New Pet? Pyometra Kills. Avoid Testicular Cancer. Feral Cat Lovers. Dog Germs! Factory-Farming Abuses. Anti-Whistleblower Bill. Jack Nicklaus. Sue, T.rex.

 

For “Mammal Monday”:

Looking for a New Pet? Avoid These Breeding Tragedies

“Dr. Becker attended a recent United Kennel Club Premier show in Michigan and sat down for a fascinating discussion with Wayne Cavanaugh, president of the UKC. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Cavanaugh, UKC shows have evolved very differently than traditional dog shows. They feature several competitive events like dock diving and lure coursing, and all dogs are welcome to participate. The show ring is the only activity reserved for purebred dogs.

Dr. Becker and Mr. Cavanaugh agree that many dog breed standards are suffering from extreme exaggeration of certain physical characteristics. The arching backs of today’s German Shepherd Dogs and the inverted muzzles of Pugs are two examples. Neither of these breeds, nor several others, have benefitted from these exaggerations. Many GSDs can barely walk, and many Pugs can barely breathe.

Registration papers, whether from the AKC, the UKC or another registry, do not guarantee the health of a dog. This is a fact too many dog owners overlook. In today’s world of puppy mills and online puppy storefronts, a “papered” dog means nothing in terms of how the animal was bred, it’s health, talents, or temperament.

Drastic narrowing of the canine gene pool has created generations of sick, debilitated purebred dogs. Golden Retrievers are a heartbreaking example. Since the inception of the breed, only a handful of sires have been bred. This in large part has contributed to the astronomical rates of cancer in this breed, who are now often referred to as “cancer retrievers,” or “golden tumor dogs.”

If people understood more about where their pet store or online puppy really came from – what conditions it was bred in – we could put a quick end to the factory farming of puppies. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t meet the parents, don’t buy the puppy. That is the best way to stop supporting the monstrous business of puppy mills.”

What Registration Papers DON'T Tell You About a Dog

We’ve reached the point where national organizations like the AKC are registering puppies bred in puppy mills or by other types of contemptible commercial breeders. People who buy these puppies assume they are getting healthy animals because they have papers, but in many cases, nothing could be further from the truth.

Wayne wants to make it clear that mixed breed shelter dogs, three-legged dogs, spayed and neutered dogs – can all compete in UKC performance events. He wants to see them there. Dogs don’t have to be perfect to compete. They don’t have to be at breed standard. These dogs can’t compete in the show ring, but there are seven other events – which will increase to nine very shortly, and more by next year – in which any dog can participate.”      Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/08/05/ukc-shows.aspx

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Pyometra: This Life-Threatening Condition Could Kill Your Dog Within 48 Hours

“Pyometra is a uterine disease that occurs most often in intact female dogs six years or older that have never been pregnant.

Pyometra is a hormonal abnormality with or without the presence of a secondary bacterial infection. An excessive amount of progesterone, or hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone, is what causes the condition. Left untreated, pyometra can be life-threatening.

Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that doesn’t end in egg fertilization. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can spark a secondary bacterial infection.

There are two types of pyometra, open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix allows accumulated fluid and debris in the uterus to flow out of the body through the vagina. At some point, however, the cervix closes (closed pyometra), trapping all the excess fluid and white blood cells in the uterus. The flow of fluid into the uterus continues, causing the organ to enlarge. The uterus can eventually rupture and empty all its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing death within about 48 hours.

Treatment of the condition includes spaying. If the owner wants to breed the animal, obviously other options are available, but they present a higher risk to the dog.”  Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/07/22/pyometra.aspx

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From me:  My Misty developed Pyometra within a few weeks of my rescuing her. Her dental surgery, which she had within a week, was so time-consuming and she was under anesthetic for so long that they didn’t spay her when I first got her. I rushed her to the hospital in time, and she survived that lengthy, and expensive, surgery, too.

Spay your female dogs, and neuter your males, so they don’t get cancer.  

