Happy Anniversary to the Scottsdale Police Department’s Crisis Response Canine Fozzie

Happy Anniversary Fozzie! On February 25th, 2009 Scottsdale Police Department’s Crisis Response Canine Fozzie celebrated his first anniversary.  As a trained therapy dog, Fozzie provides comfort and unconditional love to people in Scottsdale during times of tragedy.  He is a ‘Golden’ ray of sunshine in times of trouble.  Did you know that petting an animal will reduce your blood pressure and stress?  Animals …

Is It Safe For Dogs To Ride With Their Head Out The Window?

On January 23, 2009, The Arizona Republic published an article that concerns me.  It suggests that it is safe for dogs to ride with their head out of the car window.  The author is a dog trainer named Mark Siebel who offers the following advice,  “Lower the rear windows only enough so the dog’s head can stick out, and …

Are You Sure You Want A Dog Like Marley?

John Grogan described his dog Marley as the World’s Worst Dog.  The truth is that Marley was not an innately bad dog, just one with a superior zest for life.  In my clinical work with sporting dogs, (Breeds used for hunting such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Short-haired Pointers) I have noticed there are two …

Ear Cropping And Tail Docking In Dogs

On occasion, I have been critical of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  So it is appropriate that I now commend them for taking the proper ethical stand.  In November 2008, the AVMA Executive Board approved the following revision to AVMA policy. “The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic …

Billy The Elephant

Elephants are highly social creatures who live in complex family groups.  In an attempt to meet their emotional needs, the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) states the following in their Standards for Elephant Care and Management:     “Institutions should strive to hold no less than three female elephants whenever possible. . . . Adult males (six …

Don’t Endanger The Endangered Species Act

It is with a heavy heart that I write this entry.  For years, the United States has worked to preserve endangered and threatened species through the Endangered Species Act.  A core tenet of the Act is having scientists from the Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service study proposed development for impact on habitat critical …