Showing posts with label Boxer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boxer. Show all posts





This is so cool ... a laptop for dogs! Made by Toshiba USA, it comes loaded with software designed for dogs, and was tested by the US Boxer Club!

We think this is a GREAT idea! ♥

It comes complete with -

  • Bone-Shaped Touchpad which Provides Easy Browsing and Navigation - An oversized, chemical-free touchpad makes canine computing fun and protects sensitive paw pads.
  • Slobber Resistant Design - A suite of SlobberGuard technologies protects your investment against overabundant salivation, unfortunate accidents and spills.
  • Built-in DoggyCam for Inter-Canine Video Conferencing - With a fully integrated 3.2 megapixel doggycam with mic, socializing can happen anytime, anywhere — his 3:00am barking outbursts are now a thing of the past.
  • Pawprint Reader Offers Added Security and Convenience - Forget complicated usernames and passwords. A simple swipe of the paw lets you safely log in to your system and access important files and programs.
  • Pet Pack for Dogs - The Pet Pack is perfectly designed to fit all doggy shapes and sizes and comes in several exciting colors.
  • Bark-to-Text Software - Easily convert your barks to text using innovative ruff recognition. Send emails or create documents three times faster than most dogs can type with up to 99% accuracy.



For more info and/or to order see >>> http://us.toshiba.com/petbook

~ Zena

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date Sunday, April 1, 2012

 



We LOVE this cute little children's book about 
Roland P. Corncobbs in "The Naughty Boxer"! ♥

Hope you enjoy it too!
~ Zena ~


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date Thursday, March 1, 2012

 


PLEASE CROSSPOST ... ALERT >>> Missing/Lost BOXER >>> Coon Rapids, MN area <<< Have YOU seen him?? #Lost #Dog #Boxer #MN

*Name - "Chief"
*Color - Fawn w/dark mask
*Gender - Male (neutered)
*Docked tail
*Natural/floppy ears
*Wearing BLACK collar with tags

*Recently seen at "the new development across from Blaine High School",and at "Norway and 108th", and "behind Eisenhower elementary in Coon Rapids"

*Lost 1/10/12 around 5pm Coon Rapids, MN near Foley Blvd & Northdale Blvd

♥ ALL help, and prayers, are welcomed & appreciated! ♥

If found or SEEN, please contact numbers on above flier, or post here, or contact All God's Creatures Pet Services (http://www.agcpetservices.com/contact-us.html), or contact The Twin Cities Boxer Club (http://groupspaces.com/Boxers/ ) ... THANK YOU!!!
 
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
Update (Friday - 01/20/12)>>> We are very sad to share that "Chief" has been found ... unfortunately, he was hit by a car and died.

As owners of Boxers, we know the tremendous joy these goofy and adorable doggies can bring into our families, but we also know the deep sadness and heartbreak that comes when they pass away.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with Chief's family as they grieve his loss. ♥

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chief-Help-Find-My-Boxer/213558725401397
 
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date Thursday, January 19, 2012

 


 In All of Creation

In all of creation, it was only the dog that chose freely to leave his own world and walk beside us in ours.

For over 100,000 years, they have shared our caves, our huts, our tepees our igloos, our cabins, our farmhouses, our apartments and condos, and even a thin blanket on a cold city street with a homeless person.

All across this earth, in every place man inhabits, he has sought to share his life, his work, his world with a dog, and unique among all four legged creatures, the dog has sought to understand and share his life with us.

Dogs guard our children, follow us into war, and lie next to us on the floor of our sickrooms as we are dying.

They wish desperately for us to come back when we leave them, and in the beat of a heart, would give their very lives to protect us.

They love us whether we are kind, or unkind, and are quick to forgive our angry words and harsh treatment.

Surely they are much better friends than we deserve. We owe them the best of ourselves, of our patience and kindness and empathy, especially as we teach them all the mystifying, confusing aspects of existing in our human world.

Incapable of artifice or deceit, there is an innocence and clarity that shines from a dog's eyes.

They sit quietly concerned beside us when our hearts are broken, trying to kiss away our tears, and when we are happy, they leap for joy to share our pleasure.

All they ask is to be near us, to pass their lives at our side.