Male pets who are neutered eliminate their chances of getting testicular cancer, and it is thought they they have lowered rates of prostate cancer, as well. 

More reasons to spay or neuter at: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

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Dogs Bring Beneficial Bacteria Into Home

“Countless studies have shown that beneficial bacteria are key players when it comes to producing immunity from disease.  Microbes are all around us; on our skin, in our digestive tracts, on the surfaces around our homes and the people we interact with.  Any addition to the family brings new things into the home - personalities, resources, schedule changes... but it turns out that dogs bring a little extra.
A new study has shown that families with dogs have a higher bacterial diversity, both in the home and in the people.  This may sound initially off-putting, but actually, this very diversity acts like a dose of probiotic-filled yogurt, increasing beneficial bacteria populations, bolstering immunity, and decreasing the likelihood of allergies in developing children.
So the next time your kid gets a friendly lick on the face and responds like Lucy: "Yuck!  I have dog germs!"  Just remind them that Snoopy is actually doing them a favor, helping to keep the whole family healthy and happy.”    Read more at http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/article/Dogs-Bring-Beneficial-Bacteria-Into-Home221#fl0CJeGxCPyvJ61z.99

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Feral cat lovers: uninformed and irresponsible

“Ziggy was a loving fun and happy cat.
He regularly walked with us to visit the neighbors. If we went inside, he did, too. He loved dogs, brazenly meeting strange dogs whose owners held the leash. He became everyone’s friend.
Ziggy was constantly making friends of any animal or human that would be his friend. There were those that wanted Ziggy’s and his two sister’s territory.
Feral, mean and wild, they attacked relentlessly. At my own back door they attacked and even challenged me, a human.

Ziggy was a big, strong cat and would defend himself, his sisters and our property. He never lost – except his life.

Ziggy recently lost weight quickly. He became lethargic and couldn’t even come to sit on a lap or his pillow on our bed. We took him to the vet office and had tests run. He had a viral form of feline leukemia.

This disease was given to him by a feral cat, fed by a well-meaning human with little understanding of the facts. It is a form for which there is neither inoculation nor cure. Ziggy was buried with his best friend Boomerang, our cattle show dog that died.”  From: http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/readers_poll/content_articles/070213_pol-01.txt

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From me:  This is one reason why cats should be kept indoors, or in their own enclosure outside.

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Share This Video to Help Animals

“Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States, was with Ellen to discuss new and important legislation about animals that you need to hear.”

Anti-Whistleblower Bills Hide Factory-Farming Abuses from the Public

Learn more and see what you can do

Stop Agribusiness from Hiding Animal Cruelty

https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=6047&autologin=true&s_src=web_tx_3097459578

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On This Day:

Nicklaus sets title record, Aug 12, 1973:

“On August 12, 1973, American golfer Jack Nicklaus wins the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) championship for his 14th major title, surpassing Bobby Jones' record of 13 major championships. Nicklaus shot a seven-under-par 277 at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio, to win $45,000 and his third PGA National championship. The "Golden Bear" went on to win a total of 20 major tournaments, a record that still stands today. (Although it aptly describes his golden-colored hair and large build, Nicklaus' famous moniker is actually derived from his high school alma mater, the Upper Arlington Golden Bears.)”

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Skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex discovered, Aug 12, 1990:

“On this day in 1990, fossil hunter Susan Hendrickson discovers three huge bones jutting out of a cliff near Faith, South Dakota. They turn out to be part of the largest-ever Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, a 65 million-year-old specimen dubbed Sue, after its discoverer.

Amazingly, Sue's skeleton was over 90 percent complete, and Sue's extraordinarily well-preserved bones have allowed scientists to determine many things about the life of T.rex. They have determined that the carnivorous dinosaur had an incredible sense of smell, as the olfactory bulbs were each bigger than the cerebrum, the thinking part of the brain. In addition, Sue was the first T.rex skeleton to be discovered with a wishbone, a crucial discovery that provided support for scientists’ theory that birds are a type of living dinosaur. One thing that remains unknown is Sue's actual gender; to determine this, scientists would have to compare many more T.rex skeletons than the 22 that have been found so far.”

