A Really Cool Rescue

Photo from Rescue Ink website

Toby and I first got hooked on this group when we watched their program on television.  Recently I found their website, and thought I would share.  The following exerpt is taken diretly from their home page. 

Enjoy!

The Foundation

In 2010, the Rescue Ink Foundation was formed and assumed all the assets of the former non-profit organization affiliated with Rescue Ink. The mission of the foundation is to help enhance the quality of life for animals that are in need of care. It plans to further its purpose by providing specialized programs that aim to raise awareness concerning animal brutality and mistreatment.  The formation of this new foundation allows the members of Rescue Ink to focus on taking action against animal abusers and neglect cases. With generous donations, we can save the lives of hundreds of abused animals, educate the youth of America on the proper care of animals, and provide essential animal care services, including veterinary and rescue care.

Who We Are
Rescue Ink is an animal-rescue group dedicated to battling animal abuse and neglect, and educating and informing children and families about the mistreatment of animals. But don't be fooled: Rescue Ink isn't your typical rescue organization. These tough-talking tattooed bikers aren't afraid to use their verbal muscle-power to take the fight against animal abuse to the next level, within the boundaries of the law. The group uses their intimidating presence to shame and report animal abusers and rehabilitate distressed animals.

Our Work
Rebel, originally named "Ribbons" because of his tattered, shredded ears, was found as a stray in Kentucky. The ligature marks on his legs and nose, as well as his severely infected, pus-filled ears, suggested he had been used as a "bait-dog" to train fighting dogs in a suspected dog-fighting ring. Rescue Ink swooped in and, with the aid of Animal Rescue Flights, flew Rebel home and offered him a new lease of life as the official Rescue Ink mascot.  With his scarred face and muscle-bound body, Rebel is a shining example of an animal's ability to forgive and live in the moment. He is a daily reminder of Rescue Ink's mission.  While Rescue Ink deals with serious cases like Rebel's on a daily basis, the group also assists with some, er, eclectic situations. When a group of renegade cluckers took up home in a Queens neighborhood, Rescue Ink was called in to help New York City animal control round them up. After much chasing, stalking and net-waving, the team finally caught the rogue rooster (nicknamed Junior) and some hens. Junior is now living the high life at a working farm in upstate New York, alongside Sophia, Isabella and Henrietta, his harem of hens. Most rescuers don't list chicken-chasing under their credentials. Then again, most rescue groups are nothing like Rescue Ink.

Shelter
Rescue Ink's sanctuary is located in upstate New York. The 25-acre rehabilitation center has two pack leaders who make every opportunity to rehabilitate the rescues. By fully providing for these dogs everyday, they earn their trust, their respect and ultimately, their allegiance. In return, Rescue Ink offers them balance to replace fear and dominance. Every decision made is for the benefit of the dogs and every dog that we work with resides under this blanket of safety and care. By using our presence as a figure of leadership and our sanctuary as the territory that we control, we are their main source of guidance. As a result we form the dog's tendencies, personality, and their temperament. With an unwavering image of leadership - every dog can have the opportunity to become a balanced and calm submissive member. Rescue Ink is in the process of expanding the sanctuary, and will have updated news on this project over the next several months.

Stay and Play At Best Friends Pet Care

STAY AND PLAY!!!!

What is that you ask?  Your dog can now play with his/her friends all day long, and sleep the night away comfortably in one of our indoor outdoor suites.  How much fun is that!  For our not so social dog friends we still have the same fun activities as we did in the past.  From nature walks, to play times, and even ice cream and bed time stories.  Best Friends Pet Care offers something for everyone.   Remember the next time you stop to ask about Play and Stay!