We should be ever grateful, every day for the grace that extended us the privilege of having such friends as these.

~Author Unknown



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date Tuesday, January 17, 2012

 

This video shows a dog in the middle to late middle stages of bloat ...  it is priceless for its teaching value.


Important video on BLOAT in dogs.  A MUST watch for all dog owners ... 95% of dogs die from bloat (stomach filling with air), due to not being brought to the Vet in time.

If you wait too long, the air-filled stomach can flip (torse) and cut off the blood supply ... resulting in damage to the stomach wall, liver, spleen and heart muscle. It will then require very expensive surgery, and even if your dog survives the surgery, they may not survive the aftermath when the toxins from the dying tissue are released, causing heart arrhythmia and sepsis

We can write articles about bloat, and talk about bloat all day long, but until you actually experience it , it is very difficult to recognize.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words ... hopefully this video will help someone save their dog's life.


~ What Are The Symptoms?
  • Restlessness - Your dog will act anxious, agitated, uncomfortable, and unable to rest.
  • Loss of appetite - Your dog may not be interested in food and water.
  • Vomiting - Your dog may vomit once or twice followed by nonproductive retching and gagging (dry heaves).
  • Whining, crying, heavy panting, and salivation.
  • Swelling - An enlarged stomach will cause the body wall to protrude prominently, especially on the dog's left side. The swelling will be very firm and obvious enough to see across the room. Occasionally, this distention is not very apparent. This occurs in dogs which have a large portion of the stomach up under the rib cage. In most cases, however, the owner is able to detect the distention.
  • Depression - A dog which experiences significant pain will be very depressed. Your dog may lie in what is commonly called a "praying position" with the front legs drawn fully forward.

If you see your dog exhibit any or all of the symptoms listed above, even if there is no swelling apparent yet, (sometimes there is no obvious swelling in the early stages; your dog just looks "fatter") ... PLEASE CALL YOUR VET AT ONCE FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND BE PREPARED TO TRANSPORT YOUR DOG IMMEDIATELY.


They can take an x-ray to determine if your dog is in the early stages and treat him immediately. If the vet refuses to take an x-ray, INSIST upon it. This is YOUR dog. YOU know him very well and if the vet still refuses to take an x-ray, go elsewhere. The earlier it is caught, the better your dog's chances of living.



Death loss due to GDV (aka Bloat/Torsion) is very high.


Also, find out if there's an emergency animal clinic near you - one that's open during the time your regular veterinarian isn't available. If there isn't an emergency clinic near you, discuss your options with your regular vet. PLEASE, don't assume your regular vet can and will treat your dog if torsion has occurred!!! Ask him or her if they're familiar with GDV and ask how many times they've performed the surgery that may be needed to save your dog's life!! If you're not comfortable with the response, find a veterinarian that IS qualified to treat your dog!!




~ What Can Be Done As Prevention?

To avoid surgery after an occurrence of bloat, the following steps should be taken to minimize the risk factors for bloat:
  • Feed a high quality wholesome diet with appropriate supplements.
  • Feed several smaller meals rather than one large one.
  • If you have more than one dog make sure that they are calm (to minimize swallowing air) during meals. You may have to feed them separately.
  • DO NOT use a raised food bowl. Many studies, including one by Purdue University (http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/update2.htm), have found that using a raised food bowl INCREASES the risk of bloat by 110%.
  • If your dog is a fast eater and quickly gulps down their kibble, we would also recommend using a "Brake-Fast or Eat-Slow" type bowl or place a large (too big to swallow ... i.e. softball size) stone in their feed bowl. Having to eat around the large stone will help slow them down a bit.
  • DO NOT feed your dogs 1 hour before, or after, vigorous play/exercise/activity ... and avoid lots of twisting or rolling play, particularly shortly after feeding. (Walking is okay because it helps stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.)
  • Ensure water is always available, but limit the amount immediately after feeding.
  • Avoid sudden diet changes. Make any major dietary changes gradually over 7-10 days.
  • Prevent obesity.
  • Watch for any actions or behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort (abdominal fullness, pacing, salivating, whining, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, anxiety and unsuccessful attempts to vomit, etc.)