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Yesterday:

Ray was busy, so I called around about someone to install the porch roofs.  One man was supposed to be here at 2.00 PM, but he didn’t show up! 

In the morning, as it is too far for Misty to walk now, I drove her down to the mailboxes for her exercise around the park there.  That meant more junk mail to go through, and keep the shredder busy.

Then I caught up with some household chores and cooked enough food so that some was frozen for later when I don’t have time to cook.

Also, I searched in Craigslist and eBay looking for a Park Model travel trailer that isn’t too far away.  I’ll find one that I like, some day.

Inside the Puppy Black Market.

The puppy mills in the US are terrible enough, imagine what the ones in Mexico are like!


DO NOT BREED OR BUY, WHILE SHELTER DOGS DIE!
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The Accidental Consequence of Cracking Down on Puppy Mills...

A much-needed crackdown on U.S. businesses like puppy mills that breed pets purely for profit and without regard for the health and well-being of the animals, is having an unintended consequence.
Unless we get a handle on it quickly, it seems the puppy import business has the potential to become just as hideous as the puppy mill industry.    Many of the tiny victims are being smuggled in from Mexico.

Falsified Documents

Any dog shipped to the U.S. requires paperwork verifying his or her age.
In the case of puppies flown into LAX, the County of Los Angeles' Department of Public Health uncovered rampant fake paperwork.
Importers have caught on to the fact that dogs four months or older can enter the U.S. without restrictions after their arrival, so dates of birth on the documents shipped with the puppies are routinely falsified to indicate the dogs are older than their actual age.
In fact, most of the pups being shipped are still too young to vaccinate.
As the number of countries importing dogs to the U.S. grows, so does the potential for outbreaks of diseases even more dangerous than parvo and distemper.
Per dvm360:

“CDC's biggest concern with these imported dogs is the risk of rabies,” says G. Gale Galland, a veterinarian with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Exacerbating the threat of rabies is the fact that most of the dogs being shipped are too young to even be vaccinated for rabies. Over the past few years, there have been a handful of cases of rabid dogs being smuggled in, but enforcement, both at border crossings and airports, is proving difficult.

Identifying Root Causes

In order to address the problem of smuggled and imported underage and sick puppies, it's necessary to understand why this activity is on the increase. There are several factors at work, including:

Better regulation of commercial breeders in the U.S. In 2009 alone, over 33 states enacted legislation intended to either clean up or close down the puppy mill industry and other unscrupulous breeders. The supply of U.S.-bred puppies available to pet stores and other pet retailers is being significantly reduced as a result.

Puppy mill owners looking to cash in on the import business. Unscrupulous breeders, whether they've downscaled their operations due to stricter regulations, or been shut down altogether, are looking for a way to replace lost income. Many of these people are becoming puppy brokers or middlemen for imported puppy mill pets.

Consumer demand for purebred and cross-bred ‘designer' puppies. Despite the public outcry against puppy mills and overwhelming approval of the new restrictive laws for commercial dog breeding operations, people in the market for canine family members are still buying from pet stores.

An even bigger problem is internet sales of puppies. Every time a potential dog owner decides, often on impulse, they simply must have a purebred Maltese puppy or some exotic hybrid blend of two or three different breeds, it has the potential to line the pockets of a puppy mill operator or importer.

Uneducated and/or impulsive consumer purchases. Many people in the market for a dog have simply not done their homework to learn the significant risks associated with purchasing either an imported puppy or a pup with unverifiable health history or lineage. Impulse purchases are almost never a good idea, but they can be especially harmful when it comes to choosing a new family pet.

Not-for-profit, misguided or uninformed importers. Rescue groups, well-meaning armed forces personnel serving overseas and even veterinarians have imported dogs from other countries without an appropriate level of concern for the health risks involved.

