I am living with a pogo stick these days!

The past few weeks have certainly had their ups and downs with Baxter. He is now 8-months old and as written before he has gone from being a demon boy to a devil dog!
Not all the time - but there have sure been moments.
We have what we call a ‘playpen’ in the backyard for the dogs. It is really an exercise area. They can run, play and do their business in a safe enclosure and at the same time we don’t have a yard loaded with ‘yellow spots.’
Anyway, for a good long while I was in heaven when I would call Baxy and he would stop whatever he was doing and run over to me.
Not these days.
I know good and well that he hears me. He cocks his head and goes in the other direction when I call him.
And the game of tag progresses. Eventually I will get him to come in but it really depends on how much energy he wants to expend first.
And walks are a low point to my day and a very high one for Baxter.
He enjoys them so much he bounces straight up in the air. Seriously it is like you are walking next to someone on a pogo stick! And when he sees someone he gets so excited it is hard to restrain him. And forget it if he encounters another dog …
And yes, we are in classes working on these issues. In class he does better than when he is on his own.
Baxter is also a thief. Anything made of material is fair game to him. Dish towels, doggie face towels are one of his favorites. He sneaks into the room where they are and quickly grabs one and runs back to his bed and lays there until he is caught. “Leave it’ does seem to have made its way into his brain thank goodness!
Later this month we will be going to the vet for his flu shot and an updated kennel cough shot if needed. The best part of the visit will be his weigh in. Can’t wait for the new triple digit!

Maybe we’ve hit a plateau. He’s beginning to listen – a little

No matter how many times I tell myself Baxter will outgrow this, I can’t help but wonder if he really will.
The leash pulling, refusal to make eye contact when he gets stubborn and the refusal to get into the back seat of the Jeep are still a challenge.
Take the other day when we went for a ride to our veterinarians for a weigh in. Yes his weight is the in the triple digits at 104 lbs. He wouldn’t get back in the car to go home.
No matter how hard I tried, he would back away from the open car doors. Fortunately I had my cell phone so I called inside and asked for someone to bring out a treat to help lure him in. And it worked!
Note to self to ALWAYS have treats hidden in the car in case this happens again.
And it did this morning. We went for an early morning walk and he refused again. Tossing a treat into the back seat got him in thank goodness.
And we seem to have the pulling issue under control with the Easy Walk Harness. He sits to have it put on and makes the cutest little noises of excitement.
The only problem on walks in public is whenever he sees people and especially other dogs he starts jumping straight up in the air. He is such a social dog.

Where has Baxter Gone?

It seems like it was just yesterday that Baxter was a loving and obedient puppy. Just waiting to do whatever would please me.
That dog has vanished into thin air and been replaced with DEMON DOG. A canine that appears to be deaf!
Pulling constantly on his leash. Finding trouble at every step he takes.
I am promised that this is just all part of the growth spurts Gt. Danes go through.
I cannot wait for this one to pass. Bring Baxy Back soon please!

Puppy saved from top of speeding training

This is an amazing story.

It's snowing in Baxter Land

The Little Prince's first snowfall.

Proud Mommy

We are VERY proud of The Little Prince.
We took him to see his grandma last weekend at a show and she thought he was looking pretty darn good. She asked if she could enter him that day. AND Baxter won his first blue ribbon.
Yes, this week he is back to being The Little Prince as opposed to being Demon Dog. We know that any minute a growth spurt will overtake him and he will once again be DD. But Little Prince is nice while it lasts.
Lately Baxter has been doing a lot of dreaming. He runs, whimpers and sometimes wakes up wondering what had possessed his body. And then nobs off again.
We just bought him a gentle harness that is supposed to stop the excited pulling he sometimes does.
Later on we will fit him to it and go for a walk.
I know nothing but time will stop the kangaroo leaps straight up in the air, but hopefully the harness will preserve the shoulder.

Here we go again!