Therapy In DIsguise

photo and article found in Sun Times Newspaper

article: Celeste Busk

picture:  Rich Hein Sun Times

Many studies have shown that spending time petting a cat or dog lowers blood pressure and is just plain good for the soul.  The same good feelings seem to come by spending time with horses. A program that connects children and adults with special needs with horses aims to bring the participants greater strength and balance as well as plenty of smiles.   "Riding a horse is therapy in disguise," said Diana Schnell, co-founder and director of the nonprofit Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest. "There is something spiritual about riding. People come off a horse feeling good. It has a more grounded effect and you're able to look at things a little brighter.  Having plenty of therapeutic fun was the agenda recently for a group of about a half-dozen youngsters with special needs from Oak Terrace Elementary School in Highwood. The children began their therapy session with an art project that involved sculpting a dog using papier mache. Afterward, the happy youngsters (ages 6 to 9) got to enjoy a meet-and-greet with the horses and volunteers in the stable. Penny, a miniature horse, was the main attraction and kids were able to get up close and help brush and groom her.
Then, one by one, the youngsters mounted horses to begin therapy, which included a series of learning games such as counting their horse's steps to learn numbers and learning colors with a stoplight.  These kids were having fun. With every step of their horse the youngsters squealed with delight and laughter resonated throughout the indoor arena.  Watching proudly and calling out game instructions was their special education teacher Sabrina Unnerstall, who worked hard to get funding through the Impact Educator Grant Program so the kids could visit the horse center.  Also on hand were a group of mothers whose children are in the program. The moms were reaping the relaxing benefits of horseback riding, too.  "The rigors of raising a disabled child are not always easy. So, we wanted to give moms a chance to be with other moms in similar situations and offer an opportunity to enjoy riding therapy," Schnell said.   The Equestrian Connection rests on 10 bucolic acres with a spring-fed lake. Facilities include an indoor 26,000-square-foot arena and stables, outdoor riding areas and about 20 horses. The staff includes about 200 volunteers as well as: physical therapists; a speech therapist; art therapist; massage therapist, a clinical psychiatric nurse, and riding instructors certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.  The center provides a variety of programs for children and adults with special needs such as those with physical and cognitive disabilities; behavioral and emotional challenges; attention and sensory disorders; multiple sclerosis, and depression.  According to Schnell, some of the health benefits of therapy horseback riding includes: improved strength and flexibility; greater horsemanship skills; improved sensory processing; better posture; increased focus and concentration, and greater self-esteem.  "Riding also helps to make a substantial difference in a person's core strength," Schnell said. "You can see the results of equestrian therapy pretty quickly, in the course of one or two months."  The center helps more than 220 children and adults each week. Plus, the staff works in conjunction with numerous community and academic-based organizations that serve those with disabilities such as special education school districts, special recreational therapy organizations, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, children's hospitals and many adult and teen organizations.  Schnell co-founded Equestrian Connection in 2001 after searching for a fun way to get therapy for her young twin sons (now grown) who have cerebral palsy.   "They needed muscle toning and I wanted to create a different therapy where kids would not go kicking and screaming [into therapy sessions]," Schnell said. She started with children by offering hippotherapy (therapist stays by a rider's side) and therapeutic riding. Over the years, she added helping adults, art therapy, massage therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy.  "Today, Equestrian Connection has become one of the most extensive therapeutic horseback riding programs in the United States," Schnell said.  Meanwhile, the nonprofit Equestrian Center is in need of donations and funding. Schnell also is looking for people to sponsor a child in therapy.  "There are some families who do not have means to pay, but are still welcomed here," Schnell said. "We need funding to help them."

Minding Your Pets Manners

Toby and I read the following on the Tails Magazine website.  For more helpful hints contact our trainer here at Best Friends. 

