Stray from the Heart's 2008 Calendar

Get yours today!

Go to http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/ for all the pictures and to get your copy of the 2008 Stray from the Heart calendar -- Tails of Hope and Joy. Our little gondolier (left) is Mr. July!

Vick Gets 23 Months for Dog Fighting

Go to CNN for full coverage: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/10/vick.sentenced/index.html

RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) -- Michael Vick, once one of the highest paid players in the National Football League, was sentenced to 23 months in prison for financing a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls that did not fight aggressively.

Michael Vick began serving his sentence before he knew what it would be.

Vick's stunning downfall from NFL superstar to disgraced dogfighting defendant culminated Monday in a 90-minute sentencing hearing in federal court in Richmond, Virginia.
Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to his family and to the judge.

"You need to apologize also to the millions of young people who look up to you," U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson retorted.

"I am willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions," Vick continued, as about a dozen of his friends and family members looked on.

But Judge Hudson appeared to be unmoved. "I'm convinced it was not a momentary lack of judgment on your part. You were a full partner," he told Vick.

The judge added that he wasn't sure Vick had fully accepted reponsiblity for his actions. Supporters, including former baseball great Hank Aaron, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and the pastor of Vick's church sent letters while others called the judge's chambers.

Vick, 27, had faced a maximum of five years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence of 12 to 18 months.

Animal rights protesters lined up outside the courthouse. Some carried signs with photographs of dogs, while others read "Dogs deserve justice," and "Report dog fighters."
U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said after the hearing that the investigation "exposed a seamy side of our society." He added, "I hope Mr. Vick learned important lessons and that his admission of guilt will speed his rehabilitation."

Stray from the Heart Home for the Holidays Party

I just wanted to send out a big thank you to everyone who attended the third annual home for the holidays party last night at Guest House in Chelsea. The crowd was amazing! The food was awesome, and the raffle was the best ever!

Have a great Xmas!
Love, Carol, Georgia, Dylan, Rosa and Micah

New Dog Treat Recipes

These, courtesy of The Daily Drool (www.dailydrool.com/recipes)

I was looking for some of the Three Dog Bakery recipes and stumbled across this great resource for all natural dog treats you can make at home. Here are a few selections. Full menu at the link above.

Carol

BANANA PUPCAKES (3 dog bakery)
2 cups water
2 bananas
1/2 teasp vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1 egg
2 tablespoons honey

Preheat onen to 350. In a bowl combine water, mashed bananas, vanilla, egg and honey. Add flour and baking powder. Mix well. Pour into cupcake pans. ( I used nonstick spray on the pans) Bake 20 min or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Frosting - In a mixer combine 12 oz nonfat cream cheese, 1 teasp. vanilla, 1 teasp. honey. Add 3 teasp cinnamon or carob powder, if desired.

DOGGIE COOKIES
2 1/2 c Whole wheat flour
1/2 c Powdered dry milk
1/2 ts Salt
1/2 ts Garlic powder
1 ts Brown sugar
6 tb Meat drippings
1 Beaten egg
1/2 c Ice water

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.Combine flour, dry milk, salt, garlic powder andsugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resemblescorn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so thatmixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat outdough onto cookie sheet to half inch thick. Cut withcookie cutter or knife and remove scraps. Scraps canbe formed again and baked.

2. Bake 25-30 minutes.Remove from tray and cool on rack. from: _Cookiemania_

BANANA BISCOTTI
Courtesy of Three Dog Bakery
5 cups White Flour
1/4 cup Peanuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 medium Egg
1/4 cup Vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups pureed Banana
2 teaspoons Vanilla
Water

Preheat oven to 325F/160C.

Mix dry, then wet ingredients until lumpy. Add water, one teaspoon at a time as needed. Knead by handon table until mixed thoroughly. Form into logs approximately 2" - 2 1/2" high. Flatten so that log is 6" - 7" wide by 1" high. Place on non-stick baking sheets. Bake approximately 30 - 40 minutes. Remove and cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2" - 3/4" slices. Place onbaking sheets and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

Vick Suspended Indefinitely without Pay

This from today's New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/25/sports/football/25vick.html?ref=football



After Plea, Vick Is Given Suspension by the N.F.L.

By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT and JUDY BATTISTA
Published: August 25, 2007
The National Football League suspended Michael Vick indefinitely without pay yesterday after he admitted in court papers that he paid for dogfighting bets and helped kill underperforming dogs.


The 27-year-old Vick, the Atlanta Falcons’ star quarterback, will be out for at least the 2007 N.F.L. season and probably much longer. If he serves a year in prison — the sentence recommended in the plea agreement — he will probably not be eligible to play again until 2009.
Vick’s admissions came in a plea agreement filed at the federal courthouse in Richmond, Va., where he is expected to plead guilty formally on Monday to felony charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture.


Also Monday, the federal judge in the case, Henry E. Hudson, is expected to schedule a sentencing hearing, probably for November.


N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell told Vick in a letter that his actions were “cruel and reprehensible” and that Vick’s involvement in gambling was a violation of the N.F.L.’s personal conduct policy.


By accepting the plea deal, Vick said he would cooperate with the investigation regarding any criminal activity.


He also said that he did not place side bets on any of the fights and did not share in the purses that were won by Bad Newz Kennels, but he said that he was present when his co-defendants placed bets.


Vick said that he agreed to the killing of “approximately 6 to 8 dogs that did not perform well in ‘testing’ sessions,” adding that “all the dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning.”


He agreed to pay restitution for the costs associated with the 53 pit bulls that authorities have held as evidence since they were seized from his property in April. The costs, the plea agreement said, include the “long-term care and/or the humane euthanasia of some or all of those animals as may be directed by the court in this case.”


In Goodell’s letter to Vick, he said that he would review the suspension after legal proceedings were concluded.


He said that in reviewing the suspension, he would take into consideration the possibility of new charges; Vick’s conduct; his sentence; and how much Vick cooperated with the league and the law enforcement officials.


“Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your N.F.L. Player Contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an N.F.L. player,” Goodell’s letter said.