I knew this day would come.
However I was beginning to believe it might not.
After all, when I would ask Baxter to come sit next to me on the couch he would back away.
Not anymore.
It’s like overnight he has decided the sofa is the only place he wants to spend time.
He is, after all a Gt. Dane known for being able to find the softest spot in the house to rest those giant bones on.
The Little Prince; as we call him.
It’s either that name or Demon Dog.
He does have those moments when he will grab a dog towel – or dish towel and sneak past you to lay down with it.
Or, like last night, when we were beginning to believe he was FINALLY house broken. He walked into the hallway and peed.
I think we just looked at each other in amazement. Not believing what just took place. OMG!
Tonight I am on my own at doggie school. It will be interesting to see how he behaves with just one mommy.

Playtime with Chester

This is a little different.
Here Chester the 8-year old Airedale spends 'quality time' with youngster Baxter.
Note how Chester does very little work and helps to tire out Baxter.

Five months?

Has it only really been five months since he was born?
Some days it seems like five years!
But then I look at his face and of course melt.
He is, for sure, a lot of work.
Three meals a day.
The food has to be completely moistened which means I constantly have to think ahead and wet it for at least half an hour before he eats. Sometimes, usually lunch, I will wet the food and put it in the fridge for later.
I am not sure this will work in the winter when it is cold outside. It might come right back up.
We are starting Phase 2 of Baxter's training in Hamden at Paws N Effect training. We are in the Family basics class.
Very cool class that will incorporate the Clicker training we have already taken.

Patience is not an attribute I have

He is getting into everything and ‘talking’ all the time.
The other day he gave a little yelp and spit out a baby tooth. Does this mean he is growing up?
I have the feeling the worst is yet to come. He isn’t quite at that ‘teenage’ age just yet.
It takes three years for a giant breed to develop.
Patience is the absolute key along with constant training.
Baxter will be starting classes at Paws N Effect in Hamden next month. The first of a long succession of classes to make him perhaps a Therapy Dog.
We will keep our fingers crossed on that one.
Housebreaking is coming along ‘okay.’
There are still those accidents or if he has too much water it’s like he has no idea he is supposed to do that outside.
Patience right?

Baxter, the Great Dane, grew again

He grew again.
I find myself saying that a lot these days.
And with the growth spurts come moments of pure chaos.
Out of nowhere Baxter will decide he needs to conquer whatever. A sofa, hallway or who knows what.
He will come bounding and leap through the air with the greatest of ease. And fall sideways, front first … And always get up from the configuration and move on to the next adventure.
I honestly can see some of the growth spurts.
His nose will look different. And if you get up close and personal with it you might notice there is more distance between the eyes or between the eyes and the mouth. Both directions.
Or I might notice that his rear end is higher than his front end.
As always every day with the little guy is an adventure. That tires me out.
The end of the next week we will get a new weight on Baxter. I bet he has gained a few pounds.

Demon dog has arrived

Every day it seems; brings a new challenge. It must be very hard being a puppy – especially a giant breed which takes three years to mature instead of one.
Moment by moment I can see him grow.
For instance, I can look at him and see that his nose grew. Or all of a sudden his feet or legs, which we are calling limbs (of a tree) got bigger.
He is now definitely taller than Chester the Airedale.
Yesterday we had workmen here. So I took advantage of the situation and took the two of them to the kennel for daycare. Certainly a good way for Baxter to get used to being boarded. And all counts said he was well adjusted. Content, going in and out the doggie door to his private patio.
Of course he came home and fell right to sleep.
Today he is acting like a demon dog. Getting into everything. Bouncing and bouncing.
Today he decided the couch in the family room was his. He has never even wanted to get on the couch until now.
Then he decided it was time to shred. He took a magazine off a counter surface and began prancing around. When I saw it he immediately began to shred it.
I could go on and on.
Bottom line -I am enjoying every puppy moment with him. The days are short compared to his adult years.

The jowls are growing – oh my!

Yep, the reason every door knob in the house has a hand towel has begun. The slobber-producers are getting bigger every day.
And so is the soon to be cavernous mouth.
Have you ever noticed how big dogs seem to lose things inside their mouths.
I mean all of a sudden your canine is chewing on something – and he hasn’t moved in at least half an hour. Where did it come from! It was simply lost inside that huge mouth.
In about a week Baxter will be 4 months old. We will have had him just under half his lifetime. Ii doesn’t seem that long.
Knock on wood housetraining is coming along a little better. He seems to be able to hold ‘it’ longer.
I was at Pet Supplies Plus and bought one of those door bells you hang from the door knob. It’s only been a day and so far I am holding his paw to it. At least he doesn’t pull back.
Chester and Baxter are buds and can spend hours talking and rough housing. It is wonderful to see Chester enjoying his new brother.

