Emergency for the Dogs.”

Have you ever thought what would happen if you were traveling with your dogs and were in an accident? What do they do with the dogs? Who should they call?

Most of the 193 million cell phone users in the United States probably have some type of an “in case of emergency number” that may be listed under something like “mom” or a name that may mean something to you, but not to emergency personnel. Programming it again under “ICE” only takes a minutes.

This idea caught on after the bombings in Great Britain, where a paramedic conceived it. Word spread, and a grass-roots movement is under way — from the Internet to hospitals worldwide.

These three simple letters that could help save lives.

Pass it on...

Mornings are tough

I swear this is what I look
like in the morning!!

The Inception

So, why another blog?

Mostly because I can't find the information I want on dogs in the Carolinas - specifically, the RTP area of North Carolina. Logic would indicate that there are others out there with the same interests and the same location, right?

I am an avid web surfer (read that as procrastinator), have been involved in dogs for what seems like forever, and I recently moved to Durham, North Carolina, well, why not create a blog that all my friends can read. It will save me from emailing, posting the same material to several mailing lists, and organize the things I want all into one location.

Therefore, I will be adding to the blogs of the world. According to the BBC News, the State of the Blogosphere report said the number of blogs it was tracking now stood at more than 14.2m blogs, up from 7.8m in March. It suggests, on average, the number of blogs is doubling every five months. Makes you wonder who reads all this stuff.

Welcome to the Dog Blogs of the Carolinas!

Escape from Alcatraz

He may have been the only dog in the race, but he did place 72nd!!

A golden retriever named Jake made history on July 30th when he jumped from a boat into the choppy waters of the San Francisco bay and swam 1.2 miles to shore. This dive made Jake one of the more than 500 participants in the South End Rowing Club's 10th annual Alcatraz Invitational.

The 4-year old made the swim in 41 minutes and 45 seconds. Hi human dad, Jeff Pokonosky, and he live in San Diego and swim 2 miles twice a week.