Not long after Vick was suspended, Nike announced that it had severed ties with Vick, who had been endorsing Nike products since 2001, when he was picked No. 1 over all in the N.F.L. draft.
The suspension gives the N.F.L. the flexibility to reconsider Vick’s suspension at every step: after he is sentenced; if charges are brought in Surry County, Va., where Vick owned the property on which the kennel was located; or after he has served time.


Vick’s lead defense lawyer, Billy Martin, said in a written statement: “While Mr. Vick is not personally charged with or responsible for committing all of the acts alleged in the indictment, as with any conspiracy charge, he is taking full responsibility for his actions and the actions of the others involved.”


Martin said Vick would make a public statement soon.


Even if Vick were reinstated in time for the 2009 season, he would not have thrown a ball in competition in two seasons, and would surely have lost some of his speed — one of his best weapons.


The suspension frees the Atlanta Falcons to pursue, before an arbitrator, a portion of Vick’s $37 million signing bonus because he is now in default of his 10-year, $130 million contract, one of the league’s richest. The Falcons could also decide to release Vick. Their decision is expected Monday.


“His admissions describe actions that are incomprehensible and unacceptable for a member of the National Football League and the Atlanta Falcons,” the Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank, said in a statement.


He added, “As with other actions he has taken this year, the Commissioner is making a strong statement that conduct which tarnishes the good reputation of the N.F.L. will not be tolerated.”
Blank also said, “We hope that Michael will use this time, not only to further address his legal matters, but to take positive steps to improve his personal life.”


In a telephone interview, Daniel C. Richman, a professor at Columbia University School of Law and a former assistant United States attorney, said of Vick’s plea agreement, “It could lead to an investigation that could go in an entirely different direction, and he could be used to testify in front of a grand jury investigating other matters.”


RelatedPlea Agreement (U.S. v. Michael Vick)Statement of FactsIndictment

Jail Time Likely For Vick

This from CBS News:

(CBS/AP) Less than a month after saying he looked forward to clearing his name, Michael Vick now acknowledges the heinous acts associated with his name are true.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback said through a lawyer Monday that he will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, an admission that likely will mean prison time.

Vick may never play anywhere in the NFL again, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman. If he put up most of the gambling money, as his co-defendants claim, the NFL could ban him for life.

But for now, any hopes of salvaging his NFL career are secondary to his impending confinement.

"His focus is on his family, his focus is on answering to this judge," Vick's lead defense attorney, Billy Martin, told The Associated Press after announcing the plea agreement Monday.

U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson can sentence Vick to up to five years in prison and fine him $250,000, although federal sentencing guidelines will call for less. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the terms are not final, told the AP that prosecutors will recommend a sentence of a year to 18 months.

The official said such a sentence would be more than what is usually recommended for first-time offenders, reflecting the government's attempt to show that animal abusers will receive more than a slap on the wrist.

Vick will return Monday to the same courthouse where he pleaded not guilty and resolved to prove his innocence just 25 days ago. This time he will plead guilty, and Hudson will schedule a date for sentencing.

Since that initial court appearance, all three of Vick's co-defendants have pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate in the government's case against him, including testifying against him if the case had gone to trial in November as scheduled.

The co-defendants said Vick bankrolled virtually the entire "Bad Newz Kennels" operation in rural southeastern Virginia, including providing gambling funds, an act that could trigger a lifetime ban from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy.

Two of them also said Vick participated in the brutal executions of at least eight underperforming dogs.

Facing those allegations and the prospect of a superseding indictment from a new grand jury that began meeting Monday, Vick opted to change his plea.

"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made," Martin said in a statement. "Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."

CBS News legal analyst Rikki Klieman said Vick had little choice but to accept the plea deal.

"This was a deal that he had to take at this point. It's one thing to have one person testifying against you. When you have three co-defendants, plus others testifying against you, even a great lawyer like Billy Martin knows his limits," Klieman said.

Even with his plea deal, Vick's legal troubles still aren't over, reports Strassman. That just takes care of business with the feds; state prosecutors in Virginia say they plan to bring their own charges against Vick for dogfighting sometime late next month.

Read the full story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/21/sportsline/main3188080.shtml

Michael Vick - More Charges on the Way and Euthanization for His Dogs

All three of Michael Vick's accused co-conspirators in Bad Newz Kennels cut deals for themselves this week, implicating Vick in financing and running the dog fighting operation, and in heartlessly executing puppies who didn't promise to fight well. A federal grand jury is convening and may add charges to Vick's existing indictments.



Tragically, federal animal control authorities are preparing to euthanize most of the 53 pit bulls seized from Vick's property. Animal rights groups have cited the fact that the dogs were trained to fight and therefore are not likely to be viable as pets. By breeding and training these dogs as killers, Vick has condemned them to death -- either as fighting dogs or as rescued dogs. These animals entered the world under his direction with virtually no hope of happiness under any circumstances. Please say a prayer for them.


For the Boston Herald's full coverage of the Vick indictments, go to http://patriots.bostonherald.com/otherNFL/view.bg?articleid=1018063


For coverage on the fate of Vick's dogs, go to http://www.courant.com/sports/football/hc-vick0820.artaug20,0,3609257.story

Vote for Dylan, Save Pups!
Pawspot.com, in cooperation with A Dog’s Life all natural dog treats (http://www.adogslife.net/) is sponsoring an online competition to find the dog who will go on the front of one of their dog treat bags.

I’ve posted my Stray from the Heart Adoptee, my precious Dylan, there. If he wins, Stray from the Heart will get the press around it, and it’s a great way to get our name out there.

Go to:
http://www.pawspot.com/gallery/view-photo/v/album/14/id/3424/

Rate this photo of Dylan as high as you can, and he could end up on the front of a bag of dog treats! (Seriously, I promise to mention SFTH in every profile, and we’ll get our name into the press release that goes out if he wins!)

Unfortunately, unsportsmanlike characters go online to downgrade other dogs to keep their dogs in the lead. So, vote often to keep our guy up there. You can vote every 24 hours.

Thanks! And here’s to SFTH being the cover dog!