Weak federal import regulations. Government agencies like the U.S. Border Patrol, the CDC and the USDA don't have the staff, resources or law enforcement authority to effectively regulate the import of live animals. In addition, most of the laws governing live animals crossing U.S. borders were written during a time when the only dogs being transported into the country were pets of families returning from extended trips or business abroad.

How You Can Make a Difference

If you plan to add a new dog to your family, even if you've done your homework and know exactly what you want, I encourage you to check your local shelters and rescue organizations first. Depending on the breed you're interested in, you might be surprised to learn there are homeless purebred dogs – sometimes even puppies – available for adoption.

More at: and : http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/01/06/avoiding-buying-illegally-imported-pet-dogs.aspx

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  By: Chris Sweeney    DVM NEWSMAGAZINE     
"New animal health risks posed by growing, illegal dog importation:
National Report -- It’s synonymous with weapons and drugs. But the black market dog trade in the United States is vast and some believe it’s growing.

Across the U.S./Mexican border, and through the airports, a stream of illegal puppies are crossing U.S. borders. Big profits are made, important humanitarian issues ignored and significant health risks propagated with each illegal dog that is trafficked into the country.

“We have found puppies stuffed in speaker boxes, screwed into the car door panels and wrapped in blankets with their little legs taped to their bodies and stuffed under seats,” says Captain Aaron Reyes of the Southeast Animal Control Authority. “On one occasion, we found, I believe, a dozen puppies in a plastic container in the back of car. Two of the puppies had already died because of the heat, and all of the others were panting and doing severe mouth breathing. They were cooking in there, and they were about 5 weeks old.”

The Border Puppy Task Force was created soon after Reyes and colleagues set up a sting operation during which they purchased a few-week old puppy that had deadly parasitic infections.

“In late 2004, we started seeing quite a few buyers of these pocket-breed puppies coming in and saying ‘I bought this puppy, and it’s now dead, I had it for just a couple of days,’” Reyes says. “Many of these dogs are indiscriminately bred -- father and daughter, brother and sister -- and the whole idea is to keep the females pregnant and popping out puppies.” "
More at: http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=662872&pagelD=1and

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How much is that doggie in the window!

Puppy Mill puppies are sold online, or to pet shops, or they are auctioned off, at terrible auctions.

You can go to Petfinder.com to see pictures of local adoptable animals waiting patiently for forever homes.


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What are Puppy Mills?

How much is that Puppy in the window?
Probably a lot more than it is worth.
Most pups in stores come from cruel beginnings and buyers support it!

DO NOT BREED OR BUY, WHILE SHELTER DOGS DIE!

SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET.

EVERY LITTER BIT HURTS.

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Today:

It was cold and overcast, so it was
a good time time to get shopping done today

Dog Auctions. Hereditary Defects. P & N. Cargo Trailer

Man's Best Friend should not be treated this way!









"Dog auctions are a little-known piece of the puppy mill puzzle. At these auctions, breeders sell breeding dogs they no longer want to other breeders. Those who participate in these auctions typically run large-scale, commercial breeding operations where the primary motivation is profit rather than good breeding practices or the well-being of the dogs."

"We need to stop this type of behavior that supports the cruel breeding and over population of animals. It affects us all in the long run. "
More at: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=3&campaign=BanDogAuctions&ThirdPartyClicks=ETA_062410_BanDogAuctions_F
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Please help the thousands of pups:
"Right now, there is a loophole in animal welfare legislation that allows puppy mills to go without inspection and licensure if they sell puppies online. The PUPS Act will close this loophole and make sure all large-scale breeders give puppies and dogs daily exercise." 
More at: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=3&campaign=ASPCAAnimalWelfareAct&ThirdPartyClicks=ETA_071510_ASPCAAnimalWelfareAct_F

PLEASE sign the petition.   The doggies will thank you.
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Is this a good place to raise puppies? Your pup could have come from somewhere like this.