Hitting the streets with Fido is fun - as long as he behaves like a gentleman

By Kim Kavin

Springtime brings many things: big-blossoming wildflowers dotting the countryside, longer days filled with endless sunshine, and, in many places, a collective sigh of relief among both humans and animals suffering from cabin fever. Parks, sidewalks, and trails practically burst with pets and their people looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Inevitably those people and dogs end up connecting with one another—and not always in a good way.  Incidents of poor dog etiquette can occur more frequently during the springtime months when a glut of people and their pets make a mad dash for the streets and dog parks to partake in the balmy weather. Dogs who normally play well at the park may get overexcited and rowdy, those who used to walk well on leashes may try to pull, and in the worst cases, dogs with anxiety or other issues may have forgotten how to be polite in general, resulting in barking, jumping, and even biting.  Using spring as a time to get back to good etiquette is about far more than being able to sit with your pet at a canine-friendly restaurant. It is about ensuring that your dog is socialized well enough to be a respectful member of society.
“When a dog respects you, he’s not trying to drag you into the street, under a bush, or trying to attack another dog or jump on a person walking across from you,” explains Rose Williams of the Dog Lovers obedience school in Los Angeles. “Obedience itself starts with socialization.”  And obedience continues with practice and training. Highly social dogs, for instance, tend to need constant etiquette reminders. Often, guardians who don’t mind a dog jumping on them—say to offer a kiss—have a hard time getting their dog to stop jumping on other people. These mutts get into trouble even when they, and their people, think they are simply being friendly.  “You have to know what that dog is thinking, what he’s getting ready to do,” Williams says. “The dog is thinking, ‘Here comes a little kid waving his hands in my direction, and I’m going to pounce on him.’ You have to pre-think him. Have him do his sit, stay, down, come over here. Make sure they’re up on their commands. You stop all that energy from exuding, and you don’t have to tell people you’re sorry all the time.”  Etiquette challenges become more difficult, and occasionally even dangerous, with dogs who are poorly socialized in the first place. If a dog isn’t routinely being placed in situations where she has to learn good socialization skills by the time she is about 3 months old, she may have etiquette problems for the rest of her life, says Diana Coles of Teacher’s Pet in Eatontown, NJ.  Even worse, some dogs will fail to succeed etiquette-wise no matter what their guardian does, Coles says. Some dogs simply prefer to be left alone. “Bringing the dog out and trying to socialize [her] is not necessarily going to change genetic makeup,” she says of antisocial dogs. “You have to have different expectations for different dogs.”  Knowing what situations your dog is capable of handling can be just as important as having a perfectly trained dog, both trainers say. If you know, for instance, that you have a highly social dog who likes to wrestle with other dogs at an off-leash park, then consider keeping your dog away from herding breeds, who typically don’t enjoy that style of play. That’s good etiquette on your part as much as your dog’s. You are both respecting the other people and dogs around you.  By the same token, if you have a dog who has never gotten along with other people or dogs, then consider walking him in the backyard instead of taking him out in public, where he is likely to fail—and where an unwanted biting incident could lead to calls for stricter regulations and subject him to leash laws, which affect even the most etiquette-perfect dogs. If you’re without a yard, pounding the pavement for an early morning walk around the block could be your only resort. But if you’ve got a biter on your hands, even this could be problematic.  “You can’t trust a dog like that, even on a leash,” Williams says. “If he is 6 or 7 and has never been socialized, that’s like putting a man out there who’s 50 or 60. It’s hard to teach them new tricks. Even if he’s a friendly dog, he’s going to pounce.”

Animal Cancer Foundation

Toby and I found this article on the Animal Cancer Foundation website.  It might not be one of most pleasant posts here on the site, but it is definitly one I felt worthwhile to share.  Cancer does not just effect humans.  We all should be aware of what to watch for. 

The 10 Warning Signs of Cancer

By Dr. Gerald S. Post
Pets have become members of our families and we want to insure that they live the longest and best lives they possibly can. As we have taken better care or ours dogs and cats they are indeed living longer; yet despite this, or perhaps because of this, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in pet dogs and cats. Some estimates suggest that greater than 50% of dogs over 10 years old will die of cancer. As a veterinary oncologist, I would like to give pet owners some advice on what things to look for in order to detect cancer in their pets. The earlier you detect cancer the better your chance of effective treatment. Below are 10 warning signs of cancer in both dogs and cats. Please understand that these are just potential warning signs and should not panic you, but prompt a visit to your veterinarian.

1. Swollen lymph nodes: These “glands” are located all throughout the body but are most easily detected behind the jaw or behind the knee. When these lymph nodes are enlarged they can suggest a common form of cancer called lymphoma. A biopsy or cytology of these enlarged lymph nodes can aid in the diagnosis.
2. An enlarging or changing lump: Any lump on a pet that is rapidly growing or changing in texture or shape should have a biopsy. Lumps belong in biopsy jars, not on pets.
3. Abdominal distension: When the “stomach” or belly becomes rapidly enlarged, this may suggest a mass or tumor in the abdomen or it may indicate some bleeding that is occurring in this area. A radiograph or an ultrasound of the abdomen can be very useful.
4. Chronic weight loss: When a pet is losing weight and you have not put your pet on a diet, you should have your pet checked. This sign is not diagnostic for cancer, but can indicate that something is wrong. Many cancer patients have weight loss.
5. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea-Unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should prompt further investigation. Often tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can cause chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea. Radiographs, ultrasound examinations and endoscopy are useful diagnostic tools when this occurs.
6. Unexplained bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth, nose, penis, vagina or gums that is not due to trauma should be examined. Although bleeding disorders do occur in pets, they usually are discovered while pets are young. If unexplained bleeding starts when a pet is old, a thorough search should be undertaken.
7. Cough: A dry, non-productive cough in an older pet should prompt chest radiographs to be taken. This type of cough is the most common sign of lung cancer. Please remember there are many causes of cough in dogs and cats.
8. Lameness: Unexplained lameness especially in large or giant breed dogs is a very common sign of bone cancer. Radiographs of the affected area are useful for detecting cancer of the bone.
9. Straining to urinate: Straining to urinate and blood in the urine usually indicate a common urinary tract infection; if the straining and bleeding are not rapidly controlled with antibiotics or are recurrent, cancer of the bladder may be the underlying cause. Cystoscopy or other techniques that allow a veterinarian to take a biopsy of the bladder are useful and sometimes necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis in these cases.
10. Oral odor: Oral tumors do occur in pets and can cause a pet to change its food preference (i.e. from hard to soft foods) or cause a pet to change the manner in which it chews its food. Many times a foul odor can be detected in pets with oral tumors. A thorough oral examination with radiographs or CT scan, necessitating sedation, is often necessary to determine the cause of the problem.