Carol

Foster Homes Needed for Adoptable Dogs

Stray from the Heart, a non-profit dog rescue organization, needs you to volunteer, donate, foster or adopt a beautiful, wonderful, homeless pet.

It's August, and the shelters are full. We need caring individuals to provide loving homes for our strays until forever homes can be found.

For more information, go to http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/ and click on our fostering application.

Rosario and Rosie - The Sweetest Thing

If the sweetest thing is sisterhood, connection, a real sense of family, then Rosie and Rosario are just that. These beautiful pups are looking for a loving home.

Rosie and Rosario, two 35 lb girls, were rescued from Ecuador on death's doorstep. Together in the shelter in Quito, and now in foster care in New York, these two beautiful girls have formed a special bond with each other. Stray from the Heart would love to find them a home together, so that they may never know they fear and hopelessness they once felt again. For more information on adopting these girls, call Beth at 212-496-1053 or submit an adoption application on line at http://www.strayfromthehheart.org/.

Rosie's bio can be viewed at http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/adoptions/adoptables/dog_page.cfm?identifier=290

Rosario's bio can be viewed at

http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/adoptions/adoptables/dog_page.cfm?identifier=291

Great Moments in Sports - Michael Vick

Caption this!

Rawlings Ends Vick Endorsements

This, courtesy of July 31, 2007 USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/2007-07-31-vick-rawlings_N.htm


Rawlings ends relationship with Michael Vick
Updated document.

ATLANTA (AP) — Rawlings Sports Goods Company said Tuesday that it was ending its relationship with Michael Vick because of the federal dogfighting conspiracy allegations against the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

Update on Michael Vick

Please add any updates you may encounter. Many thanks to the news outlets cited here for giving this story the press it deserves.

• New indictments likely in Michael Vick case based on statements of defendant cooperating with the Federal Investigation
  
• Nike suspends Vick's contract without pay, pulls products, pending trial


• Upper Deck to remove Vick from trading card collections

Full text below of these stories. Click on the source links to see the news providers' continuing coverage.

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/30/bc.fbn.vickco.defendant.ap/index.html
Vick co-defendant pleads guiltyTaylor says Vick bankrolled dogfighting operation

Posted: Monday July 30, 2007 10:06AM; Updated: Monday July 30, 2007 6:00PM
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- One of Michael Vick's co-defendants pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a dogfighting conspiracy he says was financed almost entirely by the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

As part of a plea agreement, Tony Taylor pledged to fully cooperate with the government in its prosecution of Vick and two other men accused of running an interstate dogfighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" on Vick's property in rural Surry County.

"The 'Bad Newz Kennels' operation and gambling monies were almost exclusively funded by Vick," a summary of facts supporting the plea agreement and signed by Taylor states.The plea deal requires Taylor to testify against Vick and his two remaining co-defendants if called upon to do so. Taylor cannot get a stiffer sentence or face any new charges based on any new information he provides, according to terms of the agreement.

Additional charges are possible, however, against Vick and the other two. Federal prosecutors have said a superseding indictment will be issued in August.

Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, did not immediately return a phone message.Taylor, 34, of Hampton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities, and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.Vick pleaded not guilty to the same charges last week and said in a written statement that he looked forward to "clearing my good name." He also pleaded with the public to resist a rush to judgment.

The gruesome details outlined in the July 17 indictment have fueled public protests against Vick and prompted the suspension of some of his lucrative endorsement deals. Also, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has barred Vick from the Falcons' training camp.The summary of facts signed by Taylor supports the indictment's claims that the dogfighting ring executed underperforming dogs by drowning, hanging and other brutal means. Taylor admitted shooting one dog and electrocuting another when they did not perform well in test fights in the summer of 2002.

Vick, 27, attended several dogfights in Virginia and other states with his partners, according to the statement. Prosecutors claim the fights offered purses as high as $26,000. Taylor, who will be sentenced Dec. 14, said he was not promised any specific sentence in return for his cooperation with the government.

He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000, although federal sentencing guidelines likely will call for less. The range will be determined by the court's probation office, but the judge can depart from that range if he finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances.Taylor and his attorney, Stephen A. Hudgins of Newport News, declined to answer reporters' questions as they left the federal courthouse. Prosecutors also would not comment.

During the hearing, Taylor spoke only in response to routine yes-or-no questions from U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. He answered "Yes" when the judge asked if he had agreed to cooperate with the government.

Taylor acknowledged in the summary of facts that he found the property that Vick purchased in 2001 for $30,000 for development into a dogfighting compound. Taylor says he maintained and trained the dogs for about three years, using his share of winnings -- which were split among the partners -- for living expenses.

He left the operation after a falling out with co-defendant Quanis L. Phillips and others in September 2004, according to the statement of facts.

Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Phillips, 28, of Atlanta, are scheduled for trial Nov. 26. They remain free without bond.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Nike Suspends Vick Contract Without Pay

By PAUL NEWBERRY 07.28.07, 4:09 AM ET

Source: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/28/ap3963037.html

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -
Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Michael Vick on Friday, while Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. In another dose of bad news for the indicted quarterback, a top trading card company announced it was pulling Vick's likeness from any new packs.

Facing protests from animal-rights groups, Nike (nyse: NKE - news - people ) announced it was suspending Vick's endorsement deal without pay, as well as halting sales of Vick-related shoes and other products at its retail stores.

"Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick, and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent," Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said in a statement.

Reebok, the official uniform supplier of the NFL, said it would stop selling Vick's replica jersey at retail stores and through its Web site.

Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, has decided to pull Vick's card from any future 2007 releases, according to Beckett Media, which covers the collectibles industry.
All three hits came one day after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Richmond, Va. In the indictment, he was accused of sponsoring a gruesome operation that often shot, hanged, drowned or electrocuted losing dogs.

Since Vick has not been convicted of any crime, Nike left open the door to resume its business relationship with the star player if he's acquitted. The company already had decided to suspend release of his fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V.

