Mickey Rourke and Loki

I am as surprised as anyone about having Mickey Rourke here, but then I read about how much he loved his Chihuahua terrier mix, "Loki" and how his 18-year old companion recently passed away. On the Indie Awards show the commentator mentioned he had a lock of Loki's hair too -- that brought tears to my eyes. Rourke commented that Loki knew he would be okay and that is why she could pass on.

Rourke attended the Academy Awards as a nominee and a grieving pet owner. Says Rourke: "Loki is deeply missed but with me in spirit. I feel very blessed that she fell asleep peacefully in my arms."

Rourke thanked all his dogs — living and dead — after winning the Golden Globe for best actor last month, saying "sometimes when a man's alone, all you got is your dog."

Photo: http://cdn.buzznet.com/media/jj1/2009/02/rourke-oscars/mickey-rourke-2009-oscars-06.jpg

Indiana - Vote NO on HB 1468

Here are two sample letters for you to adjust and send to the Indiana House of Representatives:


~~~~~
The Honorable Representatives of the Indiana House Of Representatives

Currently this bill is flying through your legislative house at the speed of light. This bill will destroy the small dog breeder with devastating results to Indiana economy.

Further, the first part of this bill is attached to SEX OFFENDER PAROLE legislation!

ARE DOG BREEDERS THE EQUIVALENT OF SEX OFFENDERS IN YOUR STATE? IF we are,
I can guarantee, every dog breeder that I know will stop putting any money into the state of Indiana. And if you don't think we are a force, the Indianapolis mega show held this last weekend brought in over $1 MILLION DOLLARS into the ECONOMY in one weekend.

This travesty has to STOP. Vote NO on this bill and separate dog breeders from sex offenders.

Your Signature Here

~~~~~

The Honorable Representatives of the Indiana House Of Representatives

This email is to voice my opposition to Indiana HB 1468 to control commercial dog breeders. This bill will stop all dog breeding in the state of Indiana including the responsible dog breeders whether they own large numbers of dogs or even 2. Consequently, it will stop all dog events that occur within the state and thus stop valuable revenue from being injected into our staggering US economy and Indiana's economy.

AKC statistics indicate the following amounts of money are taken into the surrounding community per size of show dog entries in one weekend:

Less than 1,000 entries bring in $319,200; 1,000 to 2500 entries bring in $588,000; greater than 2500 entries bring in $1,075,200.

One weekend of conformation shows will bring in between $300,000 to $1 million to the local economy. The AKC All Breed clubs alone will hold approximately 144 shows throughout this next calendar year in Indiana. The following numbers are the scheduled AKC events that have or will take place in Indiana for the 2009 calendar year:

61 conformation
1 tracking
18 field trials
37 obedience
10 hunting trials
14 herding events
71 coon hounds
33 agility
35 rally trials

The show in Indianapolis was just held this past weekend from February 11 through February 15. The number of dogs entered at these shows was 87 on Thursday (two specialty shows for 2 specific breeds), 1443 on Friday, 2525 on Saturday, and 2430 on Sunday. During the 4-day show, 156 different breeds were represented. All of the owner/breeders stayed in motels and hotels in the Indianapolis area for a minimum of at 2 nights and many for 4. They ate out for meals and had to buy gas to leave to go home. Plus any other number of expenditures that you would occur on a mini-vacation. Thus OVER $1 Million was put into the economy of Indianapolis over this one weekend.

Does Indiana want to turn down this possible revenue that would no longer come to their state if these Clubs and AKC determine Indiana to be unfriendly towards breeders? Indiana is also well known for the sporting gun dog trials. United Kennel Club (UKC) is another large registry with many licensed organizations holding different types of participation events with dogs. Would Indiana be willing to give up this revenue from these sources also?

Thank you for reading this and considering making an opposing vote to HB1468.