Dr. Gerald S. Post is a Board-certified specialist in veterinary oncology and the Founder and President of the Animal Cancer Foundation.
Reprinted with the permission of Animal Fair Magazine.

True Love...With Fur

"HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

MY HEART IS WHERE MY DOG IS"

Here's to all of our four legged friends that make our lives complete.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

The following was taken from an article posted by the Center For Disease Control and Prevention


4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention. There are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent children from being bitten by dogs.  Listen to this CDC podcast to learn some steps you can take to prevent dog bites. (4:05 seconds)

How big is the problem?
About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.   Almost one in five of those who are bitten :a total of 885,000: require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries.   In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.

Who is most at risk?
Children: Among children, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults. Recent research shows that the rate of dog–bite related injuries among children seems to be decreasing.
Adult Males: Among adults, males are more likely than females to be bitten.
People with dogs in their homes: Among children and adults, having a dog in the household is associated with a higher incidence of dog bites. As the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the incidence of dog bites. Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs at home.

How can dog bites be prevented?
Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can learn to reduce their chances of being bitten.

Before you bring a dog into your household:
Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.

If you decide to bring a dog into your home:
Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Are there safety tips for children?
To help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
Do not run from a dog or scream.
Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Help Protect Your Mail Carriers

Toby and I read this article in the Daily Herald.  We thought we would share.  Thankfully all Toby cares about are chasing the squirrels not necessarily the mail carrier! 

As far as Gilberto Cuellar Jr. is concerned, the hardest part of delivering mail each day isn't bad weather.  It's the dogs.  In his decade of letter carrying, Cuellar has been bitten three times, all within an 18-month span a few years ago. Each bite drew blood, and one left a permanent scar.  "The weather I can handle," says the Arlington Heights letter carrier. "The dogs I sometimes can't."  It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and the post office is taking the chance to remind pet owners that loose dogs can sometimes make mail carrying a dangerous job.  Last year, 2,900 letter carriers were attacked by dogs nationwide, according to the U.S. Postal Service. From October to mid-May, there were 45 incidents of carrier bites in northern Illinois, up from 32 in the same period the previous year, officials said. Each year, an estimated 4.7 million people, mostly children, are attacked by dogs.  With the weather warming, letter carriers are warning pet owners to be mindful of their dogs. Carriers won't deliver if they feel unsafe for any reason - from a barking dog to an icy doorstop.  "Even if your dog is sweet and loving to you, he may not feel safe to other people," said U.S. Postal Service spokesman Sean Hargadon. "Pet owners don't realize it's a different situation for carriers, and a dog is simply protecting his turf."  Crystal Lake carrier Jo Morehead has lost count of the times owners have said their pet doesn't bite.   "Famous last words," she said. "Other people assume that since they love dogs, we will too. But it's not about liking dogs."  "Every dog can potentially bite," Hargadon said. "It just depends on who it is and the situation."  In all three attacks, Cuellar never saw the pet coming. The first involved a black Lab, who bit his left thigh from behind. "It hurt," he said. "There was a burning sensation."
He went to the hospital; the bite left a scar. To make matters worse, the owner initially didn't believe Cuellar and asked for proof. He later found out the dog also had bitten a girl in the face and eventually was put to sleep.  Two Yorkies were Cuellar's other attackers. The first rounded a corner and bit his knee; the second came through a fence and bit his ankle. Both owners were apologetic, "and one thanked me for not kicking the dog," he said.  Cuellar said he feels completely safe around only one dog on his route and particularly nervous around two - a pit bull and a Rottweiler. "The little dogs I can handle," he said.  Morehead, who has delivered mail for 27 years, mostly in the Crystal Lake area, considers herself lucky she's been only bitten once. A man opened his door, and a mutt bit her arm, breaking the skin. The owner eventually put the mailbox on the street.  She has frequently been chased by dogs - one right up to her car, which she literally dove into. "I'm sure the neighbors were laughing," she said.