Also, studies suggest that "dogs having a first degree relative with a history of GDV (Bloat) should not be bred".






Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic if you have any questions.



FYI - "This dog, Roscoe, was saved. He had just arrived in a new home ... Neither the person who brought the dog to this foster home, nor the foster home, had ever seen bloat and had no idea of what they were seeing. As soon as they realized something was wrong, he was rushed to the emergency vet ... The person filming this very kindly allowed it's use as an educational tool so other people can learn to recognize what is happening when a dog bloats. A voice-over was done to point out the various symptoms of bloat to those who may not recognize or understand what they are seeing. This dog bloated, but did not have gastric torsion. His stomach filled with air, but luckily for him, he made it to the vet in enough time that he had not torsed [flipped]. They were able to deflate him and he is now home and doing well." 


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date Tuesday, November 22, 2011

 

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Our thanks go out to our friend, Jean, for sharing this with us.  
The cute boy in the photo is "Wrigley" ... 
brother to Jean's adorable Boxer boy, "Winston" 
(he is a heart-stealer, buy-the-way!). ♥


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date Friday, November 4, 2011

 


Latest UPDATE on Buster the Boxer (10-28-11) >>>

Buster the Boxer is still struggling to breathe.

When he was stabbed, he suffered an internal tear in his throat, that caused swelling in his throat ... "He blew up like a balloon" said his owner. Buster had to be taken back to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center for a second surgery.

"We just have to wait and see, we have to keep him calm no barking ... 
or crying and he does that a lot because he is in pain."

Poor boy ... our thoughts & prayers are with Buster & his family. ♥ ♥ ♥

By-the-way ...For those of you with big hearts, and can spare a few dollars ... the cashier's # at the U of M Vet Hospital is 612-626-8387.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



date Saturday, October 29, 2011

 




I do not know how many of you have heard about the 9-year-old Boxer that was knifed yesterday, while protecting his Saint Paul, MN home from intruders/burglars. Just in case you have not heard, see the story below for details & some pictures.


What an amazing dog ... vet said another 20 minutes and he would have died. The video posted below shows him coming home from the U of MN Vet Hospital (compliments of Fox9News).


There is a fund set-up at Wells Fargo to help pay for his medical bills. Those of you who are interested in helping out can donate via the link in the story below, or if you prefer, the Twin Cities Boxer Club is also collecting donations to donate to Buster's Fund.

To donate via the  Twin Cities Boxer Club go to PayPal.com  ... click on SEND MONEY (located below the picture of the kissing teenagers ... lol) ... check "Friends & Family" ... enter twincitiesboxerclub@gmail.com as the email address ... and put "Buster" in the description.


Boxers are so awesome!


Hug your doggies,
~Pamela~


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~






Buster, a fawn boxer, nearly dies protecting his St. Paul home

Article by: ROCHELLE OLSON , Star Tribune - October 25, 2011 - 10:39 AM



Nine-year-old Buster fought so hard to protect his home that he shattered several teeth as he chomped on his attacker's hunting knife. He also suffered gashes to his throat, shoulder and jowls.

"Every room of my house was filled with blood. It was like a murder scene," said Larry Wagaman, who returned home to the crime scene about 10:20 a.m. Thursday at his east St. Paul house.

Buster, a fawn boxer who survived his latest surgery on Monday, was home alone while Wagaman went on a 20-minute run to buy supplies for a weekend bow-hunting trip.

Wagaman, an Anoka County corrections officer, returned to find Buster slumped in his basement kennel in a puddle of blood and gasping for air through a sucking neck wound.

A thief (or thieves) broke in by smashing two windows of the house on the 1800 block of E. Maryland Avenue. Cash, computers, a hunting bow, three rifles and Wagaman's corrections uniforms were stolen. The invader turned Wagaman's own 6-inch hunting knife on Buster, then left the bloody weapon on the kitchen table.

Wagaman wasn't surprised Buster fought so hard to protect the house he's lived in since he was a puppy.

"He's a dog that comes around every 100 years. He's just awesome," Wagaman said. Buster "fought him off every room they were in."