"We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen in the United States," the Nike statement said. "Therefore, we have not terminated our relationship."
Vick signed with Nike in 2001, the same year Atlanta chose him as the NFL's No. 1 overall draft pick. He led the Falcons to the NFC championship game during the 2004 season and last year became the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards.

Vick is barred from the Falcons' training camp while the league investigates his actions for possible violations of its new personal conduct policy. He is set for trial Nov. 26 and faces up to five years in prison.

The case began April 25 when investigators conducting a drug search at a massive home Vick built in rural Virginia found 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment typically used in dogfighting. They included a "rape stand" that holds aggressive dogs in place for mating and a "breakstick" used to pry open a dog's mouth.

PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - called off its planned protest at a dozen Niketown stores across the country next week.

"Regardless of Vick's guilt or innocence in a court of law, the facts in this case clearly support this decision," PETA said. "No company wants a spokesperson with a massive illegal dogfighting ring operating on his property, regardless of his level of involvement."

The Humane Society of the United States said the companies couldn't ignore the overwhelming opposition to having any association with Vick. He said some 165,000 e-mails were sent to Nike through the group's Web site.

"I think there's a direct relationship," said Wayne Pacelle, president of the HSUS. "We asked them to do this and the pressure continued to build, especially as the facts of the indictment came out. It simply became an untenable position."

There was no immediate response from the Vick camp. An after-hours phone message was left with his agent, Joel Segal, while unsuccessful attempts were made to reach his new attorney, Billy Martin, by phone and e-mail.

Although Reebok does not have a business relationship with Vick, the Massachusetts-based company serves as the official supplier of apparel and equipment to all 32 NFL teams. Through that deal, it holds the coveted rights to sell jerseys at the retail level.

"We just find the allegations very upsetting and very disturbing," Reebok spokeswoman Denise Kaigler said. "While this is just the beginning of the legal process and we know that it has to have time to run its course, we felt that making this decision now was important and the right things to do."

Reebok said it also was willing to take back any unsold Vick jerseys that are returned by retail outlets.

Kaigler said she already had received numerous e-mails in support of the decision. Even though numerous NFL players have run afoul of the law, this is the first time Reebok has stopped sales of an individual jersey.

"The number of e-mails and statements we're getting from consumers was pretty telling about how disturbing people find these allegations to be," Kaigler said.

Beckett Media reported on its Web site that Donruss dropped Vick's card at the behest of owner Ann Powell, whose five dogs accompany her to work every day and have virtually free reign inside the company's headquarters.

"If anybody who knows about the current Vick situation knows Donruss, they know that this is a decision we had to make because of Ann and her love of dogs," company spokesman Scott Prusha told the Web site. "This decision came straight from Ann."

Donruss had an autograph agreement with Vick, and much of the company's plans for the remainder of the year included the insertion of both autograph and memorabilia cards bearing the quarterback's picture.

Prusha said that "wasn't even a consideration. We met as a company and the idea was brought up to pull him. There was no opposition from anybody in the room."

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Upper Deck to Remove Michael Vick From Future Card Collections

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=a7zNavNL7TSg&refer=home

July 28 (Bloomberg) -- Upper Deck Co., the maker of sports memorabilia that has bid $425 million for Topps Co., won't put cards featuring Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in its collections in the future, joining Nike Inc. and Reebok International Ltd. in dropping him.

Michael Vick - NOT GUILTY?

Michael Vick and his three associates today entered a plea of NOT GUILTY in Virginia Federal Court. There were 66 dogs on the property. 55 of them were pit bulls. The Feds were on the property to begin with to conduct a drug raid. Not guilty? Seriously? Were they too high to notice the dog fighting enterprise?

Follow the story at

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3418093

or go to http://www.si.com/

Dog Fighting Indictments Against Vick

Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick has been indicted on Federal criminal charges for his involvement with dog fighting. The link below takes you to the full Sports Illustrated coverage.

The battle is not won! Although illegal in all 50 states, Dog Fighting continues in underground circles. Please, if you see something, say something. You can report animal cruelty by contacting the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 or at humanel@aspca.org. Full details are available at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_report.

image from http://www.badrap.org/rescue/




Full story


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/07/17/dohrmann.vick/index.html





Shocking charges


Indictment against Vick describes unfathomable acts


Posted: Tuesday July 17, 2007 11:42PM; Updated: Wednesday July 18, 2007 11:19AM





During an April raid of Vick's property in Virginia, authorities seized 66 dogs and equipment commonly used in dog fighting.


AP


By George Dohrmann, SI.com





The indictment handed down Tuesday against Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three others describes in detail how they procured a property in Virginia for the purpose of staging dogfights, bought dogs and then fought them there, and in several other states, over a 6-year period. With at least three cooperating witnesses providing the details, federal authorities compiled a detailed case that traces the birth and rise of Bad Newz Kennels.





But not a single line in the 18-page indictment will generate more rage toward Vick and the others charged -- Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor --than a sentence near the end. It reads: "In or about April of 2007, Peace, Phillips and Vick executed approximately eight dogs that did not perform well in 'testing' sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road by various methods, including hanging, drowning and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."





In interviews I conducted for an earlier story on the subculture of dogfighting and Vick's involvement, several experts described to me the process of "rolling"dogs. Owners take young dogs, usually puppies, and put them in an enclosed area and see how they react. They prod the dogs and urge them to get angry. If a dog shows aggression toward another dog, that's a positive. If a dog is timid, it is useless. Some fighters give away puppies that don't show the required "gameness."Other owners don't bother with the trouble of finding them a home and simply kill them.





Vick and his three associates, according to the indictment, fall in the latter category. Federal investigators allege Vick is a murderer of dogs who weren't willing to fight for his enjoyment. Even worse, his actions appear more sinister than most professional dogfighters.





"If you want to kill a dog, why exert the energy to slam him into the ground or drown him? Why not just shoot him, which is the most common method?" says John Goodwin, dogfighting expert for the Humane Society of the United States. "That is insane. These guys, if they did that, have serious problems."





Vick's problems would seem to be plentiful now that he has gone from a person of interest in local and federal investigations to one of four men charged in U.S.District Court in Richmond, Va., with conspiracy to commit interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture. On the Travel Act portion of the conspiracy charges, he faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The dogfighting charges carry a possible sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine or both.