Two-tier cages with soiled trays at a USDA licensed facility in Iowa


"The puppies from these mills are called "purebreds" but often bear little resemblance to their breed standard.
Unsound breeding practices predispose puppy mill dogs to hereditary afflictions like hip dysplasia, dislocating kneecaps, seizures, eye lesions, and aggressive behavior. Life-threatening genetic conditions such as liver and heart diseases, autoimmune disorders, and seizures can also result from careless breeding."
More at: www.okpuppymilltruth.org/petstores.php
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A case in point is Cindy's Ditka, the full time RVing dog.
Ditka said:
"Sadly, hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that, according to Mom’s research, I would not have if my breeder had insured that my birth mom and dad had OFA certs of ‘good’ or better.  Had she researched this in advance, Mom would have known to ask for such certifications.  I would not be going through all this pain now if humans had been more conscientious.    Ironically, we Shiba Inu’s have a low rate of hip dysplasia at 5.7%  compared to the many more popular breeds of family pets such as golden retrievers with a 19.9% probability. Also, ironically, the two Shiba’s that lived here with the Frericks family before us, both of which were rescue dogs with unknown parentage, did not have hip dysplasia. "
More at: http://frerxadventures.blogspot.com/2010/07/ditka-update.html
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Yesterday:
Last night Pamala and Nigel Skyped me, and they were in Dawson Creek, BC, Canada, on the Alaska Highway.   They had enjoyed the Calvary Stampede, and hoped to be in Whitehorse, Yukon, pretty soon.  Should be posting more pictures when they can get another good WiFi spot.
They are truckin' right along.
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Today:
Jay and I went into the cargo trailer with pry bars, saws, screw guns, and took all the funky-built walls and shelves out. 
So now the converter is sitting on the floor.
We removed enough screws to fill up a coffee can!
One wheel well will have to be rebuilt, so that will be first.
Then we will take down that horrible cabinet on the front right corner.  Once the floor is all clear, we can install new linoleum, and start rebuilding.
It started to rain, so we had to stack the used plywood and lumber in the workshop for now, as a lot of it will be re-used.

The rain didn't last long, but it was still a humid, hot day.

“Oh, Blimey! Here She Comes!”

That is what my late Levi might be saying right now. 
MaeMae went to wait at Rainbow Bridge this morning. 
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RainbowsBridge.com
“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... “
Author unknown...
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This is the new video of it: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html_
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MaeMae, half his size, and 4 months older, used to boss Levi around, and was a prissy little miss.  They were raised together by Claudia’s daughter for their first four years, before they came to us.   Unfortunately they had been bought from a pet shop, and had come from puppy mills.  One in KS and one in WI, so neither had a good start in life, and both had some hereditary defects.   We loved them just the same, but health issues, especially with MaeMae’s congenative disk trouble, bad teeth from lack of care of her dam, and bad patella, made her rather fragile.

MaeMae bonded to my late DH, and Levi to me.  She would go to the shop every day with Johnnie, and Levi would stay with me.  He was so happy to be away from bossy MaeMae, and really blossomed into the best little doggie ever.  He finally had his OWN toys, own bed, and own ‘hooman’, and didn’t have her taking them away from him.  She was the tiny cute one who got all the attention, whereas Levi was a shy, blocky headed, long backed, not very pretty poodle, except in my eyes.

This is why Claudia decided to take MaeMae when her ‘Dad’ died, as they were better apart.   She has been a great comfort to Claudia during all her trials and tribulations with the liver transplant. 
Claudia and I were with her, stroking her, while she peacefully went to sleep.
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Puppy mills just breed pups from cheap inferior pet quality stock that can be registered by the AKC , no matter how they turn out, conformation or health wise.  There are a lot of hereditary defects in certain bloodlines, and they just don’t care. See my post: http://pennys-tuppence.blogspot.com/2009/12/urgent-help-needed-for-ohio-dogs-in.html