The dog spent Thursday night at the University of Minnesota veterinary hospital and spent the weekend at home, where Wagaman fed him soft food, kept him warm and medicated with painkillers.

Buster's Monday surgery was to repair his face wounds and to extract broken teeth.

The dog's care exceeded $3,000 -- before the latest surgery. "That's a lot of money, but I don't care. He's a hero," Wagaman said.

Employees in the St. Paul emergency communications center, who heard the initial emergency call, have already raised $500 to help. A fund has been set up for Buster's care in his name at any Wells Fargo branch. The "Buster Fund" is account No. 642-89-22-071.






Still whiny and sore, Buster's getting TLC at home from 16-year-old Brandie Wagaman, who is sharing a sleeping bag with Buster on the living room floor.


Although he's been moving slowly, Buster has resumed his post as watch commander at the house. Wagaman said: "Even with all the wounds, he wants to sit up and look out the window."

St. Paul police spokesman Howie Padilla said the case is being investigated but police don't yet know if there were multiple intruders. "We have limited suspect information," he said.

He noted, however, that burglaries of residences have been up this year and that police already have sent out warnings about being vigilant, keeping homes maintained and garage doors locked. Padilla asked anyone with information on this case to call 651-266-5616.












* Photos compliments of  Kare11.com




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date Wednesday, October 26, 2011

 

 


 

When the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even better by sharing them with your Boxer.

By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your furkids healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun:

* Never leave your Boxer unattended in the parked car. Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Boxers are susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions. If you need to run some errands, leave your Boxers at home.

* As you're outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your Boxer leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick.

* All dogs should have proper identification at all times. The AKC suggests a collar with an ID tag, along with a tattoo or a microchip.

* Water, water everywhere. Whether you're indoors or out, both you and your Boxer need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check their water bowl several times a day to be sure it's full. If you and your furkids venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.

* Beware of insect bites. If your Boxer is bitten or stung, remove the stinger and watch the site for an allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs or there have been multiple wasp, bee or mosquito bites, take your Boxer to the vet.

* When you are driving, do not let your Boxer stick its head out of the car window ... this may lead to eye or ear injuries. Also, do not let your Boxer travel in the back of an open pickup truck. Your Boxer could be injured in an accident. (My neighbor's dog was killed when he tried to jump out ... he had ridden in the truck bed many times before with no problems ... very sad.)

* Boxers need sunscreen too. Though they have fur to help protect them, your Boxer can get sunburned, particularly if they have light skin and hair (i.e. White Boxers). Sunburn in Boxers can cause problems similar to those that it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. So keep your Boxer out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sunblock (pet approved kind only) on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around their lips, and the tip of their nose ... about 30 minutes before going outside.

* Talk with your veterinarian about Lyme disease, and flea & tick prevention medications.

* Heartworm is a common problem for dogs. Take your Boxer to a vet for a heartworm check every spring and follow your vet's advice for heartworm precautions.

* Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your Boxer to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your Boxer, make sure he doesn't sneak a drink from the street.

* Most lawn and garden products may be hazardous. Make sure that plants and fertilizers within your Boxer's reach are not toxic. Coco mulch is poisonous, for example.

* Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with a Boxer's ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, Boxers pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when your Boxer is in close quarters.

* Make sure your Boxer doesn't overexert themselves. Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog at a healthy weight, which helps his body stay cool, overdoing it can cause him to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure he has plenty of water. If your Boxer is panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.

* If your Boxer is out of shape (or elderly), don't encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.

* Elderly, very young, and ill Boxers have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Boxers, have a hard time staying cool because they can't pant efficiently, so they need to stay out of the heat. Otherwise, heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death.

* Overweight Boxers are also more prone to overheating, because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death.

* Try to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days and refrain from physical activity when the sun's heat is most intense.

* After a day in the lake, rinse your Boxer off with fresh water.

* The outdoors exposes dogs to the elements. Dogs may need extra brushing and bathing to stay clean and healthy.

* Bring them inside. Boxers shouldn't be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and dogs can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your Boxer in the backyard, keep a close eye on them and bring them in when you can.

* No matter how careful and responsible you may be, accidents can happen. Make sure your vet's phone number is close at hand and available to all family members.