Help stamp out dog bites

Tips to help postal carriers deliver without a bite
• Put the dog in a separate room when accepting mail, and shut the door.
• Don't let children accept mail when a pet's around. The dog's natural instinct is protection.
• If the dog is outside when mail arrives, leash the dog to a fixed stake so it cannot reach the mail carrier.
• Obedience training and spaying and neutering your pet are recommended to tame aggression.

Adopting a Forever Friend

This is Otto he is for adoption through Young At Heart Pet Rescue

Thinking about opening your heart and home to a new family member? Before you make an impulse decision to buy that cute ball of fur in the puppy store, stop and consider whether it's the right pet for your family and lifestyle.


Some things to consider:
•How much time do you spend at home? Puppies and kittens need a lot of human attention, especially for housetraining and socialization. If that's not possible, an older pet make be a better choice.
•How involved will the pet be in family activities? If yours leads an active lifestyle, you'll want to consider getting a hardy dog who enjoys the outdoors. These pets must be well-behaved, too, which involves a commitment to ongoing obedience training.
•Are there other pets in the home? Be sure to consider how the resident pets will interact with the new addition.
•Are there children in the family? The age of the children should be taken into account. Very young children may unintentionally injure a fragile small breed dog.

There are a host of good reasons to try your local animal shelter or rescue group for your new pet:
•Puppies and kittens are cute, but the paper-training, teething and obedience skills phase is exhausting. Besides, that cute 8-week-old ball of fur might grow into a 90-pound eating machine!
•Shelter pets, as a group, are healthier than the animals flowing from "puppy mills" into local pet shops. Most are vet-screened and receive good preventative care, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations.
•Most shelters screen for temperament and work to match the pet with the right type of family. Why end up with a cat who hides under the bed when your youngsters try to pet her?
•Shelter pets are a real bargain: you pay only a nominal fee to adopt and most of those first year medical expenses - like spaying or neutering and vaccinations - are already taken care of.

Thinking about a specific breed? Shelters can still be a great option, since they are filled with the most popular breeds in your community. Or contact a breed-specific rescue group.

To locate pets available for adoption in your area, contact your local humane society. Or visit www.petfinder.com to find available pets in your area.

Summer Vacation Tips For Your Pets

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer vacation season. In the flurry of booking flights, hotels and car rentals for themselves, many vacationers forget to plan the family pet's vacation.


Step 1: Make a reservation
Book your pet's boarding stay as soon as possible. Summer is the busiest season for boarding, and many kennels fill up early.  If you've never boarded your pet before, be sure to visit the facility and ask questions. Just stop in during regular business hours and ask for a tour. (If you are told you must make an appointment, be wary: the staff may have something to hide.)

Step 2: Prepare your pet
Making reservations isn't all you need to do. To get your pet ready: 
•Update vaccinations. A top-quality kennel will require proof that they are up-to-date. Take your pet to the veterinarian one to two weeks in advance of your departure date.
•Purchase a supply of pet medication and special food (if any). Be sure to include an extra day or two, just in case you are delayed returning from your travels.
•Pack a familiar toy for your pet's stay, but don't bring his favorite in case of possible loss.
•Prepare a list of contacts. Include your veterinarian's phone number, your contact information at your vacation destination, and a local contact to serve as your "backup" in an emergency if you can't be reached.

Step 3: Enjoy your vacation
When you deliver your pet to the boarding kennel, give him an affectionate good-bye and leave. Don't cause a prolonged farewell scene, which will only create anxiety for your pet. Instead, use a happy tone of voice as you turn him over to the staff and he will feel reassured.  If this is your pet's first time boarding and you are anxious about how he will do, make arrangements with the kennel staff to call and check in. A quality kennel will understand that pets are part of the family and will be happy to take a call from a worried pet parent.

To make boarding a bit easier for first time clients, Best Friends has instituted a special "first night free" program. Check with your local Best Friends center for details.

Skittles The Rabbit Needs A Home

My name is Skittles and I need a home! 

He is approximatly 3 years old, and is litter box trainined.  He has his own very nice bunny home, and separate playpen.  If you think Skittles might make a good family addition you can contact Jen here at Best Friends Prairie View. 

