AKK9 - Alaska Dog News - Everything Alaska Canine

Alaska Junior makes top 20 in AKC junior showmanship 2007

HERDING

Statistics current fron Janaury 2007-April 2007

RANK NAME # DEFEATED

1 Norris, Tanner 271
2 Diaz, Anna 179
3 Rauschmeier, Kelly 178
4 Whitmore, Ashlie 161
5 Grinels, Lindsey 128
6 Degner, Chelsea 114
7 Mellen, Christopher 103
8 Calkins, Anna 99
9 Armstrong, Megan 94
10 Caldwell, Allyson 90
11 Dede, William 88
12 Scott, Katelyn 81
13 Miceli, Samantha 77
14 Kennedy, Mike 72
15 Weber, Alyssa 70
16 Escalada, Erica 61
17 Rummerfield, Allie 60
18 Ardizzone, Bree Ann 57
19 Dowling, Lindsey 56
20 Wyckoff, Kory 55

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Stop California AB1634 - Send a Biscuit!

Starting on June 11th, K9's Naturally will package and send dog biscuits with the message "Vote NO on AB1634" to the legislators of California our attempt to get them to understand just how many lives this bill could affect, and how far-reaching the outcry is to VOTE NO NOW!

What else can I do?

Stop California AB1634.

Vote: Should states require pets to be sterilized?

Do you think states should require pets to be spayed and neutered? * 11500 responses

Vote: Should states require pets to be sterilized? - Pet Health - MSNBC.com.

Go vote – “NO WAY!” 

There is much more to the mandatory spay/neuter laws that meets the eye.  It implies perpetuation of kill shelters for one thing.  Protect your righs and arm yourself with knowledge. 

Texas lab finds pain medicine in pet food

New Contaminant Found In More Pet Food

ASPCA Sheds Light on Toxicity of Acetaminophen—Reminds Pet Parents to Stay Alert


NEW YORK—With reports that acetaminophen has been found in brands of cat and dog food not included on the Menu Foods recall list, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today reminded pet parents that vigilance is the key to keeping their pets safe and healthy—coupled with a strong dose of common sense.


“Though reports of dogs and cats poisoned from the Menu Foods recall seem to have abated, this news is extremely worrying,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.



“Our data show that if an average-sized cat ingests as little as one extra-strength acetaminophen pain-reliever caplet and is not treated in time, it can suffer fatal consequences,” continued Dr. Hansen. “Depending on the amount ingested, clinical effects can include a condition called ‘methemoglobinemia,’ which affects the ability of blood cells to deliver oxygen to vital organs, or even liver damage.”



“At this point, we have very little information as to the actual level and concentration of this reported contamination, so it’s extremely important to be able to recognize any potential warning signs of this kind of poisoning.” However, early information on this contamination suggests that concentration levels are not high enough to have an adverse effect on most dogs; cats are more at-risk.



Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City, and a board-certified internist, elaborates further. “Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen toxicity for two reasons. First, they don’t have enough of a specific enzyme that enables the body to metabolize the drug well. Second, cats are typically more susceptible to red blood cell damage than certain other species of animals. Put these together with a high dose of acetaminophen, and you have a potentially deadly combination.”


The most common effects of acetaminophen poisoning in cats include swelling of the face and paws; depression; weakness; and difficulty in breathing. “We also see a condition called ‘cyanosis,’” said Dr. Hansen, “which is literally when their gums and tongue start turning a muddy color due to the lack of oxygen.”

In 2006, the APCC received more than 78,000 calls to its hotline involving common human drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements—a 69 percent increase over 2005.

Until more information is provided by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the ASPCA urges pet parents to keep an eye out for any signs of illness in their pets, and also report any changes in dietary consumption or behavior to their veterinarian immediately. Those considering a home-cooked diet for their pets should do so in consultation with their veterinarian, or visit the ASPCA’s Web site for more information.

“It is important to remember to never give any medication to your pet without first talking to your veterinarian, and always store potentially poisonous substances in a secure cabinet above the countertop and out of the reach of pets,” said Dr. Hansen. “If you think your pet has ingested a poisonous substance, you should take her to your veterinarian immediately.”


The ASPCA continues to monitor the pet food recall situation, and is providing regular updates and advice for pet parents, at its Pet Food Recall Resource Center at www.aspca.org/recall .

Texas lab finds pain medicine in pet food - Tribune-Review.

Those Amazing Alaskan Sled Dogs ý What Makes Them Go?

Those Amazing Alaskan Sled Dogs – What Makes Them Go?

It’s official – the race results are in, and Lance Mackey has continued his family's tradition by being first to the finish line in Nome, Alaska. But what makes it a truly extraordinary event is the tenacity and persistence of the sled dogs who get the mushers there. To study the dogs and their incredible stamina, assistant professor Erica McKenzie from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University has collected blood protein levels of sled dogs participating in the annual Iditarod Trail Race in Alaska. Professor McKenzie is testing 100 dogs that have completed the 1,150-mile race. The research, funded by the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation, focuses on measuring blood globulin levels in sled dogs participating in the Iditarod.

"There are several reasons why these dogs may have low blood globulin levels," said McKenzie, who works in the College of Veterinary Medicine. "One possibility is that globulins are being used to help meet the energy demands of exercise, which would be a somewhat novel finding from the perspective of traditional exercise physiology."

