More of the Love Tag going 'round!

It's another round of Love Tag! I've been tagged by Lyle, who is one handsome devil...incredibly photogenic. But it isn't all about looks for him. He is also quite the author, and Little Bit told me once, he wants to take on the world of politics! LYLE FOR PRESIDENT!!!

The rules are easy: tag three of your pals and write why you tagged 'em! Direct them to your diary for the rules. That's it!

1) Two for one: Empress Mimi and the Sweetest Girl, Molly. These ladies are always up for an adventure, and are so loyal and loving right down to the bone. They have reached out over and over again, while my mom hasn't been the best at answering calls, we hope that our rude phone manners will be forgiven. We adore this pack!!!

2) Muffin... need I say more? Muffin is a love muffin and instantly reached out to all on Dogster and shared that gigantic heart stored in that tiny little Yorkie body. She is a fellow cancer survivor, and she and I know that girls with scars are not only tough cookies, but darn sweet too!!!

3) Jena!!!! You have been a trooper sharing your boyfriend, Fred, with another girl. Fred is doing wonderfully in his new home and sends his love! Jena is another cancer survivor and not only tough and sweet, but quite the adventurer too! Have tennisball, will hike the world!!! MMMMWWWHAAAAAAA!

So much love to share and not enough rosettes or time!!!
XOXOX
Zoe Dingo

Top 10 Summer Safety Tips for Pets

By: Washington Humane Society Director of Animal Behavior and Training, Kevin Simpson

1) Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion can occur in a dog when the dogs body temperature rises to a higher than normal level. This is especially prevalent during warm weather conditions and/or when over-exerted a dog becomes unable to fully regulate her body temperature. Breeds, such as Pugs, are more susceptible due to their smaller air passageways and should be monitored closely for symptoms during these conditions.

2) Never Leave your Pet Unattended in a Car – Even during mild seasons, temperatures in a car quickly soar to extreme levels making it impossible for a dog or cat to regain control of its body temperature. During the summer months in less than just 5 minutes the temperature in your car can reach 120 degrees. Our Humane Law Enforcement Officer’s have been working around the clock to rescue animals left alone in cars in these warm temperatures. Don’t put your pet at risk of a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

3) Burnt Pads – Pavement can burn the pads of a dog’s foot, especially early in the season when pads are less calloused. When taking your dog on a long walk it’s a good idea to lift up their feet to check their pads for cracks and burns. Dogs with light-colored pigmented pads are more susceptible to burns than dogs with dark pigmentation.

4) Sunburn – Dogs exposed to prolonged periods of sun can develop sunburn on sensitive areas of their face, ears, and abdomen. Dogs with light pigmented skin and short coats are especially vulnerable and should be protected from long exposure to the sun. Sunlight reflected up from sidewalks and sandy beaches can also burn abdomens where skin is less protected by hair. When taking your dog out for a long walk consider applying sunscreen to your pet’s vulnerable burn areas. Many pet stores now carry specially formulated sun block for dogs that will help protect them from harmful UV rays.

5) Proper Hydration – Water helps regulate body temperature and similar to humans, our pets’ bodies are primarily made up of water. Water keeps tissues moist and transports essential nutrients throughout the body. Dehydration occurs when water intake does not match water expenditures. A 15% decrease in water and electrolytes can even cause death. Keep your pets hydrated by always having several full bowls of clean, fresh water available to them at all times.

6) Coat Maintenance –A dog’s coat acts as an insulator from cold temperatures during winter months and from heat during the summer. To help regulate body temperature, dogs with undercoats will shed their coat twice a year with the change of the season. With regular brushing and grooming you can help them remove excess dead hair and keep them comfortable year round.

7) Parasites – During the summer months your pet has more exposure to mosquitoes, worms, ticks, and fleas. Regularly check your yard for standing water and protect your pet from parasitical infestations with treatment available from your veterinarian.

8) Allergies – Just like people, some dogs and cats are more sensitive to the pollens associated with spring and summer. Be observant to any changes in your pet’s diet and behavior and check with your veterinarian should any changes occur.

9) Securing Screens –With the nicer weather approaching many of us will open windows to let in fresh air. However, unsecured-screens in open windows can give way, allowing your pet to escape from the house or worse. Since cats and dogs alike are attracted to the scenic view and pleasures of open windows, frequently check the integrity of screens to keep your pet safely indoors.

10) House Temperatures – During the hot summer months be certain to keep your pet comfortable with climate controlled temperatures when you leave for the day. Body temperatures in cats and dogs naturally run higher than that of a human, so keep them safe; keep it cool.

Thank you for all the rosettes and stars, my friends!

We are not on Dogster as often as we like due to a family health emergency... and life! Know that we appreciate each and every message, rosette, star and bit of love! I wish we could respond personally to each and every one but it is just not possible these days.

Remember you are in our hearts and prayers, even when we aren't online!
Love,
Zoe Dingo, Fred Astaire, and Sugar
XOXOXOX

I have been TAGGED!!!!!

Hi pups! My beautiful pal Cherry (AKA MonkeyButt!) tagged me and now I'm it. I get to choose 7 of my pals to tag.