Now, breeding to the conformation standards of the AKC is a different matter Here they are for each breed:  http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm  but the breeds standards have changed over the years, and now there is an outcry about that:
“The Crufts dog show was plagued by controversy this year: Pedigree pulled their sponsorship, RSPCA boycotted the event, and the BBC refused to air the competition. The storm was created by a documentary called Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which took an in-depth look at the health and welfare cost of breeding for conformation. The program aired last week in the US, but the problems it exposes have long existed across the pond under the auspices of the American Kennel Club.
There's a clip from the BBC program on the Dancing Dog Blog about one of the most popular breeds in the UK, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, and a condition common to the breed where their brains are too big for their skulls. Brachycephalic dogs (short snouts, like Boston Terriers, pugs, bulldogs, etc.) often have chronic respiratory problems which can lead to tracheal collapse. Most bulldogs cannot mate or give birth naturally. But the AKC ignores these transgressions against nature because the dogs "look good" in the show ring.

The UK Kennel Club initially protested the documentary, claiming it was unfairly edited and inaccurate. Yet a few months later, they started making changes. They updated breed standards and launched the Fit for Life campaign so that "every dog should be bred to be fit enough to enjoy its life to the full." They will no longer register direct inbreeding (father/daughter, mother/son, or siblings) and have commissioned an independent investigation into pedigree dog breeding that will present its recommendations next year. What will it take for the American Kennel Club to catch on and start living up to its mission to "protect the health and well-being of all dogs?"”
“The AKC is probably the wealthiest, most powerful organization for dogs in the country. They use their power to lobby against legislation that affects purebred dogs in any way, including bans on cosmetic surgeries, like tail and ear docking, and any bills that seek to regulate breeding. You would think that if they were so dedicated to the health and integrity of purebred dogs, they'd want to stop breeders who perpetuate unhealthy bloodlines and inhumane conditions. Instead, they happily certify puppy mill dogs and support dog auctions. (See my post about the AMI
Dog shows shouldn't be craft shows for people to display what they "made." If people want to compete with their dogs, there are plenty of competitions out there that showcase a dog's fitness, such as agility, flyball, and rally obedience. For people who love purebreds, they can compete for what their breed was created for in events like field trials for hunting dogs and lure coursing for sight hounds. None of the breeds were created to strut around show rings, and the obsession with conformation is destroying dogs. The AKC needs to take a hard look at its standards and start promoting healthy dogs and purebred rescue instead of cruelty and mass production of puppies.
UPDATE: You can now watch the documentary and take action to demand that the AKC stops promoting deformities and starts supporting healthy dogs.”
From: http://animalwelfare.change.org/blog/view/pedigree_dogs_the_cruelty_behind_conformation   
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From me:

I spent many years of my life showing and breeding Toy Poodles.  (Though my favorites, and personal dog, were the Standards). I had kids to support, and Toys were the No.1 dog then.  I studied bloodlines and genetics till I was blue in the face, and bred the best Poodles that I could. I paid high stud fees to some of the top Toy Poodle kennels at that time, i.e. Sassafras, Jodan and Cutlers.  Eventually I was able to buy two studs of my own, one from Sassafras, famous for their silvers and silver beige (Champion Silver Sparkle of Sassafras was the top producing stud of Toy Poodle champions, probably of all time), and the other from Cutlers, famous for champion colorbred apricots.  (Many $K)

But to show a Poodle, over 1 year old, it has to grow that long show coat, so it’s ears are kept wrapped, ankles wrapped, top-knot wrapped, and the coat is constantly being brushed and even oiled to stop it from breaking. They cannot enjoy a big bone, or frolic in a field, as they might hurt their bracelets. (Hair around the ankles).  I have seen show Poodles force fed with tubes, so that their coat would not be damaged. They are often kept crated for most of their lives, to protect that show coat, until they are retired from the ring.  That is no life for a dog, and the politics in the ring are about graft, just as much as our government.
Knowing the intricacies in anything will put you off it.  I quit showing my dogs, and did Obedience and Agility training instead.