Still, even with the gravity of the crimes alleged, Vick's most serious problem would seem to be one of perception. If one believes the allegations against him,Vick is neither a novice dog fighter nor or a hobbyist who dipped his toe into the sport briefly. The indictment alleges Vick is a professional dog fighter who "sponsored" more than two dozen dogfights. He is not, as he previously said, someone who merely trusted the wrong people. Rather, he is the face of a bloodsport that the majority of NFL fans probably didn't know existed until the property he owned on Moonlight Road was raided in late April. And, now, he becomes the ultimate test for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his new discipline policy. (continued at Sports Illustrated si.com)








Humane Society of the United States Dog Fighting Fact Sheet


http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/dogfighting_fact_sheet/

Broadway Barks! July 14, 2007 3:30-6:30 PM

A STAR-STUDDED DOG AND CAT ADOPT-A-THON IN SHUBERT ALLEY

SATURDAY, JULY 14
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

BERNADETTE PETERS AND MARY TYLER MOORE AND SUCH BROADWAY FRIENDS AS:

Angela Lansbury, David Hyde Pierce, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Rinna, Christine Ebersole, Jo Anne Worley, Jerry Mathers, Jane Carr, John Lloyd Young, Cheyenne Jackson, Michael Cerveris, Debra Monk, Stephanie J. Block, Karen Ziemba, Audra McDonald, Christine Ebersole, Edward Hibbert, Marin Mazzie, Lea Michele, Mary Louise Wilson, Christian Hoff, Charlotte D'amboise, Mary Testa, Laura Belle Bundy with "BRUISER" and "RUFUS", the LEGALLY BLONDE DOGS and many more Broadway Stars To Appear In Special Benefit For New York City Animal Shelters And Adoption Agencies.

Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore will host the ninth annual BROADWAY BARKS!, a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. The event, produced by Broadway Care/Equity Fights AIDS and sponsored by the ASPCA with additional sponsorship by the New York Times, Pedigree, and RCA Small Wonder will take place on Saturday, July 14th in Shubert Alley (located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m.; celebrity presentations of pets from citywide animal shelters will take place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain, BROADWAY BARKS 9! will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 28 from 3:30p.m. - 6:30p.m.)

Back by "pawpular" demand, BROADWAY BARKS 9! will help many of New York City's shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of "homeless" dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Last year's BROADWAY BARKS! attracted an audience of more than 6,000 theater fans, pet owners, and animal lovers, and featured the participation of more than 24 animal shelters from the New York City area.

For more information, go to: http://www.broadwaybarks.com/barks_announcement.htm

We hope to see you there!

Dogs in Islam

Recently, I spoke with a friend who practices the islamic faith. He mentioned that he had been told that dogs were unclean. So, I did a little research. There is a most enlightening article on this subject Lydia Kelly which can be accessed at http://www.quran-islam.org/119.html

Under any circumstances, it is important to respect a person's choice, but to insist upon a socially tolerant environment for yourself as well. Be kind to those who choose not to touch dogs, but ask that they love these creations of God as well. All life is sacred, as are all God's creations.

The article referenced above begins with the following editor's note:

Are Dogs Dirty, Prohibited Animals?

It is traditional among Muslims all over the world to regard the dog as a dirty animal that when touched would void your wudu (ablution) and give you nagasah (dirty impurity!)

Sadly, this concept comes from fabricated hadith which claims that the prophet ordered the killing of dogs and gave numerous hadith that prohibit the keeping of dogs except for hunting and guarding, due to their dirty status!

However, by studying the Quran we find no such claims. Nowhere in the Quran are dogs prohibited. Consequently, we must dismiss all these hadith that fabricate lies against the prophet.

1- God tells us in the Quran about the story of the dwellers of the Cave (Surah 18)......in verse 13 God tells us that they were good believers and that God guided them.
In verse 18 God tells us that they had their dog with them.
Now if dogs are prohibited and dirty, would God speak of those dwellers of the Cave (who had a dog) as good believers?

2- In 5:4 God tells us that it is OK to eat what the trained dogs catch (dogs are used in hunting)..........if dogs are dirty would God say that it is OK to eat what they catch with their mouths?

3- There is not ONE verse in the Quran where God says that dogs are dirty or that they are prohibited to keep.

4- Is it logical that God would create an animal to be man's best friend and serve him in many ways, and then prohibit such an animal?

Ask the vet

There is a great deal of "free" advice out there, these days regarding pet care and alternative resources. I wanted to take a moment to be a little pragmatic.

If you don't know what it is, where it came from, and you can't seem to solve it on your own --- Ask your vet. Often a veterinarian's office will give you alternative remedies to try before you come into the office for a visit. Remember, they've seen it, treated it and in most cases, cured it.

If you don't have a veterinarian yet, call your local ASPCA or check on line at the American Animal Hospital Association for a veterinary office near you. (url below for animal hospital directory.)

http://www.healthypet.com/hospital_search.aspx

Rest In Peace Sweet Ricco

Sometimes, something happens that is just too sad to bear. Sweet Niko and Ricco, who Stray from the Heart tried so hard, and so long to find a home together, had, it seemed finally found their place.

Last Wednesday, Ricco disappeared in Central Park. He was found dead a few days later by Park caretakers. It looked like he had been gone for a while. Niko has come back to Stray from the Heart now, so that we might find him a better home. And, I pray, they will be together in heaven. The sweet brothers are attached in a photo. Rest peacefully Ricco. We'll all see you there.

Love, Carol

Sunny needs a foster home!

This beautiful girl is in a shelter in Dallas which is closing. We are working with them to find foster care for her until a forever home can be found. If you can help, please contact Toni at toni@strayfromtheheart.org or call 718-544-9175.

Sunny is the last of a litter of puppies that Joy, thelocal ACO, found in the front yard of one of the less"enlightened" residents of Lake Dallas. The youngpuppies were in a box out in the front yard with a sign saying "Free Puppies, Take One". Joy says that Sunny is an Anatolian mix, she saw themother. Sunny is only about 45 pounds at a year old, so she is much smaller than any Anatolian.