Here are the rules:

Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. Dogs who are tagged, need to post in their Diary the rules & their 7 pawsome facts. Then choose 7 dogs to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to bark them a pmail that they have been tagged and to read your Diary, or, send them a fun Rosette announcing they've been Tagged!

Here are 7 fun facts about me!

1. I will yodel along when mom sings "How Dry I Am," but only when there is no one else around.

2. Mom thinks my feet smell like maple syrup. Mmmmm

3. I have lived all over the world, from Japan to Germany, and in between.

4. I love kitties and babies and people, but I act like a punk around other dogs, but I fell for Fred immediately. I just wanted a little brother so badly!

5. I am a cancer survivor! YEAH!

6. I can't wait for the day I actually get a hold of one of those skwuuuurrrls!

7. I sure do love my friends. You have all gotten me through a lot of hard times. I hope I can return the love!

I Tag:

1. Sammy Jake, our hero!
2. Muffin, everyone's sweetheart!
3. Jena, for protecting us from Tom Cruise--and being pretty in pink!
4. Empress Mimi, because she is the Empress!
5. Molly, the Sweetest Girl...she is too sweet for words!
6. Rio, my love. We miss him and he needs cheering up!
7. Baxter, for neverending work for Satos and others!

PLEASE sign petition for News Coverage for Teddi Sue

Teddi Sue Still Missing Petition
By Joy in Member News, Lost Dogs and Cats

Teddi Sue is still missing. Somebody knows something and we all want to get Teddi Sue home. It takes about three minutes to sign this petition. So no excuses gang; let’s get those 1000 signatures so the local TV station will feel compelled to run the story!

Here are links to the previous blog posts:
Dogster Teddi Sue Stolen in Auburn, Washington!
Dogster Teddi Sue Still Missing in Washington

Debbie wrote:
Teddi Sue is Still Missing. We have started a petition in hopes the local TV station will cover her Story. We are emailing our poor little paws to death trying to get help for D’ann!!Here is the link to the petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/94942 9552?ltl=1178550890

And Zack barked in this update:

I checked this A.M. there are only about half of the signatures that TEDDI SUE needs. Please Please if you have not signed the petition can you do it now? It only takes a few minutes to try to help D’Ann out in finding her Teddi Sue.
Please go to her petition site.

Also could you please ask your family and friends to sign also.Please! Please!
Thank you Zack

Here’s what the petition says:

This petition is a plea from the members of the Dogster.com community for news coverage of Teddi Sue’s disapearance and the search D’ann Lally is doing to recover her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE sign the petition.

US President Signs Animal Fighting Legislation Into Law

By Joy in Politics, Crimes Against Dogs and Cats
Thanks to the Humane Society of the United States for this great news!

The President Signs Landmark Animal Fighting Legislation

May 3, 2007

Today, President Bush signed into law a bill that will help law enforcement rid the United States of dogfighting, cockfighting, and other forms of animal fighting.

Dogfighting and cockfighting crimes are rampant in the United States, with individuals arrested every week in scores of locations under state laws. The vast underground networks generate pervasive animal cruelty, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, public corruption and even violence and murder. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which passed Congress with large bi-partisan support, will give law enforcement a stronger tool to crack down on this illegal activity.

“Animal fighting is a barbaric and inhumane practice, and it is fitting and appropriate that we now have a national policy condemning and criminalizing this form of organized animal cruelty,” states Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, which has led the national battle against animal fighting and been the primary advocate for this federal legislation.

The law takes effect immediately. It provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export related to animal fighting activities, including commerce in cockfighting weapons. It will make it much harder for criminals who engage in dogfighting and cockfighting to continue their operations. Each violation of the federal law may bring up to three years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine for perpetrators.

Cockfighting is outlawed in every state except Louisiana, although there is mounting pressure in that state to ban the practice. Many states still have misdemeanor penalties for cockfighting. The federal law slaps felony penalties on interstate cockfighting trafficking, and this should provide an enormous deterrent for the tens of thousands of people involved in this criminal industry.

The law will have a devastating impact on major breeders of fighting animals, who depend on customers from all over the United States and abroad. Dog kennels rely on transporting their fighting dogs across state lines and across the world to customers. The new law should substantially curb the transport of fighting animals across state and U.S. borders. The HSUS is already seeing some major breeders of fighting roosters cutting back on production.

The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act will help end the export of fighting animals to other countries. Selling roosters to customers in the Philippines and other nations can be lucrative for American cockfighters. The new law puts increased pressure on the airlines to stop shipping roosters to cockfighting hot spots.

The new law had been introduced by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) in the House, and by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in the Senate. It had also been endorsed by more than 500 groups, including all major humane organizations, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Chicken Council, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and more than 400 local law enforcement agencies covering all 50 states.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the The Pack and Lone Cat

I am so glad to see my relentless emails MIGHT have done some good. It is a relief to see some compassion and care come from Capitol Hill and the President’s desk.
Let’s not stop here!
Let’s keep them focused on anti-cruelty protection of animals instead of Breed Specific Legislation (Prejudice)!