Have fun & Be safe!
~Pamela~

By-the-way, even though this post was written for Boxers,
many of the tips can be applied to all dogs (and cats).




~ Portions provided by the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) and the American Animal Hospital Association (www.healthypet.com). ~ 


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date Tuesday, June 14, 2011

 



This video is hard to watch, but it is also very moving & inspiring.

It is also a good reminder of the importance of knowing Pet CPR & First Aid. I myself am trained & certified in Pet First Aid & CPR through the Red Cross.

If anyone is interested in attending a Dog First Aid & CPR class, please let me know. I can lead a casual one, we can have a Vet demonstration, or I can set-up a group class that is more formal - led by a professional trainer of Pet First Aid & CPR.

Just post your responses here, to let me know your thoughts.

Hug your Doggies,
~Pamela~









A man breathed life back into a seemingly dead dog, and it was all captured on video.

Ron Pace, owner of the Canyon Crest Training Center for dogs in Tacoma, Wash., didn't even hesitate when one of his K-9 students, Sugar, suddenly collapsed.

"I noticed right then he wasn't breathing," Pace told KING 5 News in Seattle.

The facility began recording the incident to give to the pooch's veterinarian, and the video was posted on YouTube.

The dog trainer quickly begins chest compressions on the 4-year-old Boxer, the nearly eight-minute-long video shows, while Sugar's owner, Tiffany Kauth, cries hysterically off-camera.

"I was absolutely certain that I was losing my dog," she told KING 5 News.


Ron Pace breathed into the K-9's nose, then use chest compressions to resuscitate the animal.

Pace admitted he did not know how to perform CPR on a dog. The video shows him pushing down on the animal's chest several times before adjusting its tongue, holding its mouth shut and breathing once into its nose.

"It may have not been the correct way to do it and the way that they teach," Pace said. " it's the outcome that's what was important."

After a few more chest compressions and almost two minutes of not breathing, Sugar's chest can be seen rising and falling again in the video. A few minutes later, with his owner beside him, the dog stands, clearly frightened after his ordeal.

"He's amazing," Kauth said of Pace, who has been training dogs since 1976.

A veterinarian later determined Sugar suffers a heart condition [Cardiomyopathy] and must refrain from strenuous activity.

By Michael Sheridan (DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER) - Wednesday, March 9th 2011, 8:40 AM
Read more: http://www.nydailynew...

*** Side note: Ron Pace believes it's not just a coincidence that this dog's name happened to be SUGAR and his life was saved. Ron has dedicated himself to training diabetic alert dogs to alert their owners to dangerous blood SUGAR levels. If you are touched by this story and want to help save a human life by providing them with a trained diabetic alert dog, you can donate to http://www.dogsforcur... a non-profit organization set up to do just that.

date Friday, March 11, 2011

 



***Update - Lincoln is now back home, safe & sound! Thanks to everyone for all your help, thoughts, and prayers. Great team effort. =o)

Although this occurred in Kentucky ... this boy could be anywhere by now, so I am cross-posting to ALL groups I am a member of ... if you could PLEASE do the same, that would be AWESOME!!!

Thanks!
~Pamela~

I keep thinking ...
"What if this were my doggie ... what would I hope folks would do to please help me find my boy"!




date Friday, January 7, 2011

 

 

I am one of those folks who never wins anything.  Imagine my surprise when I opened my email and saw  "Many thanks for your entry in DogTipper.com's weekly giveaway; your entry was selected at random as our winner!" Who? Me? I had to re-read it a few times before it sunk in ... I really won! 

I know some may be saying "Oh, a book ... OK", and not understand my excitement. But for me, this was the perfect book, at the perfect time. Our almost 12 year old Boxer is suffering with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a heartbreaking disease, similar to MS in humans. I am really struggling with many aspects of what she is going through.  So, I am very excited to see what advice I might glean from this book.

It's amazing what a big difference winning a little book can make, when one is walking through the Valley.