This beautiful young dog has lived in the shelterpractically all of her life! She will have been in the shelter one year on June 30th. Any dog that canlast a year in a shelter has got to be a great dog, and capable of enduring practically anything. She is a very nice girl. She has had her DHLPP vaccinations. We will get her spayed and her shots updated.

Mario (aka Milo) is found!

Thanks to the dedication of his parents and the kind-hearted vigilence of the Medford, NJ Police Department, Mario has found his way home!

This is truly a story of community, hope, and never losing faith.

Congratulations to all!

Dog Fighting - Shameful and Unforgiveable

Newsweek published a recent article on dog-fighting in the US. You can read it here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19028969/site/newsweek/

It points out the utter senselessness of this so-called "sport", and offers some insight into what to look for.

Please, if you see something, say something. You can report animal cruelty by contacting the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 or at humanel@aspca.org. Full details are available at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_report.

The Bad Foods for Dogs List

An excellent resource for emergency poison consultation (in addition to your veterinarian) is your local Poison Control, and theNational Animal Poison Control Center

The List:
Here is a list of common foods that are bad or poisonous for your dog. If you suspect that your dog might have eaten any food that might be toxic, contact his/her vet immediately.

Alcohol
Do not give your dog sips of any alcoholic beverage. Ingestion can lead to injury, disorientation, sickness, urination problems or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Some dogs may be attracted to alcoholic drinks so don't leave one setting where a dog can reach it.

Anti-freeze The Dangers Of Antifreeze (See at end of this list)

Apple: The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.

Apricot: The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Avocado: Avocado contains a toxic element called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. Avocadoes are high in fat content and can trigger an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis. The seed pit is also toxic and if swallowed can become lodged in the intestinal tract where it may cause a severe blockage which will have to be removed surgically. Since avocado is the main ingredient in guacamole be sure and keep your dog out of the dip.

Baby Food: Before feeding any baby food to your dog check the ingredients to see if it contains onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Feeding baby food in large amounts may result in nutritional deficiencies.

Bones: Cooked bones can be very hazardous for your dog. Bones become brittle when cooked which causes them to splinter when broken. The splinters have sharp edges that have been known to become stuck in the teeth, caused choking when caught in the throat or caused a rupture or puncture of the stomach lining or intestinal tract. Especially bad bones are turkey and chicken legs, ham, pork chop and veal.

Symptoms of choking are:
Pale or blue gums
Gasping Open-mouthed breathing
Pawing at face
Slow, shallow breathing
Unconscious, with dilated pupils
Raw bones (uncooked in any way) like chicken necks or beef knuckle bones are generally considered safe and help keep your dog's teeth healthy by removing plaque. A caution - bones have a high calcium content and too many can cause severe constipation.

Bread Dough: When bread dough is ingested your dog's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. During the rising process alcohol is produced as the dough expands. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression. A pet needs to eat only a small amount to cause a problem, because bread dough can rise to many times its size.

Broccoli: The toxic ingredient in broccoli is isothiocynate. While it may cause stomach upset it probably won't be very harmful unless the amount fed exceeds 10% of the dogs total daily diet.

Caffeine: Beverages with caffeine (like soda, tea, coffee) acts as a stimulant and can accelerate your pet's heartbeat to a dangerous level. Pets ingesting caffeine have been known to have seizures, some fatal.

Candy: Sugarless candy containing xylitol has been recognised by the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) to be a risk to pets (first published July 2004). This compound can cause liver damage and death in some dogs. This information is recent and some vets may not be familiar with xylitol poisoning. If your dog has eaten sugarless candy you can contact the NAPCC by telephone, 1-888-426-4435 for more information.

Cat Food: Cat food is not formulated for canine comsumption. It is generally too high in protein and fats and is not a balanced diet for a dog.

Cherries: The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and seizures.
Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. An ounce or two of chocolate may not seem like much but it can be lethal to a small dog that weighs 10 lbs. or less. After their dog has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog sick. The next most dangerous forms are semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate, however the high amount of fat found in milk chocolate can lead to an attack of pancreatitis.
1 ounce per pound of body weight (2 ounces per kg of body weight) for milk chocolate.
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 1.5 kg body weight) for semi-sweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 4 kg) for baker's chocolate.

During many holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat or letting them lick a frosting bowl.

Cigarettes: see Tobacco Products

Citrus Oil Extracts: Citrus oil extracts ave been known to cause vomiting.

Corn Cobs: Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, because the corn cob caused a partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.

Dairy Products: Most dairy products are digested poorly by dogs who have little or none of the enzyme required to digest the lactose in milk. Just like lactose-intolerant people, lactose-intolerant dogs can develop excessive intestinal gas (flatulence) and may have foul-smelling diarrhea. It is best to avoid most dairy products altogether, although small amounts of cheese or plain yogurt are tolerated by most dogs, since these products have less lactose than most.

Food Preparation Items
When chewing food remnants from
aluminum foil or pans
candy wrappers
paper plates and cups
plastic forks, spoons, knives
plastic beverage rings from six-packs
roasting bags
turkey skewers, lacing
a dog may swallow pieces which can cause abdominal discomfort, intestinal blockage, internal bleeding and in some cases, death. There is also a possibility if choking or suffocation. Dispose of food preparation items in a manner that your dog or another animal cannot get to it.

Eggs (Raw): Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can deplete your dog of biotin, one of the B vitamins. Biotin is essential to your dog’s growth and coat health. Additionally, raw eggs are often contaminated with bacteria, such as salmonella, and you could end up giving your dog food poisoning in addition to biotin deficiency.

Symptoms of biotin depletion are hair loss, weakness, growth retardation and skeleton deformity. If your dog is suffering from these symptoms the situation is urgent, and veterinary treatment is needed. Cooked eggs are high in protein and make an excellent treat. It is only the raw eggs that should not be given to your dog.