Already a new collar

Today was a pivotal day for me.
Baxter needed a bigger collar. All of a sudden his collar wouldn’t expand anymore.
I had already decided the peace sign theme was going to be continued. Now it can continue until his neck reaches 24 inches. Will it really get that big? Oh my.
Potty training is still a difficult challenge.
Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t.
It is truly a challenge with these really hot and humid days. He needs to drink more but then there are the consequences…

New uses for white vinegar

Yesterday I took Baxter to the kennel, Larkin’s Run in Durham, so when we board him it won’t be new to him.
I left him there for about an hour-and-a-half. They said he was wonderful; had immediately gone through to the patio side and was a well-adjusted and happy puppy.
Of course I beamed as if this was a personal compliment.
However all those happy thoughts I was having about this wonderful puppy vanished once we got into the Jeep.
Once in the backseat of the Jeep Baxter started to lean on the middle armrest, something he has never done. I thought he just wanted to be close to me. Nope, he was going to the bathroom!
Fortunately not much had a chance to come out and I had a towel to mop it up. And once home the white vinegar worked its magic on the carpet.

Puppyhood and Baxter

We are at about 5 weeks and counting having Baxter. We really have made some progress with his house manners but boy is there still a long way to go.
For instance today. The weather has been hot and sticky. So we have made sure to increase Baxter’s water intake. We have also been careful to take him outside more often. But it hasn’t been enough. Sometimes he will just get up and take a step or two and start to pee.
Any suggestions on a way to get him to do that? All the time!
Today was another first for Baxter. He went walking with Chester and his buds at the Racebrook Tract. And then came home and crashed for about three hours. He couldn’t wait to lay down. Me either I admit.
It was definitely a positive experience. He will become very socialized with other animals this way.
I was at TY Maxx this afternoon and they have an animal section. What a find for only $7.99. A larger bowl with a really good gripping bottom.
Baxter has a tendency to slide his bowl around while eating. He even has a dycuem mat under it to prevent the sliding. This will be a big help.‘

Terrible twos already?

I think Baxter hated me for a couple of moments on Sunday.
Yes, hate is a strong word but if you had seen the look he gave me you would understand.
He had an ‘accident’ in his crate. It happens but he needed a bath to get rid of the smell the accident left. And if that wasn’t traumatic enough for him we decided to take his ears down since they got a little wet anyway.
As soon as we finished with his ears he got up and ran from the room. When I tried to approach him he ran from me and sulked. It took about 15 minutes before I could coax him back to me.
But seriously, he is a really good boy. And Chester is definitely warming up to Baxter. Even initiating play time.

Never underestimate the sensitivity of a Gt. Dane

Have you ever had one of those days when NOTHING goes right no matter how hard you try?
Monday was one of those days for us.
Having had Baxter at home for only three weeks and trying to housebreak him was going so-so. At times it seemed he was really trying. When on the patio he was going over to the gate and pacing to let us know he needed to go to the play pen. And, he had never had a stool in his crate.
All of that changed when his routine, and ours for a day, changed.
We had it planned. We were heading to a concert in Danbury Monday afternoon. It would all work out. We knew when we were leaving and when we would be home. Baxter would be all right. His schedule would be maintained. After all, we were making progress.
It didn’t work out quite so.
He didn’t get fed on schedule. We were gone way longer than expected. Surprisingly his crate was clean when we got home around 11. I stayed up with him until about 12:30 a.m. so he would have some time out.
At 1:45 a.m. he started to scream. Should I ignore it? I did for about 5 minutes. It got louder and louder.
I went to him and found him surrounded by stool. We took him out, cleaned him and his crate up and put him back to bed. Went back to sleep until 4:30 a.m. and he was screaming. Back outside and back to bed until an hour later when he screamed again. The poor guy was having diarrhea.
His routine was changed and his bowels were in an uproar. Thank goodness for white rice.
He is a sensitive gentle giant.
It has taken two days of constant routine to get back on course.