DAROOT!

Please cross-post--Teddi Sue stolen

Here is an entry from a forum post by Sassy:

Here is a message from Teddi Sue's mommy. Please pray for her safe return and pray for the family. Teddi Sue*MISSING* #463287

[My car was stolen in Auburn, Washington on Monday, April 16, 2007 with Teddi Sue inside of it in her crate. The car is a white 1990 Toyota Camry with Oregon license plates.]

This is D'Ann and my heart is aching terribly.
Teddi Sue and I took trip up to Washington State
this past weekend, intending to be home on Monday
afternoon. On Monday morning I filled my car's gas
tank and then stopped to eat a quick breakfast
before beginning the 5 hour drive back home to
Eugene. I left Teddi Sue in my locked car, in her
crate. I had covered the crate with a blanket so
that it could not be seen if anyone were to look
into my car. It was a sunny day up here, but not
overly warm. I ordered my food then went out to
check my little sweetie to make sure that it
wasn't getting hot in the car. I got my food and
then went back to check her again before I ate.
The temp. in the car was comfortable and she was
content. I went in, ate my food and paid. I had
last checked her no longer than 15 minutes before.
When I went out to begin the 5 hour drive home to
Eugene, my car, with Teddi Sue inside, was gone.
The Auburn police took the report and have issued
an alert to look for my car. I am totally devasted
and worrying about my baby girl. The police have
asked me to remain here in Auburn for the next few
days, because if my car, and/or Teddi Sue, are
found, it will probably be within the following
2-3 days . I am doing all I can think of to get
the word out and look for Teddi Sue. I will let
you know, or phone a pal to let you know (if I
don't have computer access) if I find out anything
about my darling little girl. Please, please,
please pray for my Teddi to come back to me. Thank
you. - Mommy D'Ann

UPDATE: Looks like we may be fostering!

AND it turns out his name is REALLY Fred!
WOW!! She is psychic!!!
Did you know my mom wanted to start her very own Pet Detective Agency when she was a kid??!?! This was before Jim Carrey could tie his own shoelaces too!!

WOW, we talk to the vet tech in the morning about arrangements. I can't believe they don't want to keep Fred. They say he "gets out too often." They aren't interesting in neutering him either. Hmmm. Trying not to pass judgement.... Mom knew something was just "off' when she realized his collar was just a little bit too tight and no tags....

I hope we aren't jumping the gun by posting this, because now I am really excited about having a brother, even if temporarily. Pawpaw is all for it. Mom couldn't believe it! Pawpaw emphasized "WHILE YOU FIND HIM A HOME" of course. Mom is so touched that Pawpaw said, "It's the right thing to do on every level" in terms of holding onto him until we find him the furever home that is worthy of Fred. He would only have five days at the animal control office otherwise. NO WAY, JOSE!!!

How did mom know his name???? I knew mom was psycho, but psychic?!?!?!
BOL!!!

We'll post a Fred page when we have him home with us. In the meantime, any advice on his name?? Pawpaw says Sprout is a terrible name...rhymes with "out!" Pawpaw is so smart. I guess Fred it is!

Any advice about JRTs and cats? Even cats that outweigh him by 2x???? WORRIED!

XOXOX
Zoe Dingo, Big Sister

A boy spent the night last night!!

I found this email mom wrote so I am going to show you guys!:

"Hi All, Look who "knocked" at my door at 2 am and spent the night!!!

No tags, just a collar. Young pup, cleanest teeth I have seen in ages! :) I was nervous letting him in, not neutered...but he was a perfect gentleman...no peeing indoors.

I took him to our vet this morning to see if he was microchipped, and they are reaching his owner. I have to say...guilty as I am to say this...I was kind of sad he was chipped. Zoe LOVED him!!! I dont know how Sugar would have felt with a new brother, though!!

I know I would be so utterly devastated if Zoe or Sugar went missing so I was ultimately glad he was chipped, of course. Besides, Pawpaw would have not liked the idea to say the least!!!! We don't need to throw a Jack Russell into the mix of our crazy lives right now!

He slept in Zoe's never-used crate in the downstairs, and once I turned out the light, he didn't make a peep all night. He is so cute.

At first I called him Mr Bigglesworth, then Jack, then Fred (Astaire...he is quite a dancer!), then at the vet's office I saw a tiny little clump of hairs popping out of the spot on his forehead (Spot would have been too obvious a name!) and decided I was calling him Sprout from then on. Then they found the chip.
I wonder what his real name is....

Love,
Us girls"

I have to upload his pic so you all can see how cute he is!!! I miss him already!

XOXOX
Zoe Dingo

YES!!!!!!! NEGATIVE!!!!!!

A second Buffy Coat test for cancer screening came back as negative!!! YES! Now I am 3 months post-op and Zoeeeeee DEEEEEEEE: CANCER-FREE!!!!
DARRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!
LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL MY PALS WHO HAVE BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE DURING THIS VERY, VERY TOUGH WINTER!!!!!
WE RUFF YOU!!!!!
XOXOXOXOX
Love,
Zoe Dingo