Your Signature Here

~~~~~
Here are the folks for you to contact:

Members of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee:

To e-mail the committee members, click here and select their name from the list.

Representative Matt Pierce, Chair
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Nancy Dembowski, Vice-Chair
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Jacqueline Clements
Phone: (800) 382-9841

Representative Ryan Dvorak
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Ralph Foley
Phone: (800) 382-9841

Representative Eric Koch
Phone: (800) 382-9841

Representative Linda Lawson
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Gregory Porter
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Vernon Smith
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Greg Steuerwald
Phone: (800) 382-9841

Representative Vern Tincher
Phone: (317) 232-9600
Toll Free: (800) 382-9842

Representative Randolph Truitt
Phone: (800) 382-9841

Chimpanzee

Every time an animal attack makes news, people contact me to ask what I think caused the incident and to get my general input. Think back to the Tiger incident in San Francisco, Siegfried and Roy's tiger incident, polar bears mauling zoo visitors and the list goes on. This latest attack in Stamford, Connecticut is no different.

Let's start with some really basic information about Chimpanzees which are members of the Great Apes, and are our closest genetic cousins. These pan troglodytes have 98% of the same genes as humans.

What are these creatures like? They have an ability to offer great empathy, but are also capable of violent, ruthless killing. Frans de Wall, a prominent primatologist, has studied Chimpanzee society and found them to have a male-dominated hierarchy based on power. Chimps are omnivores and will hunt for meat and sometimes kill members of rival groups.

This latest attack happened 16 February 2009 in Stamford, Connecticut when "Travis" a young male Chimpanzee attacked a woman visiting his owner. Travis was kept as a pet since he was a few days old and has lived in the home of his owner for about fifteen years. The critical element about this age is that it directly relates to the time frame that male chimps start to dominate females and attempt to improve their social rankings.

Chimpanzees are exceptionally strong, a fact that many people negate or choose to ignore. Their body mass is mainly comprised of muscle mass and they are approximately five times stronger than a young, strong, athletic human male. Add to that strength the ability to use both hands and feet as "hands" and factor in the ability hang supported by one finger and the bite potential and you have a potentially dangerous situation.

I think back to the various primates I have met that lived in people's homes. Many of these animals had their teeth pulled out, were kept in small cages and the vast majority were really quite neurotic. These animals were not -- and are not -- suitable pets. Yes, as youngsters they can be quite cute and endearing, but as they mature there are far too many opportunities for mishaps and accidents.





Links:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-chimpanzee.html San Diego Zoo
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/books/review/09grandin.html Temple Grandin article
http://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/blog.html Frans de Waal Blog
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frans-de-waal/another-chimp-bites-the-d_b_167768.html Another Chimp Bites the Dust
http://chimphaven.org/ Chimp Haven Sanctuary
http://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/2008/12/dog-care-about-fair-play.html Dogs and Fair Play
http://www.nc.univie.ac.at/index.php?id=14571 Clever Dog Lab
http://www.janegoodall.org/chimp_central/conservation/issues/as_pets.asp Jane Goodall Institute Chimps
Center for Great Apes (provides permanent sanctuary in a safe and enriching environment for orangutans and chimpanzees in need of long-term life care.)
National Geographic News: The Perils of Keeping Monkeys as Pets" If you try to keep them as pets you're creating a mentally disturbed animal in 99.9 percent of the cases."
International Primate Protection League: The US Pet Monkey Trade “Yes, I still miss the end of my finger...severe nerve damage left it completely numb, and that was just a deep gash from a squirrel monkey.”
Pet Monkey Info Testimonals Sometimes photos say it best.

Flying Pets

Chesley Sullenberger - Hudson River - Purdue Graduate - Lifesaver

I was in Missouri in a bright red rental care listening to the radio when I heard that an airplane had to take an emergency landing in the Hudson River.

Immediately, I called my husband to have him toss on the television to see what had happened. He told me that everyone got off the plane safely.

My next question was which airline? Were there pets on board in the cargo hold? There were not, US Airways does not fly pets.

Links:

http://www.petairways.com/blog

http://www.cartoon-secrets.com/Photos/Underdog_cartoon.gif Underdog Image

http://www.cartoon-secrets.com/Underdog-cartoon.php Underdog Information

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090116/NEWS/901160421/-1/nletter07?source=nletter-news Pilot from Purdue Chesley Sullenberger

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/ FAA Flying with Pets

http://www.pettravel.com/ Pet Travel

http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm Airline Pet Rules

Horse Links

Holistic Horse Magazine

Robert Vavra Photogrpahy

Mystic Horse

http://www.horseofthesun.com/

Sage By Nature

Earth Song Ranch

Eco and Etho Research and Education

Barbara Wheeler Nature Photography

International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing

Equine Natural Movement


Natural Horse Network

Citation