Lead breaking is a fine art

Boy am I full of hot air sometimes and yesterday was a fine example.
I was proclaiming Baxter lead broke. He is, really, in the yard with Chester and his moms as his only distractions.
In the yard he has learned the routine.
Yesterday driving to High Plains walking track Baxter was perched on the passenger seat watching everything, cocking his head when something caught his interest.
As we approached the track a tree was being chopped down on Orange Center Road opposite the track. Did I think twice about it? NO.
I got Baxter out of the car and confidently began walking. He sat and wouldn't move.
Read - Mom this is all new and strange to me. Besides - those noises scare me.With a little coaxing he reluctantly began to follow.
We did this back and forth thing for about a half hour. I was glad to be able to get him back to the car walking.
Leash training will be more of a challenge to me than I thought.
I am finding all this puppyhood stuff more of a challenge than I remembered.
And, I am not getting any younger, only older.

How many toys does it take to keep Baxter content?

He just keeps GROWING. Tomorrow he will be weighed again. Last Wednesday he weighed 32 pounds. I am guessing he is closer to 40 pounds. He feels like 50 pounds when I pick him up!
Yesterday he discovered the Toy Box. A collection of more than a dozen stuffed squeaky toys that we have collected over the years. He pulled every single one out and brought them over to his bed and proceeded to play with each and every one of them. It was absolutely hilarious to watch him go from one toy to the next. Some he picked up and carried around for a few minutes before moving on to the next one.
Then he collapsed and went to sleep for a few minutes.
An absolute joy to watch and love.
We are going for our first walk at the walking track at High Plains in a little bit. Fingers crossed!

Eating and housebreaking tribulations

I want the best for our new bundle of joy. Doesn't everyone want to do what is right for their new addition to the family?
I saw this nice heavy weight stainless steel bowl at Petco. It has a rubberized bottom to keep it from sliding around while your pet is eating and drinking.
It LOOKED like it would be the appropriate size for a 10-week old puppy.
A week later Baxter can hardly fit his ever-growing mouth inside it.
He is growing like a weed. At least the weed isn't poison ivy!
He truly is a smart boy.
Before he is allowed to eat I have been making him sit and stay. Good lessons in self control.
Last evening he did it on his own!
This morning he needed a gentle reminder. He is also heading to his crate after eating for a little quiet time. Something Gt. Danes needs to do after eating to decrease the likelihood of bloating, a life-threatening emergency.
Leash breaking is coming along quite well. We have Dr. Tracy Johnson to thank. Thanks Tracy.

Leash training underway

Baxter has already become a part of our constant routine.
We are into one week with Baxter and I decided to give Dr. Tracy's leash breaking tip a try.
It worked.
He is getting comfortable playing on the leash. It is a positive work in progress.
I was soo not looking forward too a screaming scared dog. She is absolutely right. Make everything new step a fun one.
House breaking is moving along. Not as quickly as the leash breaking. But I have to remember that he has a tiny bladder. And frequent trips outdoors is the best way to keep the elimination under control.
Tomorrow marks one week in his new home.

Baxter has arrived!

He is here. Resting on the dog bed he commandeered from poor Chester.
The little bundle of joy wasn't in his new home more than an hour - at the most - he has already learned what comfort is. Two dog beds with orthopedic foam on top of each other.
I really think he likes the bed(s) because it resembles a mountain to him.
And he is a house-breaking challenge. Thank goodness I have Dr. Tracy Johnson to lean on for suggestions. She has already been a big help.
We start basic obedience classes the last Sunday this month in Bethany. I am sure it will be an experience for all of us to remember. Those two legged and four as well.

One week and counting!

Just one week to go and Baxter will be in his new home.
This has been a long ordeal on many levels.
Baxter’s mother died about two weeks after having the litter. His littermates had some difficulties with one of them developing a skin infection which put the litter on antibiotics. If it wasn’t for the antibiotics Baxter would already be in his new home.
I think we are set.
• New grain free food to decrease the likelihood of bloating.
• A small crate with a divider so as not to give him too much room at first.
• Special teething bone.
• Big brother Chester who will teach him how to come and listen to moms.
All we need is Baxter!
One week and counting.