Then I found out how many doggies are without GOOD homes, and I said “That’s it, I am not making any more!”.
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(Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 TEV)
"I decided that God is testing us, to show us that we are no better than animals. After all, the same fate awaits man and animals alike. One dies just like the other. They are the same kind of creature. A human being is no better off than an animal, because life has no meaning for either. They are both going to the same place -- the dust. They both came from it; they will both go back to it. How can anyone be sure that a man's spirit goes upward while an animal's spirit goes down into the ground?"
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This is the version for animals who were mistreated and rescued:
A Rainbow Bridge Story
"Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.
He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

But alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for awhile to explain it to him.
"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He entered rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"
"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place with families on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge.

"I think I like rescuer's", said the first animal. “
"So does GOD", was the reply.
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Dear MaeMae, rest in peace.  Claudia and I have used up a lot of Kleenex today.

Urgent Help Needed for Ohio Dogs in Auctions. Your Pet Got the Itchies?

This petition needs to be signed ASAP, so we can stop this.  They are having another of these cruel auctions today, but maybe we can stop the next one.
The Amish, and other puppy mills are auctioning off precious little doggie lives like they are cattle and chickens.  Not that I am in favor of the way a lot of cattle and chickens are auctioned off either.  But doggies are supposed to be loved and nurtured, they are our best companions, not like cattle or chickens.
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1109

http://animalwelfare.change.org/blog/view/puppy_mill_politics_and_the_ohio_dog_auction_act

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/22/AMISHDOG.ART_ART_04-22-07_C1_US6F8H9.html 
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Just in case you missed the comments yesterday, here are two of them:
Ms. Fiddlesticks said...
It looks like you do grooming, yes? Would love a piece of advice. I have a Maltese, she chews and licks on herself a lot. I buy chews but just carries them around, never really eats them. Her breath smells awful. Got any suggestions? Thanks.
LakeConroePenny,TX said...
Hi Ms. Fiddlesticks. It is mostly from my experience as a vet tech, kennel operator and SPCA foster mom that I can give you some suggestions, not as a groomer.

When a pet is chewing and licking it can be several causes.

One main thing is to look at their diet, and see if it has corn products or 'By-Products' in it. It is not good for dogs, and it is a cheap filler that is used in most grocery store brands. It can play havoc by causing the 'itchies'.

Here is a site where you can review the ratings of dog food, and there is a video about pet food, too.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Dog_Food_Review       

Scroll down to the alphabetical list to see how yours rates!

Dog chews are made in different countries, and a lot of them have dyes in them, which can cause allergies. Only buy ones that are made in USA, and have NO dye.
Then, you may not see them, but some dogs are so allergic to one flea bite, that they itch for ages if bitten. All cats and dogs should be on a good flea and heartworm preventative.

As for her breath, that can be caused by eating food with corn in it, as it is indigestible for dogs, or she needs dental work. When was the last time she had a dental check-up? All dogs need to have their teeth professionally cleaned, just like people. The products that say they are to help a dog's bad breath sometimes make it worse, so you will keep on buying it. There is NO substitute for a dental check-up.

Don't forget that dogs and cats should not have onions, grapes, raisins or chocolate. Very toxic for them.
If you want to reach me by email: LakeConroePenny at AOL.com

I hope this helps, Penny.

Flea allergy usually shows up on the base of their back, close to the tail, the hair is usually courser, and more scant.  That is where they will bite and scratch the most.   Fleas cause tapeworms, if ingested, so it is important from that stand point, to keep them flea-free. A regular worming product will not get rid of tapeworms, it takes a special medicine from a vet.

By the way, just because a vet sells pet food, it doesn't mean that is the best for them.  It is all about the money!!

There is another video about commercial dog foods on this page.  It is touting a dog food book, but if you Google what he is saying, you will find out that it is true:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Hills-Dog-Foods-Healthy-Dog-Foods-Reviews-and-News

It’s all about the doggies today.