Grapes or Raisins: Although the minimum lethal dosage is not known, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities. The symptoms are gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea, and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion. The amount of grapes eaten varied between 9 oz. and 2 lbs., which worked out to be between 0.41 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight. It has been reported that two dogs died directly from the toxicity, three were euthanized due to poor response to treatment and five dogs lived.

Due to the severity of the signs and the potential for death, the veterinarians at the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) advocate aggressive treatment for any dog believed to have ingested excessive amounts of grapes or raisins, including inducing vomiting, stomach pumping and administration of activated charcoal, followed by intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours or as indicated based on the results of blood tests for kidney damage.

Hops: Spent hops as used in making beer.

Household Products: Bad Household Items List

Liver: Many dog treats and prepared foods contain liver so it may surprise you to find liver on the bad foods list. In small amounts liver is good for your dog, but if the liver intake is too high it can cause nutritional problems because liver has a high content of vitamin A. Consumption of this vitamin in large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A. If your dog eats raw liver or consumes three servings of cooked liver a week it could lead to bone problems. Feeding liver to a dog taking Vitimin A supplements can lead to an overdose of Vitamin A.
Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A are deformed bones, excessive bone growth on the elbows and spine, weight loss and anorexia. If left unchecked, hypervitaminosis A has in some cases caused death.

Macadamia Nuts: The toxic compound is unknown but eating as few as six nuts without the shell has been known to cause elevated body temperature, accelerated heartbeat, tremors in the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs have difficulty or are unable to rise, are distressed and usually panting.Some affected dogs have had swollen limbs and showed pain when the limb was manipulated. Dogs did recover from the muscle weakness and pain and it is not known if there have been any fatal cases. Macadamia butter is included in this warning.

Mouldy or Spoiled Foods: The common mold found growing on many foods contain toxins such as Penicillium mold toxins or tremorgenic mycotoxins. Symptoms of poisoning include severe tremors and seizures that can last for hours or even days. This is considered an emergency and medical treatment is needed to control the seizures and detoxify the dog.
Spoiled foods can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning are severe vomiting, diarrhea and shock.

Prevention is the best course, don't feed your dog moldy food left in the refrigerator and don't allow him to raid your garbage cans or compost bin (or your neighbor's).

Mushrooms: Mushroom poisoning can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. The most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroon in the US is Amanita phalloides, but other Amanita species are also toxic. They can cause severe liver disease and neurologic disorders. The recommendation is to induce vomiting when these mushrooms are ingested and to give activated charcoal, as well. Supportive treatment for liver disease may also be necessary.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg is reported to be a hallucinogenic when ingested in large doses. Nutmeg has been known to cause tremors, seizures and in some cases, death.

Nuts: Nuts in general are not good for dogs as their high phosphorus content may lead to bladder stones.

Onions: Onions cause hemolytic anemia, which means that the red blood cells break down leaving the dog short of oxygen. Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. The condition generally improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion. The poisoning may occur a few days after the dog has eaten the onion. At first dogs affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, weakness and show little or no interest in food. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected dog's urine making it dark colored. The dog will experience shortness of breath because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. Other symptoms are elevated body temperature, confusion, and increased heart rate. Seek veterinary care immediately.
The quantity of onions, raw or cooked, required is high enough that dogs can generally tolerate small doses of onions without any problem and moderate amounts of onion without apparent signs of onion poisoning. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

Peaches: The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Pears: The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Plants: Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet.
Common Poisonous Plants List

Plastic Food Wrap: Dogs have been known to ingest pieces of plastic wrap while trying to eat food remnants left on its surface. Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Dispose of plastic wrap in a manner that your dog or other animals cannot get to it.

Plums: The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.

Play Dough: Home made play dough contains high levels of salt. When ingested this can cause salt poisoning which can be fatal.

Potatoes: Solanum alkaloids can be found in green sprouts and green potato skins, which occurs when the tubers are exposed to sunlight during growth or after harvest. The relatively rare occurrence of actual poisoning is due to several factors: solanine is poorly absorbed; it is mostly hydrolyzed into less toxic solanidinel; and the metabolites are quickly eliminated. Cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for dogs, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Raisins or Grapes: See Grapes

Rich Fatty Foods: Rich, fatty foods can be very dangerous to dogs susceptible to attacks of pancreatitis. Often you may not know that your dog is susceptible until he is very sick with his first attack. It is often the smaller, more energetic breeds like miniature or toy poodles, cocker spaniels, miniature schauzers, and other small terrier-type dogs who seem particularly prone. However, any dog may have a problem. It is best to avoid these foods altogether.
turkey skin
bacon, sausages, hot dogs
fruit cake, plum pudding
deep-fried

Signs of pancreatitis generally include an acute onset of vomiting (sometimes with diarrhea) and abdominal pain, which may be evidenced as a hunched posture or "splinting" of the abdomen when picked up. The dog may become very sick quickly and often needs intensive fluid and antibiotic therapy.

Rhubard: Leaves
Salmon (Raw): Commonly called "Salmon Poisoning Disease" (or SPD), this can be a problem for anyone who feeds their dog a raw meat diet that includes raw salmon, but it is mostly seen in the Pacific Northwest and California. The cause is infection by a rickettsial organism called Neorickettsia helminthoeca. The rickettsial organism does not directly infect the dog but is carried instead by a parasite (a flatworm or fluke) called Nanophyteus salmincola through two intermediate hosts - freshwater snails and salmonid fish.

Nanophyteus salmincola are found to infect some species of freshwater snails. The infected snail is ingested by the salmon as part of the food chain. Neither the fluke nor the rickettsial organism are lethal to the fish. The dog is exposed only when it ingests the secondary host - an infected fish. After the dog ingests the fish, the encysted fluke larvae burst and embed in the dog’s intestinal tract and the rickettsia are introduced. The cycle continues when ova are excreted in dog feces to infect more snails.

A sudden onset of symptoms occur 5-7 days after ingestion of fish. Initial symptoms include lethargy and anorexia. Peaking of temperature between 104-107 in the first two days and then slowly returns to normal. Persistent vomiting by the fourth day. There is bloody diarrhea within a few days of vomiting onset. The diarrhea is often bright yellow color. There are enlarged lymph nodes.