Already an identify

His first collar was easy to decide on. As soon as I saw it I knew it would personify his demeanor - cool, calm and easy going. The accompanying name tag was quickly made at Pets Supply Plus with both of our cell phone numbers on it.
I was reminded not to put a home number. If the guy went missing we certainly would not be at home waiting for him to knock on the door, but instead out searching for him.
Only a few more weeks and Baxter will be here. Our lives will not be the same for many years to come.

Dog taken by tornado reunited with owners

How big he is already

Well, the name game continues here at home.
Maybe he won't end up with an Irish name. One thing I know for sure is he is going to be a giant. Look how much he has grown in just one week! His head must be twice what it was.
I am growing very partial to The Call of the Wild dog food. It is grain free. Any thoughts?

Help naming a Great Dane puppy

For the past year and a half we have been on the great dane rescue list for a gentle giant after losing wonderful Bogart. At the same time we let our intentions be known that we would consider a puppy if no rescue came forward. We did have some specifics, brindle in color and if an adult – one that would not intimidate poor Chester the Jester, our extremely mild-mannered Airedale.
Well, no rescues have come forward and the only person we would ever consider a puppy from recently had a litter of puppies. Last weekend we had the pleasure of meeting our soon to be new addition. In this photo he is 3 weeks old.
While we have much work to do – getting up to speed on puppy care, food, and training we also need to choose a name for our new male bundle of joy. I would prefer an Irish name. My first thought was Angus, but my spouse, Lesley is a vegetarian and thought Angus reminded her too much of red meat. Shamus was another idea but nixed as well.
We could really use some help with a name. Your help would be appreciated.

Great dane rescued from an iceberg

A VERY happy tail for a giant teddy bear.
Read on
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/st_clair_county/great-dane-was-rescued-by-coast-guard-on-lake-huron-ice

What poison dangers are lurking in YOUR home?

I will NEVER forget my introduction to toxicities and poisonings in practice. It was a dog who had been poisoned, probably intentionally, with an herbicide known as Timic ® in the deep South. The dog died a horrible death and there was nothing we could do. Thankfully, our two most recent toxicity cases had much better outcomes and were unintentional poisonings that occurred right in their homes, a very common scenario. If at the end of reading this column you say “wow I never knew …” then my mission will be accomplished.
Read on here
http://www.ctbulletin.com/articles/2011/03/30/opinion/doc4d934cd6deedf641637541.txt

Pasta for Felines tonight only

BRANFORD — Don’t even think about cooking dinner Saturday. But do think Italian.

The Branford Compassion Club, the all-volunteer nonprofit which rescues, cares for and adopts out homeless felines, is holding its annual pasta fundraiser dinner, Bella Notte Pawsta Dinner — get it?

It happens Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Therese’s Church Hall, 105 Leetes Island Road.

The BCC volunteers have planned a meal of pasta and meatballs, antipasto salad, Italian bread, dessert, coffee and beverage — wine, of course, at a bargain $4 a glass.

Tickets are $12 adults, $6 for children 6-12, available at the door Saturday evening.

Proceeds benefit the BCC’s programs and help fund its recently opened Feline Adoption and Rescue Center on Foxon Road in North Branford.

For more information, visit www.branfordcompassionclub.org

VETERINARIANS RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE FROM ONE OF THEIR OWN!

In a profession that is generally held in high regard by the public, how do you choose just one member as the best? According to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), the solution is to look for leadership skills within the profession but also out in society as well. Using these guidelines, CVMA has chosen the “Veterinarian of the Year” and will grant the award to Dr. Donna Cobelli during the 127th Annual CVMA Meeting and Convention on February 2nd, 2011.

Dr. Cobelli is the owner of Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital; an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited veterinary practice in Ridgefield. By following the motto “We Speak Their Language”, Dr. Cobelli has crafted a state of the art veterinary hospital focused on compassion and individualized attention to each and every patient and client. As an example, it was through her vision that families of hospitalized pets can enjoy extended visits with their four-legged family members.