Citation became the 8th Triple Crown winner in 1948. Secretariat became the 9th Triple Crown winner -- 25 years later. Citation was the first equine millionaire in 1951 with 45 starts, 32 wins, 10 seconds, 2 thirds, and $1,085,760 in earnings. Below is a photo of Mrs. Lucille Markey and some of the trophies won by Calumet Farm horses.

Finally I know what to do with my trophies!

Citation and Trophy Images from LIFE Magazine photos.

A Match Made in Heaven -- Or Not

Here are ten tips to selecting a good riding companion.


1. Get the Right "Fit" People often buy the wrong horse for the wrong reason. Green riders and green horses are usually the wrong shades of green for each other. Over the years, I have seen lots of errors made when people think the horse and rider should learn together. In my experience, an older horse with experience is a far better fit for a new rider -- and often for an experienced rider too.

2. Handsome is as Handsome Does. The plethora of phone calls from people who purchased something incredibly lovely and then can't do a thing with them is stunning. If you see a liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail and it happens to be unrideable, it makes no sense to bring them home -- unless you just enjoy looking at your horses then by all means start adding to the herd. Find a horse that matches your skills and learn from them, don't focus only on appearance.

3. Look at Horses and Take an Expert. Spend time looking at horses and if you have a good professional available in your area, take them with you to help evaluate the horse. This one step can save you lots of difficulty later on. In today's market, you will likely have plenty of time to return and look at the horse again. Remember to get a DVM out to check the horse over too. Cover all your bases.

4. Show Horses. If you intend to show the horse, you should take the opportunity to see the animal in that environment. Make sure the horse is comfortable with the whole showing process, including trailering. You would hate to find a great match that you can't take off the farm. No owner or horse needs that kind of stress.

5. You Get What You Pay For. Ultimately you want a safe, sound, reliable horse. Don't skimp on the investment to try and get a bargain. If the deal seems too sweet, it probably is. This is another area that having expert assistance can be beneficial. You can always try to negotiate a different price, but be certain you are up to the task and are offering a fair alternative.

6. Patron Saint of Lost Causes. As much as I would like to tell you that all horses can be fixed, for most people it just isn't worth the extra time and risk. Are you looking at an animal that is dangerous, overly spooky, just somewhat off in regard to temperament? Move on. There are lots of really nice horses available and they will likely serve you much better. Leave the project horses for the professionals.

7. Personality Counts. This applies to you and your horse. Go looking at horses with a realistic viewpoint of what you want to accomplish and what type of horse really suits you. If you are a beginner, a horse off the racetrack is probably not the best first purchase. Are you looking to be a competitive show jumper? Then a Shetland Pony is probably not your first choice. Look for suitable matches in size, energy level, activities and any other aspect that should fit your personality.

8. When You're Green, You're Growing and When You're Ripe, You're Rotten. Keep up your education by taking lessons, attending clinics, seminars and speakers and reading about horses and training. (This also applies for dog folks too.) You and your horse will definitely benefit from a lifelong education. Remember to ask questions because good teachers want you to learn.

9. Pay Attention to What People Tell You. This is another place where your experts can help you. If the trainer, coach, instructor, veterinarian, horse owner is telling you the horse isn't the right on for you, pay attention to that advice. Most of the time, these people are looking out for the best interest of both you and the horse. Try not to take this to heart, but be objective about the suitability of you and the horse.

10. Think. Buying a horse is the time to be smart about what you are doing. Try to avoid feeling guilty or making up some horrible past life experience for the horse that causes you to buy them.

This is a time to avoid being overly emotional, and really evaluate all the aspects of how you and the horse will fit together in a logical manner.

Image is Wing Commander from LIFE magazine photos. You can see more photos of this amazing five-gaited American Saddlebred in the magazines historical photos on Google.

New Mexico - Breed Specific Legislation

From the American Kennel Club's Legislative News

A bill labeling "pit bulls" and Rottweilers as "dangerous dogs" has been introduced in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Under current New Mexico statute, any owner of a dog deemed to be "dangerous" must be spayed or neutered, microchipped and registered each year. Under House Bill 667, the definition of "dangerous dog" is expanded to include any dog that "is identifiable as or known as a pit bull or Rottweiler." In essence, this measure would mandate spaying/neutering of all Rottweilers and any dog that could be identified as a "pit bull."

House Bill 667 also includes new provisions for dangerous dogs, including:

Photographing or permanent marking of the dangerous dog for identification purposes.

Random inspections of the dog and its enclosure without warrant.

Mandatory liability insurance policy (at least $250,000), with the requirement that the owner must notify animal control at least 30 days before the cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy.

Immediate impoundment or humane destruction of a registered dangerous dog if the owner does not comply with the requirements (current statute only allows this for dogs previously determined to be dangerous).