In the acute stages, gastrointestinal symptoms are quite similar to canine parvovirus. Nasal and ocular symptoms can resemble canine distemper. If left untreated, SPD has a mortality rate of up to 90%. SPD can be diagnosed with a fecal sample and is treatable if caught in time. Treatment may include supportive hydration, an antibiotic to kill the rickettsial organism, and a "wormer" to kill the parasite. Improvement may be seen in as little as two days.

Prevention is simple, cook all fish before feeding any to your dog. If you are outdoors hiking or camping or live near streams and rivers were salmon spawn, keep a close eye on your dog on don't let your pet run free to insure that no fish carcasses are ingested. Please see your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested raw salmon.

Salt: Iodized salt and salty foods can cause stomach ailments and pancreatitis. Some dogs, especially large breeds, have been known to gulp too much water after eating salty foods and developed a life threatening condition called bloat during which the stomach fills with gas and twists, leading to a painful death unless emergency treatment is received immediately.

Table Scraps: Table scraps are not a nutritionally balanced diet for a dog. If fed at all scraps should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat and all cooked bones discarded. Also see "Rich, Fatty Foods" above.

Tobacco Products: Cigarettes and cigarette butts, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine patches, nicotine gum and chewing tobacco can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Signs of nicotine poisoning can appear within an hour and include hyperactivity, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Advanced signs include muscle weakness, twitching, collapse, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest. If anyone who lives in or visits your home smokes, tell them to keep tobacco products out of reach of pets and to dispose of butts immediately. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Tomatoes and Tomato Plants: These contain atropine which can cause dialated pupils, tremors and irregular heartbeat. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, next is the unripe (green) tomatoes and then the ripe tomato.

Water: Yet another surprise to find on the Bad Foods List is water, but there are dangers lurking in water that you need to be aware of.

Stagnant water in ponds, bogs, small lakes, canals, seasonal creeks and other places where water sets still may contain harmful bacteria (Leptospira interrogans) and parasites such as giardia.
Toilet water with freshner or cleaners in the tank or bowl contain toxic chemicals.

Mario - REWARD for lost dog!!!

LOST while on a walk Monday evening, May 28th at the Taunton Trace Development in Medford, New Jersey. Mario is wearing a black harness with black leash attached, and black nylon collar with ID and Medford Licence tags. He is brown with black, weighs 16 lbs and is very, very shy. Do not chase him.....best to approach him slowly and gently. Please call even if you just see him. Generous REWARD for his safe return!

CALL: 609/ 417- 3673
609/ 714 - 0879
609/ 267 - 9339
718/ 544 - 9175
917/ 957 - 4194

Free Dog Food Recipe Resources

Repeating a few recipes for those who are considering alternative foods and medicines for their pets. Hope it helps.

Tres at www.caninecare.com and http://www.5stardog.com/dog-food.asp
Homeovet: www.homeovet.net
Whole Dog Journal: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/
ANHC - Richard Pitcairn http://www.drpitcairn.com/
The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy http://www.theavh.org/

Recipes:

The Poop
http://www.thepoop.com/pooppantry/

Suite 101
http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/homemade_dog_food_recipes

Recipe Zaar
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/pet-food

Gourmet Sleuth
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com

Resources for Natural Dog and Cat Care

Just a few resources for those who are considering alternative foods and medicines for their pets.

Hope it helps.

Source: Tres at www.caninecare.com and http://www.5stardog.com/dog-food.asp

Source: www.homeovet.net

Source: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/

Source: ANHC - Richard Pitcairn http://www.drpitcairn.com/

Source: The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy http://www.theavh.org/

Easy Bake Dog Treat Recipes

Hi guys. Since the number of brands is now over 100 on the food and treat recall list, like the rest of America, I got creative. Gourmet Sleuth (www.gourmetsleuth.com) has a number of great recipes for bake it yourself dog biscuits. I've attached the two easiest I found -- they are yeast free, but contain wheat products (if anyone's dog has trouble with wheat). These two recipes are as easy to make as peanut butter cookies.

There are additional recipes which are vegetarian, wheat free, etc. The only caution they add is that some of the recipes they source call for raisins -- which are a big no-no for dogs. Otherwise, this is a great resource.

Also, Bridge Kitchen supply on 45th b/w 2nd and 3rd has dog bone shaped cookie cutters for $1.13 a piece. I've made gifts for a few friends in the building with the recipe and a cookie cutter.

So, here they are. Enjoy!


Gourmet Sleuth – Easiest Dog Biscuit Recipes
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/recipe_dogbiscuit.htm

Important Note from Gourmet Sleuth:
"It was brought to our attention by one of our readers that some recipes we link to may advocate putting raisins in the dog biscuits. Raisins or grapes are potentially fatal to dogs. We suggest you avoid using raisins in any pet food. Read more... and The Wrath of Grapes (PDF)"


Basic Dog Biscuit Treats
Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought versions.

I N G R E D I E N T S
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1 teaspoon iodized salt
2 teaspoons bone meal (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 large eggs mixed with a 1/4 cup beef broth beef broth

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add oil, peanut butter and egg mixture and stir to combine. Knead the dough for 2 -3 minutes until it holds together well adding additional broth if the dough is too stiff. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.

Roll dough out to about 1/2" thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with a knife or your favorite cookie cutter.

Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and allow the biscuits to dry in the over for 2 hours or overnight. Once cooled they can be stored in zip lock bags.


Storing Dog Treats
In general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time - the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.

Refrigeration and Freezing - Refrigeration will prolong the life of more fragile dog treats. Make sure to store in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag. You can also freeze most treats in zip lock freezer bags. Allow to thaw completely before use.

Cheesy Dog Biscuit Treats
Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought versions.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker)
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour.

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.

In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.

On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

Storing Dog Treats
In general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time - the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.

Refrigeration and Freezing - Refrigeration will prolong the life of more fragile dog treats. Make sure to store in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag. You can also freeze most treats in zip lock freezer bags. Allow to thaw completely before use.