The Iditarod race started March 4, 2007. McKenzie traveled to the finish line in Nome, AK, for the on-the-spot data retrieval. By taking blood samples from 100 dogs, McKenzie will determine the prevalence of low blood globulin levels in dogs participating in the race. The new project stems from a previous 2004 research endeavor which featured running dogs in a simulated 500-mile race. One notable finding of the study was a significant decrease in the dog's blood globulin levels during the event. "The phenomenon was noted," McKenzie said of her project, "but it was never further studied."

McKenzie has worked with sled dogs for the last four years, including during the last Iditarod race where she was involved in studying antibodies to specific vaccines. In addition to McKenzie, Manoj Pastey, an assistant professor in veterinary medicine, is helping with the research project. Pastey says his job will involve taking the samples McKenzie collects and measuring the globulins in the blood.

Globulin, produced by the body, contains antibodies that protect against bacterial and viral infectious diseases. McKenzie expects this preliminary study will help define the prevalence of low blood globulin levels in racing sled dogs. Pastey says if the study produces some interesting findings, they will apply for a bigger grant for more extensive research. "It's important to know what's going on." Pastey said. "How do the dogs endure training? How do they run for so long? Why don't humans do that? It's a mystery, but right now we're waiting for those answers and conclusions."

The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. Their goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is proud to be the leader in non-invasive genetic health research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans. They’re proud to announce they have allocated more than $18 million in canine health research through 74 schools and research institutions worldwide.

For more information on the efforts of the Canine Health Foundation or how to donate, please visit www.akcchf.org or e-mail donate@akcchf.org.

-Reprinted with permission from Katie Thorn, Reporter for "The Daily Barometer," Oregon State University-

Those Amazing Alaskan Sled Dogs ý What Makes Them Go?.

Alaska Star - Your Community Newspaper: Hiland Mountain dog program is SPOT on 05/31/07

By DARRELL L. BREESE
Alaska Star
photo:news
Erica Perry gets Scooby to rollover during a demonstration of the training receive as part of the Shelter Pet Obedience Training partnership between the Hiland Mountain Correction Center and the Mat-Su Borough Animal Control.
Star Photo DARRELL L. BREESE
During 2005, more than 500 adult dogs were euthanized at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care Center. That number was far too high for Chief Animal Care Officer Dave Allison, who said it's really easy to adopt out puppies and kittens, but very hard to find a home for an adult dog.

The number of adult dogs being put down has dropped in the past year, thanks to a joint program with the Alaska Department of Corrections and the inmates at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center called SPOT, Shelter Pet Obedience Training.

Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of the program, and officials with HMCC and Mat-Su Animal Control celebrated with the graduation of eight dogs from training.

“I can't say enough about how successful this program has been,” Allison said. “It speaks volumes about the state correction system and the inmates' willingness to participate and give the dogs going through the program a second chance at life.”

According to Allison, the eight dogs that completed the training Wednesday brings the total number of dogs whose lives were saved to 68 since the program began. He added that each of the dogs was adopted more than two weeks ago, and their new owners were happy to finally take them home.

Under the agreement between HMCC and the Mat-Su animal shelter, the SPOT program uses inmate volunteers to better prepare shelter dogs for adoption. A professional dog trainer donates their services to teach the inmate handlers how to train the dogs.

“When the program started, the handlers at Hiland were learning on the fly how to train the dogs,” Allison said. “Now after a year being involved in the program, they are better at what they do. They've put a whole lot of heart into the program.”

Dogs are assigned two inmate trainers and will spend six to 10 weeks in training.

“Each dog receives obedience training from a team,” HMCC Superintendent Dean Marshall said. “In order to volunteer for the program, inmates must have no disciplinary write-ups, must have or be actively working for a GED, and must have six or more months left in their sentence and they cannot have a history of cruelty to animals or child abuse.”

The inmates are taught how to teach the dogs skills that are valuable in the real world, including house training, kennel training and a few tricks.

“The only drawback of the program is the dogs usually come out of the training addicted,” Allison said. “They're treat junkies and used to a lot of love.”

The dogs are not the only ones who benefit from the partnership.

“It's good for the inmates, because it teaches values such as patience and dedication,” Marshall said. “Plus, it's a good management tool for the institution because it is an incentive for good behavior and allows inmates to give something back to the community.”

The SPOT program at Hiland is the only one of its kind in the state, but Allison is hopeful to add additional partner facilities in the future.

“We already have a great working relationship with the Point Mackenzie Correctional Farm,” Allison said. “They've helped us care for abandoned livestock and other large animals. I think they could be a good fit for a SPOT program.”

Allison also mentioned the Palmer Correctional Center in Sutton as a possible partner for the Mat-Su shelter.

“There's no reason other animal shelters can't adopt this program as well,” he said.

The program has been so successful that Marshall sees no reason for it to end anytime soon.

“It operates at such a low cost to the state with the Mat-Su Shelter providing the food for the animals, that I don't see any financial reason to cut the program,” Marshall said. “And it is a mutually beneficial program that I believe as long as there are dogs from the shelter in need of training, we'll do what we can to continue to provide that service.”

Reach the reporter at darrell.breese@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, May 31, 2007.

Alaska Star - Your Community Newspaper: Hiland Mountain dog program is SPOT on 05/31/07.