The AKC strongly opposes any breed-specific legislation. We support laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as "dangerous" based on stated, measurable actions and impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners. A dog should not be deemed "dangerous" simply based on a specific breed or phenotypic class.

The same is true for homeowners’ insurance. The American Kennel Club believes that coverage should be determined by the dog’s deeds, rather that its breed. If the dog is a well-behaved member of the household and community, there is no reason to mandate a higher-liability insurance policy.

How You Can Help:

All responsible dog owners, fanciers, and breeders in New Mexico should contact their State Representatives, the bill’s sponsor, and members of the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and politely, yet strongly express your opposition to House Bill 667.

Click here to find your State Representatives, then click on their name for their contact information.

Click here for a sample letter to personalize.

HB 667 Bill Sponsor:
Representative John Heaton
Capitol: (505) 986-4432
Office: (575) 887-5983
E-mail: jheaton@caverns.com

Members of the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee

Gail Chasey, Chair
1206 Las Lomas Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: (505) 986-4844
E-mail: gailchasey@msn.com

Antonio "Moe" Maestas, Vice Chair
Box 188
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Capitol: (505) 242-2279
Office: (505) 242-2279
E-mail: Antonio@moejustice.com

Thomas Anderson
10013 Plunkett Drive NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Phone: (505) 986-4451
E-mail: kb5ysg@arrl.net

Zachary Cook
100 Sarah Lane
Ruidoso, NM 88435
Capitol: (505) 986-4454
Office: (575) 258-9090
junderwoodfirm@yahoo.com

Karen Giannini
2270-D Wyoming Blvd. NE #411
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Phone: (505) 986-4234
E-mail: nmhousedistrict30@live.com

Bill O’Neill
343 Sarah Lane NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Phone: (505) 986-4254
E-mail: oneillhd15@fastmail.us

Al Park
7605 Mountain Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Capitol: (505) 986-4411
Office: (505) 830-2076
E-mail: alpark.nm@gmail.com

Additional Resources

Click here for a downloadable version of our "Deed, Not Breed" flyer (This is in PDF format)

AKC recognizes that BSL is an emotionally charged issue, but it is important when communicating with legislators to communicate facts and not emotion. View our "Disagree Diplomatically" flyer (Also in PDF format.) for suggestions on how to communicate with legislators.

Links:

http://www.stoneridgekennels.com/Nemo%201st%20BISa.JPG Rottweiler "Nemo"
http://www.truekennels.com/images/female/sinpremier1.jpg APBT UKC Premier - TrueKennels.com

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3734

Shoplifting Dog

Here is your smart dog (Siberian Husky) of the day. Akira's owners, who allowed her to roam round trip of about 12-miles, not as bright as the dog. She needed to get past two major freeways to get to the store -- that is not responsible pet ownership.

Canidae Law Suit

A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of dog owners nationwide against the makers of CANIDAE brand dog food, seeking payment of veterinarian bills for dogs who allegedly took ill after consuming the food between last summer and the present.

The lawsuit also asks the Court to order the defendants, Canidae Corporation and Diamond Pet Foods (Parent Company: Schell & Kampeter, Inc.), to launch a corrective informational campaign. Affected dogs have experienced rectal bleeding, loose and bloody stools, lethargy, and death, according to consumer complaints posted on Internet forums and websites.

"We can't push back the clock: if hundreds or thousands of dogs have suffered, that can't be reversed. But the lawsuit at least gives dogs and their owners an avenue for redress," stated Ilan Chorowsky, one of the plaintiff's lawyers with the Progressive Law Group, which has offices in Madison, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois.

The Animal Law Center, Rosner & Mansfield LLP, and Doyle Lowther LLP also represent the plaintiff. Further information about the lawsuit is available at http://www.dogfoodclassaction.com/.

From Class Action web site:
A class action lawsuit against the corporations that run Canidae seeks damages for pet owners whose pets were allegedly harmed as a result of eating Canidae dog food products. The Canidae defendants are accused of marketing, manufacturing, and/or distributing Canidae dog food, which, the plaintiff claims, has produced the following illnesses in scores of cherished pet companions:

• loose, bloody stool


• rectal bleeding


• vomiting


• lack of energy


• death

Do you have more information or insights? Please share with the community with a comment.

Links:
http://www.dogfoodclassaction.com/index.html Canidae Class Action Law Suit
http://www.canidae.com/ Canidae and Felidae web site
http://www.findownersearch.com/owner/canidae-corporation/2218101/ Canidae Corporation
http://www.diamondpet.com/ Diamond Pet Food
http://www.canidae.com/media/Canidae-All-Natural.jpg Image

Lou Gehrig's Disease In Humans Genetically Linked To Dog Disease

Lou Gehrig's Disease In Humans Genetically Linked To Dog Disease http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121174124.htm


Researchers have found that the genetic mutation responsible for degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is the same mutation that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the human disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

As a result of the discovery, researchers can now use dogs with DM as animal models to help identify therapeutic interventions for curing the human disease, ALS.