Beyond her practice, Dr. Cobelli also serves as the team leader for the Connecticut State Animal Response Team (CTSART) in the northwest corner of the state. “People often forget that veterinarians are a vital part of disaster and emergency response,” says Simon Flynn, Executive Director of the CVMA, “Dr. Cobelli’s willingness to take on this role and provide leadership during crisis situations is a big part of why she is being named as Veterinarian of the Year.”

Prior to Dr. Cobelli’s award, the CVMA will also award the Veterinary Health Care Team Member of the Year, Connecticut Pet of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards. Held amidst the beauty of the Mystic Aquarium, the awards and banquet will begin at 7 pm on Wednesday, February 2nd. This event is a special part of the 127th annual CVMA continuing education meeting and veterinarians from across the state will be in attendance.

DEDICATED DACHSHUND TO RECEIVE POSTHUMOUS AWARD!

Receiving an award after you’ve died is usually reserved for war heroes and generous millionaires. But, all of that may change once people hear about Bentley, the dachshund who is being honored six months after his death. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) will pay tribute to Bentley during the 127th Annual CVMA Meeting on February 3rd, 2011 by bestowing him with the coveted Connecticut Pet of the Year Award.

Although many pets are revered for their unconditional love or loyalty to mankind, Bentley went above and beyond, almost from the time he was born. Owned by Letty Lee and Dr. Sig Stein of New London, Bentley’s affection for all people was readily apparent by the time he was just three years old and was awarded the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Award.

From there, his giving nature continued to grow as he also gained certification from the re-owned Delta Society and spent the majority of his life reaching out to patients at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London as a Pet Therapy member. Through his home visits from the Hospice of Southeast Connecticut, Bentley touched many lives and often helped individuals forget their pain for a few moments.

Bentley is fondly remembered by many children of the area as well. His work as a Reading and Education Assistance dog provided the needed spark, encouraging young minds to learn.

His posthumous Pet of the Year Award will be presented to his owner, Mrs. Stein and her canine companion, Ziggy, during the CVMA Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Feb 2nd at 7 pm. Set among the tranquil surroundings of the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, the scene will be reminiscent of the peace Bentley brought to so many.

Earn a 'Good Dog' Reward

Good Dog Rewards, a new program offered by Amity Animal Rescue Fund, Inc. hopes to promote dog training classes for rescued canines. The program is open to all residents of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge who have adopted a companion canine and graduate from an upcoming dog obedience class between April 1 to September 30. Those qualifying will receive a $50 Good Dog Reward from AARF.
AARF’s belief is that a Good Dog with manners makes a good companion. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters because of issues like jumping, barking or poor housetraining. Basic obedience classes educate owners on how to prevent these common problems. Trained canines make better family pets. If the dog is ever surrendered to a shelter, it is often the most adoptable. Classes, whether puppy kindergarten, therapy dog certification or the fast growing sport of agility, strengthen the bond between dog and their human companion.
Informational flyers can be found in the Town Clerks office at all three Town Halls. Applications can be obtained by emailing amityarf@yahoo.com or calling 203-389-1996. The number of applications is limited so please apply early.

Library speaker series promotes positive pet ownership

On May 3 Human Society Urban Wildlife Field Director Laura Simon will kick-off Amity Animal Rescue Fund's speaker series with "Help! There's a Raccoon in my Chimney!".... and Other Unexpected Wildlife Problems. This discussion will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
This entertaining yet informative presentation will focus on typical wildlife problems encountered by area resident’s and provide effective solutions. The presentation is based on Simon's 20 years of experience running a wildlife hotline for the Humane Society of the United States. During Spring and Summer, the hotline is kept busy with calls from panicked residents who find themselves face to face with a raccoon in the kitchen, a skunk under the deck, baby birds fallen from a nest, or a woodpecker tapping loudly on the house at 5 a.m. The solution to these problems can be quite simple, often requiring nothing more than a few common household tools and a basic understanding of the animal's motivation and behavioral ecology. Bring your questions!
Simon is the Field Director of the Urban Wildlife Program for the Humane Society of the United States. She is also the President of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, and guest wildlife columnist for area publications. Her special expertise in resolving skunk issues led to a guest appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show and was the basis for the popular children's book, One Smart Skunk.