How Your Pet Can Help Save The Oceans

Best Friends Pet Care is asking for your help!  We are working hard at collecting as much fur as we can to send to A Matter Of Trust, a non for profit organization that is trying to "Go Green" and save the oceans at the same time.  Hair and fur are hydrophobic which means they repel water, and are great at collecting oil.  We are saving all of the hair and fur we gather in our grooming salons to send to them.  Call today to make your pets grooming appointment.  You can help save the oceans and have a clean pet too! 
Best Friends offers $10 off to any new grooming clients.  (Keep in mind even a simple brush out on a beagle will give us some fur!  Every little bit will help)

Facebook versus Dogbook.....

She's from Toronto, Canada, enjoys running, jumping and eating steak, and has 43 friends on her online profile. But social network user Annabelle is not a teenager — she's a dog.   (ABC News)Her breed is listed as a mutt, and her friends include fellow pooches Jasmine and Oreo, and a suspicious member named Chelsea, who is a cat.   Annabelle's owner, Geoffrey Roche, is an advertising executive who used the social networking site Facebook to create two networks for pets, aptly named "Dogbook" and "Catbook." Just like humans, the animals can post pictures and send messages to one other (not surprisingly, the word "woof" comes up a lot). They can also find other animals in the neighborhood, and will soon share videos.   "You really join a community of other people who love their dog and love their cat," Roche said. "In my case, in fact, I have more dog friends than I do people friends."  In under three months, with no advertising, Dogbook and Catbook have attracted nearly 600,000 members. That includes new cat members Ruby and Zoe — owned by ABC's Dan Harris.   Harris tested out the site and said it took five minutes to set up a profile before he was able to meet cats all over the world, including China.   These profiles for pets are a sign of how silly, sophisticated and popular social networking sites have become online.   Facebook and MySpace are two of the Top 10 most visited sites on the Internet. Together they accounted for nearly 7 percent of all Internet visits last week alone. "The more useful technology becomes, the more broadly it spans the silly to the serious, from the personal to the very, very public," commented industry watcher Xeni Jardin.   One of the founders of Facebook recently predicted everyone on the planet would be on the site in five years. Maybe their pets will be, too.

Opee The Off Road Puppy

This photo taken Jan. 13, 2010 shows Mike Schelin riding a motocross bike with his dog Opee, a 8-years-old blue merle Australian shepherd in Perris, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

theoffroadpuppy.com

Opee is only 8, but he's already a popular veteran in the down and dirty sport of motocross.

He can pull 6 Gs. He's been the centerfold for Cycle News and poses regularly for fan photos. He's a survivor of the grueling Baja 500 and has racked up more than 10,000 hours on a dirt bike.
Sometimes, you can barely see the 70-pound pooch - a blue merle Australian shepherd - through the dust on his goggles and his custom helmet, complete with cam.  "I am his biggest fan," said Mike Schelin, Opee's owner, race partner and a purveyor of used motorcycle parts from a shop next to his mobile home.  Schelin got the dog in 2001 shortly after his divorce. He raises him with other dogs and two horses at a spread he calls Miracle Flats. Known as "The Dogfather" to some in the sport, Schelin always takes a back seat to Opee.  "He was my instant best friend," Schelin said. "He slept in my tool bag. There was something about him. He's had charisma since Day One. I knew I had a dog who could make a difference."  Schelin, 41, realized he had a four-legged motocross fan as a pet when he started riding in the desert with Opee on the chase.  "I felt bad for him, he would run so long." So Schelin bought a four-wheeler and they went desert riding together. The dog didn't like the dust in his eyes, so Schelin got him goggles. One day, Opee ditched the four-wheeler and hopped on the motorcycle tank, where he's been ever since, Schelin said.  If the bike isn't moving, Opee will just fall asleep on the tank. They keep it bare because they've never found a covering that's comfortable for the dog, Schelin said.  Reaction to Opee was magic. He was an instant canine ambassador to off-roading. Finding sponsors was no problem and soon Opee had his own custom gear, including a specially made neck brace, inflatable vest, backpack, water supply and several jerseys. He got his American Motorcycle Association card and his SCORE International card, the latter so he could race in Baja.  The dog does lots of other things, too. He's been a search and rescuer, a California assistance dog and visits kids in hospitals with Schelin. They regularly work crowds at races in the area, including the Supercross in Anaheim.  Opee appears to be Schelin's biggest fan as well. "From what I see, he loves Mike and would go anywhere with him," said Ricky Johnson, a seven-time national motorcycle champion who owns Perris Raceway near Schelin's place.  Opee and Schelin race, but not to win. Because they're different and for safety's sake, they always start in the rear and they only compete with the cyclist in front of them, Schelin said.  Schelin's greatest triumph came when his five-member team - with Opee in the driver's seat for 276 miles - finished the cross-country Baja 500 with 10 minutes to spare - in 17 hours, 49 minutes, 36 seconds - and ahead of half the pack.  The average person races eight times before he finishes," he said.  In the beginning, Schelin had trouble seeing around Opee, but they worked out shifts and leans and it's seldom a problem now. Schelin also uses voice commands.  "When we come up to a jump, I tell him to set it up and he will drop down and give me more of a view," Schelin said. If they're at the bottom of a cliff or big hill and there's too much weight, he just tells Opee to get off and meet him at the top. Schelin doesn't go racing without Opee these days. "I can't go as fast without him. I can't jump as far without him. I don't feel as safe without him. He's become a natural part of the bike with me. We have this natural rhythm."  Even the most skilled motocross racer has a plaster cast past and Opee is no exception. His worst crash came in the 2006 Baja 500.  "We took a spill at 75 mph in the dirt and went into a 40-foot skid," Schelin said.  The dog isn't attached to the bike or Schelin in any way. He skinned his nose and scraped his paw. Schelin sliced his leg. The injuries weren't enough to put them out of the race though.  "I would never do anything to hurt my dog," Schelin said. "Opee keeps me in check at all times. If he doesn't jump up on the bike, we don't go."  Schelin is not only racing partner but stage dad for his dog, with a few goals for the future: Do a back flip with Opee into a foam pit ("he would hold on the same way I do - gravity"); see Opee recognized as the fastest dog on the planet (he's written to Guinness); take a tandem skydive; and go to the movies to see Opee in a major motion picture.  Schelin answered a Hollywood agent's TV ad three years ago, but he hasn't heard back and is looking for representation. Opee, he said, is too talented to go undiscovered.  "The only thing missing is the cape."

