On this post I would like to highlight the work of a wonderful animal rescue group for horses; Saddlebred Rescue located in Hardwick, New Jersey. Saddlebred Rescue is a verified member of the global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. This organization buys horses from livestock sales that would otherwise be sold for meat to Canada or Mexico. …
Yearly Archives: 2012
Cooper – A Gift To Children
This blog post is dedicated to Cooper, a rescued dog who inspired everyone she met. Here is her story written by the person who knew her best . . . the woman who adopted her shortly after Cooper’s rear leg was amputated. This story reminds us of the strength of the human-animal bond and the way animals enrich …
Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Trial Championship
Over Labor day, I attended the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Trial Championship in Heber Valley, Utah. Wow, I had so much fun watching the Border Collies herd wild range sheep. One by one, a dog teamed up with their handler to bring two groups of sheep down the mountain. After steering the sheep through a …
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You Make The Diagnosis: Dermatitis on a Dog’s Rear End
Recently, I saw a male/neutered dog who suddenly started licking his rear end. His family noticed a lump on the left side of the anus three days before they brought him in. Now the lump is gone but the dog is still licking. They did not notice any other abnormal behavior. He is eating, drinking, urinating …
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You Make The Diagnosis: Intestinal Disease of Humans and Irish Setters
Irish Setters are a wonderful breed with a zest for life. In my experience, they live life to the fullest with an boundless sense of curiosity. Unfortunately, this breed is known for suffering from an intestinal disease that is becoming more and more prevalent in humans. The clinical signs for both dogs and people are …
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Grain Free Diets for Dogs
With the popularity of grain free diets for humans, the trend is now moving to veterinary medicine. Are diets free of grain products better for dogs than diets with grain? Well, it depends upon the individual dog. Grain free diets are not inheritantly better just because they are grain free. Let me explain. Unlike cats, dogs can …
FDA Expands Jerky Probe to Include Duck and Sweet Potato Treats
After receiving complaints from the public, the Food and Drug Administration has expanded the chicken jerky investigation to include duck and sweet potato treats. All of the products were either made in or have ingredients from China. The FDA warns people who use these products to watch their pets for: VomitingDiarrheaBloatIncreased thirstIncreased urinationAnorexiaLethargy The FDA has published more information on …
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Feeding Dogs and Cats Based on Physiology
Recently, I read an interesting study regarding the evolutionary basis for dog and cat feeding behaviors. The author, John Bradshaw studied the physical adaptations of dogs and cats relative to their diets. Here is a summary of what he found: 1) Teeth – Cats have highly specialized teeth that are perfect for catching and eating prey. …
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Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 17th is Black Cat Appreciation Day! This day was started to bring attention to the blight of black colored animals in shelters. For some reason, black animals are not adopted as quickly as animals of other colors. Some think it is the association with bad luck that is causing this phenomenon. I think the …
Grain Free Diets For Cats
Because of the popularity of grain free diets for people, this method of eating is slowly creeping into animals foods. Is it healthy for cats to eat a grain free diet? The answer is a cautious yes as long as another carbohydrate such as potato is not substituted for the grain. Let me explain: Many …