On May 16 Dr. Tracy Johnson, Country Companion Veterinary Services, will discuss Dog Bites and how to prevent them from happening. This talk is geared toward children and will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.
Many dogs are given up or euthanized because they bite. Biting can happen for many reasons and if owners don't know how to read a dog's body language, they may be putting themselves or their children at risk The “Be a Tree Program” is a great way to present the information on how to interact with a dog to prevent bites." Dog bites to children are considered to be a serious public health problem by public health agencies and veterinary medical associations worldwide. Statistics show that most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child. Public education has an important role in reducing dog bite risk to children. Please join us for this very informative event.

On May 31 Dr. Elisa , Country Companions Veterinary Services will discuss Basic First Aid for Small Animals. The talk will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
This discussion will cover the most common emergency situations faced by pet owners. Dr. Elisa will review the best ways to keep you and your pet safe, and what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Topics including the best way to handle animals, first aid for wounds, heatstroke, and seizures as well as basic CPR. “Annie”, One of Dr. Elisa’s family dogs, will be on hand to demonstrate first aid techniques.
All speakers will be at Woodbridge Library in the main meeting room.

It's all about the animals!

Woodbridge resident Sarah Oren stands in the lobby of the Robin I Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. In February Oren organized a crew of volunteers to assist her in renovating the space. Now, she says, it is more appealing to potential adopters to visit. For the past two years Oren has been on a personal mission to find homes for abandoned dogs. Through her efforts, fosterdogsnyc.com and thedogmatchmaker.net Oren has featured more than 1,000 dogs and has found homes for a high percentage of them.
Read all about Sarah here
http://www.ctbulletin.com/articles/2011/03/24/news/doc4d8b5ed388765802718163.txt

Dog sperm frozen for two decades delivers 10 great danes

A GEELONG vet clinic has used dog sperm frozen for more than 20 years to produce 10 great dane puppies.

Bellarine Veterinary Practice Dr David Hopkins said Ballarat client Deidre McRae had frozen and stored sperm from one of her prized great danes, Liebendane Armstrong, in 1989.

Twenty-one years later, long after that dog's death, his sperm has been used to spawn these new pups. The puppies, now eight weeks old, are all happy and healthy.

Dr Hopkins said while breeding dogs using frozen sperm was not new technology, it was remarkable that semen frozen for so long could produce such a large, healthy litter.

Ms McRae yesterday said she was "over the moon" with the results. "I was hoping for one or even two, but to have 10 is just unbelievable," she said. Dr Hopkins said the technology was most commonly used to breed professional sniffer dogs for Australian Customs.

Ms McRae said she would keep some of the pups as show dogs, and would sell others.

Great Dane saves family from fire

Kim the Great Dane proved she really is man’s best friend when a fire broke out in the kitchen of her owners’ home just north of Carlisle.The resourceful pet simply used one of her hefty paws to open a door to the family’s nearby office before entering and escaping the smoke.

Fortunately, she made so much noise wandering around that she alerted her owners, John and Anne Collier, who run the Blackdyke Farm Riding Centre at Blackford.

Anne and her husband were then able to alert the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and ensure the safety of their four children – teenage twins Mark and Thomas, Sarah, 15, and 11-year-old Emma – before the fire could threaten their lives.

Anne said the blaze, which started in the family’s Aga cooker on Sunday morning, has not affected the running of their swimming pool and riding business.

But the family are grateful Kim open the office door and gave them an early warning of the danger they were facing.

Anne said: “I normally get up at about 6.45am, but at 6.30am I heard Kim wandering around in the office, which is usually shut.

“I couldn’t work out why she would be in there, so I went down to investigate and found Kim in there, looking as if she thought she’d been a clever dog for opening the door.”

It was then that Anne opened the office door to the living room and was met by a “wall of smoke”.

She explained that Kim, who sleeps in the kitchen, had managed to shut the door behind her after getting into the office, thereby protecting herself and the family from the smoke.

“It has been known for her to open doors before, using her paw to push down the handle,” said Anne.

“She’s just a friendly, good, all-round dog, and she’s certainly been a best friend to this family.”