Associated Press

Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pets

Check this site out.  What a great cause.

Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pets

Best Friends American Pet Motel

I thought some of our regular best friends would find this article interesting.  A lot of you have shared many family pets with us throughout the years, some of you have been here since the beginning.  We love you guys! 

We have been Best Friends American Pet Motel for quite some time now, but as you can see we still have some of the same fun loving staff, spacious rooms, and fun activities!  We have obviously made many changes throughout the years from our recent addition of a Dog Park, our newly remodeled indoor outdoor camp room, and we now offer in home care.  There are more changes to come in the upcoming months.  We look forward to reminiscing about the old times and making new memories with all of our best friends! 

Here's to our pets, our real love in life. 

Koda Best Friends Camper of the Month

Best Friends "Fur Ever"

Red Wolf Pups

photo and article found on NBCChicago

Six endangered red wolf pups were born at Lincoln Park Zoo on April 17, and now two are on their way to start their life in the wild.  The two adorable little pups were sent to North Carolina Friday to be placed inside the den of a pair of wild adult wolves that are currently nursing their own small family of comparably aged pups.  “Wild mothers have readily accepted the pups when they are placed in the den when the pups are this young,” said Arthur Beyer, red wolf field coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  Releasing the pups is part of the Red Wolf Recovery Program. The program is a cooperative conservation effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Wolf Species Survival Plan and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service.  “Red wolves are critically endangered, so it is very important to bolster their population, and the zoo is proud to contribute to their recovery in this important way,” said Diane Mulkerin, Lincoln Park Zoo curator.  The red wolf was declared an endangered species in 1973. The fostering strategy of bringing the pups into the wild has a very high success rate, according to experts of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan.  The four remaining red wolf pups at the zoo cannot be seen by the public yet, but are expected to be in their den within the next few weeks.

Fido In The Garden

For those of you who do not have an easy going garden dog like Toby this is a very helpful article, found in the Sun Times newspaper!  Other than Tobys swim in our Koi pond when he first came to our home, he spends his time relaxing under the shade trees with the rest of us!  