Thanks DogTipper!
~Pamela

date Friday, December 3, 2010

 





Halloween Safety Tips for Families with Dogs     pumpkin
by BarkBusters

Halloween brings a fun time for most of us, but for some of our much-loved four-legged family members, Halloween can be a nightmare. Dog owners may not be able to control external surroundings, but they can care for their dog’s safety and well-being by observing the following tips from the world’s largest dog training company, Bark Busters:

Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

Keep your dog restrained.
If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost

Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would around your dog. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that there must be something to worry about.

Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes and keep masks off while your dog is around.

Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar—just in case.

Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies—especially chocolate—are toxic to dogs, resulting from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If he shows any resistance, don’t do it.

Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible witches or goblins that may pop out. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety as much as you would the safety of a small child.


*** Source of photo unknown.

date Saturday, October 23, 2010

 

I have received countless emails over the years, and been told several horror stories, regarding the dangers of paper shredders. Who knew such a little office machine could cause so much pain and tragedy. From cat tails, to dog ears and tongues (and children's fingers) ... all are at-risk around an electric paper shredder.

Following is an article from a South Carolina newspaper that was sent to me several years ago (unfortunately I do not have a link to it) ... warning - graphic photos follow the article:


"Cross, a 1-year-old boxer who lives in Socastee, lost part of his tongue when he licked his owner's (paper) shredder."

A Socastee resident is spreading a safety message after her dog lost part of his tongue in a paper shredder accident.

Sandy Clarke's boxer Cross lost "three or four chunks" of his tongue in late February when he stuck it into a shredder in her home office.

"The dog was screaming," said Clarke, who ran out and yelled for her husband after Cross became entangled. "I woke my daughter up screaming. It was very traumatic."

The incident lasted 10 to 15 minutes, with Cross finally being freed once the shredder was put in reverse.

Shredder accidents, usually involving small children, have caught the attention of national advocates working to improve safety standards.

That is good news for the boxer who is recovering.

"I'm trying to get the word out. People need to be aware," she said. "(Shredders) need to be unplugged or there needs to be new safety devices on them."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission most often hears about accidents involving small children.

"We are aware of ... incidents involving dogs getting their tongues stuck in the shredder," said Patty Davis, spokeswoman with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Some of those had to be euthanized."

The paper-shredder market has grown, she said, with more people using them at home, for work or as a means to prevent identity theft.

Clarke has taken her concerns to the masses through national TV reports.

She hopes to see tougher measures than a "keep kids and pets away" blurb, and she may get her wish. The safety commission and a national laboratory are revising shredder standards to require stricter warning labels and to make the feeder area opening smaller and less flexible.

As for Clarke's shredder, it's still in her office " unplugged".

Clarke's daughter, Michael-Ann, 11, said the dog, which turns 1 on Saturday, trembles when he hears the shredder.

Cross was treated for tongue lacerations, said veterinarian Dr. Greg Conner, and should still have full use of his tongue for eating, drinking and licking.









Moral: Unplug your shredder when not in use.
When in use, keep your pets far away!




~ Tips To Prevent This From Happening To Your Pet:


* Unplug shredders when not in use.

* Store shredders out of reach of animals (and, of course, children ... especially those under 5 ... who can also be victims of shredder accidents). Make sure that the shredder is located in a place that is "pounce proof" ... acrobatic kitties that jump atop shredders can also do terrible damage to themselves.

* To avoid attracting animals, never put food wrappers through shredders.

* Do not leave shredders on the "automatic" setting.

* When buying a shredder, look for one with a protective bar over the opening.

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date Thursday, October 21, 2010

 

Welcome to our new blog!  We appreciate that you have taken the time to stop by.  As this is our first attempt at a blog, we hope you will overlook any faux-"paws".  We realize that there may be a few "ruff" spots at first, but we hope with time all will go smoothly.

My name is Zena ... I am a Boxer, and a princess.  OK, I am not really a princess, but I think they should make me one. I like to run fast, eat fast, and sleep on mom's lap. Oh, and I love car rides.  Mom says I am a "good travel companion", whatever that means.  I will be the main poster here.

Well, looks like everyone is going outside to play, so I'll catch y'all later.  Thanks again for stopping by.  I look forward to seeing you again soon!


Boxer Hugs,
~Zena~
AGC Spokesperson Doggie


My baby picture ... so cute!

date Wednesday, October 20, 2010

 
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