SCRIPPS HOWARD

Many gardeners also are dog lovers. But sometimes, gardens and canines don't mix. If your family includes a pooch or two, there may be some changes you'll want to make to your landscape.  There are a few challenges for the dog owner who wants a good-looking landscape and a fun, safe outdoor environment for the family pooch.
Bad habits: Because dogs are territorial, they tend to wear paths, especially along fence lines. They are known for lying down in flower beds and smashing all the plants. They often like to dig down to the cool soil, and their urine can burn the grass.  The first planning step to resolving these challenges is to study your dog's use of the landscape. Where does Fido like to nap? Where does he play? What are his favorite spots to relieve himself? And, where does he insist on digging?  Instead of fighting your dog's natural tendencies, work with them. If your dog is a digger, build a sandbox. Fill an area with sand or soft soil and top with wood mulch. You can easily train your dog to dig in the specified area by burying treats and toys. Rake the area to fill in the holes and replenish the treats as needed.   Chicken wire placed under mulch, such as wood chips or recycled rubber, also will discourage digging. Chicken wire placed in vegetable gardens will protect the harvest. The wire is uncomfortable to the dog's paws.  What about the paths that Fido has worn in your yard? It may be impossible to change this habit, so you might as well accept it as a necessary path in your landscape and create a walkway of stone or paving blocks. If your dog wears a path around the fence line, include that in your pathway creation, and it will discourage the dog from attempting to dig underneath the fence.
Shade and flowers: Dogs love to lounge in the shade, so if you do not have a tree large enough to provide shade, build a small gazebo or other structure that offers a respite from the sun.  If you want flowers in your landscape, place them behind a fence so your dog can't smash them. Or train your dog that this isn't the place to lie down. Teach your dog that good manners are expected both in the house and outside. By providing him places he loves, he won't be as likely to destroy your flower garden. You always can resort to chicken wire under the mulch if need be.  You also can use rocks as a ground cover around flowers. The rocks hurt the dog's paws and eliminate digging.
Where to go: Once you have identified the places your dog likes to go potty, train him to use that area exclusively. Place a thick bed of mulch over the area where he normally does his business and encourage him to go there and nowhere else. Dog urine can burn grass, so if you want a lawn, this is a necessity. I have had female dogs my entire life and haven't had trouble with them killing the lawn, but many of my friends complain about the problem.
Beware of poisons: To truly make your landscape dog-friendly, it is important to use plants that are not poisonous to your dog. Visit the ASPCA Web site http://aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ to find a list of poisonous plants to avoid.  It may be a challenge to reach that happy medium between a beautiful landscape and a dog-friendly landscape, but it will be worth the effort as you enjoy your outdoor space with your best friend.

Senior Dogs

Toby and I read this article in the Sun Times the other day.  It talks about a really nice site specifically for older dogs. 

BY CELESTE BUSK Staff Reporter


Owners of elderly dogs can get help and information on a new Web site.
Pet Ventures LLC has launched http://seniordogs.com/ for owners of older dogs. In the United States, about 40 percent of households with dogs have at least one that is considered a senior (7 or older), statistics on the Web site indicated.  "Thanks to preventative care, better nutrition and advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer and enjoying a higher quality of life than ever before," said Geoff Mott, president of SeniorDogs.com.   "We designed the Web site to become a destination for all dog lovers who need our specialized content and who look to interact with other owners of dogs," Mott said.  Senior dog owners can find articles and resources all in one place, covering medications, health insurance, nutrition, dog arthritis and financial assistance. The site provides a full spectrum of pertinent information, as well as message boards where owners can find support and guidance from others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys of caring for an older dog. Users can interact the message boards to swap stories, share tips, ask questions and revel in the enjoyment of their pet.  The new Web site also features a photo gallery where pet owners can upload photographs of their dog to share with others. The site also has an online store that offers a variety of products designed specifically for older dogs, including beds, bones and vitamin supplements.

Who's The Better Listener

I definitely have to agree with this article!  Toby always has been the better listener.  Sometime I think it is just because he knows he'll get a treat!  LOL.

ASSOCIATED PRESS


Husbands, if you end up in the doghouse, consider it a promotion.  A third of pet-owning married women said their pets are better listeners than their husbands, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll released Wednesday. Eighteen percent of pet-owning married men said their pets are better listeners than their wives.  Christina Holmdahl, 40, talks all the time to her cat, two dogs or three horses -- about her husband, naturally.  "Whoever happens to be with me when I'm rambling," said Holmdahl, who's stationed with her husband at Fort Stewart in Georgia. "A lot of times, I'm just venting about work or complaining about the husband."  She thinks everyone should have a pet to talk to like her horse, Whistle, who's been with her since she was 19.  "We all say things we don't mean when we are upset about stuff," she said. "When we have time to talk it out and rationalize it, we can think about it better and we can calm down and see both sides better."  It would be a toss-up whether Bill Rothschild would take a problem to his wife of 19 years or his crayfish named Cray Aiken.   Rothschild, 44, of Granite Springs, N.Y., considers Cray a better listener than his wife: "Absolutely. She doesn't listen worth anything