Quantcast
Channel: Dog Files
Viewing all 97 articles
Browse latest View live

367 Pit Bulls Rescued From Massive Dog Fighting Organization

0
0

ASPCA_PB_Puppies

Federal and state investigators have made 12 arrests and rescued 367 pit bull terriers in a multi-state raid to shut down a dog fighting ring in what is believed to be the second-largest raid against organized dog fighting in the United States. The government agents and local police teamed up with animal rescue agencies including the ASPCA to save the dogs from untold torture.

“In one yard, 114 dogs, the majority tethered to heavy chains, sat in 90 degree heat, scratching at fleas, with no fresh water or food visible anywhere on the property. Some appeared to have no access to water at all, and many exhibited wounds, scars and other conditions consistent with dogfighting,” according to the ASPCA.

ASPCA_PB_seizure

“Makeshift, filthy doghouses — many improvised from plastic and metal barrels and others made of chipboard with rotting wood floors and rusted metal roofing — provided the only shelter in the sweltering heat and humidity. Some dogs pulled at chains and cables that were tethered to cinder blocks and car tires. A female dog did her best to tend to six puppies, just weeks old, with no food or water, in a pen littered with trash and feces.”

$500,000 in gambling proceeds were also confiscated along with guns and narcotics. Arrests were made in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.

“These defendants were betting between $5,000 and $200,000 on one dog fight,” stated U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved in this in case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is. These dog fighters abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed ‘fun’ of watching and gambling on a dog fight. Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated, and will be punished to the full extent of the law.”

These dogs were rescued and moved to undisclosed locations where they are being treated, fed and shown affection. Efforts will be made to rehabilitate and find adoptable dogs their forever homes.


Kisha Curtis, Patrick The Pit Bull’s Abuser, Gets No Jail Time

0
0

Kisha_Curtis2

What a sad state of affairs, when a person cruelly starves a pet and doesn’t spend a day in jail. The animal welfare crowd has a lot of work ahead of them.

Kenn, Max & Remy

Patrick the pit bull, the famed miracle dog of New Jersey, finally had his day in court. Unfortunately, his abuser merely received a slap on the wrist.

Kisha Curtis, 29, was charged with two counts of tormenting and torturing a living creature by failing to provide sustenance and two counts of abandonment. The emaciated puppy had been dropped 19 stories down a trash chute in March of 2011.

Emaciated_Patrick

The pit bull (later named Patrick for St. Patrick’s Day, when he had been rescued) was nearly dead when a worker found him barely moving in a trash bag in the dumpster. Patrick wasn’t expected to live through the night, but showed tenacity with a will to live and made a slow but miraculous recovery that has been cataloged over the last two-and-a-half years.

In spite of the photo evidence, Kisha Curtis repeatedly denied starving or abusing the dog. She said she had only had the dog for two days before realizing she would be unable to care for him. She left the dog, that she hadn’t yet named, in the hallway for the security guard to handle. She claims the dog was doing well when she leashed it to a stairwell doorknob in her hallway. She then reportedly left town. She said she was upset after seeing the news photos of the sick, emaciated dog days later. She claims she is not the one who discarded the dog in the trash.

Patrick_emaciated

Patrick was unable to stand and weighed only 20 pounds, about 30 pounds underweight. His story gained international attention and supporters including financial donations and even a pledge for a new animal shelter called “Patrick’s Place.”

Meanwhile, Curtis initially rejected a plea offer that the prosecutor offered which would have called for up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine and 30 days community service. Curtis and her lawyer countered by asking for a pretrial intervention, a program for first-time offenders that offers alternatives to prosecution. Defendants who are admitted to and complete the intervention program receive early resolution of their case and convictions will be expunged from their record. The courts rejected this offer.

On July 30, 2013, Curtis finally plead guilty to fourth-degree animal cruelty and gave up all rights to Patrick. Her sentencing was anticipated to be light due to the fact that she was a first-time offender.

Patrick_flowers

On August 7, 2013, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed “Patrick’s Law,” (S1303) into effect. The new law states that failure to prove an animal with food or water would be a fourth-degree crime instead of a disorderly person’s offense. If the dog dies as a result of the mistreatment, it would be upped to a third degree crime. A first time abuser punishment fines increased from $1,000 to $3,000. A second offense could land an abuser in jail for a year with fines up to $5,000.

In spite of this law and the international outcry, Curtis was sentenced to just 18 months of probation and a $2,000 fine for restitution to the New Jersey American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Patricia Scavelli, who has been caring for Patrick, has been awarded full custody.

Patrick_healed

Animal Planet Premieres “Hero Dogs of 9/11” Documentary

0
0

Documentary based on the viral video produced by Dog Files airs in the U.S. September 10, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Animal Planet.

NEW YORK (August 28, 2013) – After the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001, more than 10,000 emergency workers heeded the call for help; 300 of those heroes were dogs.

Dog Files, an online website and video series dedicated to dogs and the people who love them, is pleased to announce that “Hero Dogs of 9/11,” a documentary based on their viral video short, is premiering on Animal Planet, September 10, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

“Hero Dogs of 9/11” tells the true story of the people who found themselves in the midst of the largest terrorist attack in American history, and how their lives were irrevocably changed by man’s best friend.

From search and rescue dogs to comfort dogs to bomb detection dogs, “Hero Dogs of 9/11” showcases these canines’ stories of courage, healing and long-lasting legacy that until now, has never been told.

“It has been my dream and the Dog Files’ mission to show the world that dogs deserve our love, care and respect,” said Kenn Bell, creator of Dog Files and executive producer/director of the Animal Planet documentary special. “I truly believe that ‘Hero Dogs of 9/11’ does just that. I guarantee that after viewing this documentary, you will never look at your own dog the same way again.”

To watch the original “Hero Dogs Of 9/11 short,” visit http://thedogfiles.com/herodogsof911. To watch the follow up 10th anniversary video, “Hero Dogs of 9/11 Legacy short,” visit http://thedogfiles.com/herodogsof911legacy.

Dog Files Media’s next documentary will be “Pit Proud: The True Story of the Most Misunderstood Animal in America.” The short film can be viewed here: Pit Proud short. “I’m working to educate folks on the great history of the Pit Bull, the dangers of breed bans and animal abuse, and the need for responsible dog ownership,” said Bell. “I hope this film and the growing awareness I’m seeing lately will help restore the honor to what was once considered ‘America’s dog!’”

For sponsorship information about how you can help the Dog Files make “Pit Proud,” contact Kenn Bell at pitproud@thedogfiles.com.

Follow Dog Files on Twitter.
Follow Dog Files on Facebook.

911-Photo-0009

Dog Files Opinion: What The Hero Dogs Of 9/11 TV Special Means To Me

0
0

911-Photo-0001

On September 11, 2001, I woke up in New York City like I always did. I had breakfast, a shower, cup of coffee and read the news on the internet.

The news was reporting that a small plane had hit the World Trade Center. Wow, how could the pilot not see those two big towers, I thought as I continued reading other stories. Fifteen minutes later, I was out the door and walking down Houston Street on the way to work.

But something felt off. People were running around with confused looks on their faces. Groups were gathered around cars, listening to the news on the radio. Lines of people waited to make calls on the public pay telephones. (Yes, we still had public phones in 2001.)

It was then that I found myself standing on the steps of the Angelika Film Center looking skyward with a like-minded crowd of people. Together, we watched in horror and disbelief as the World Trade Center’s South Tower disappeared in a cascade of silvery glass in the clear blue sky.

I will never forget what an absolutely beautiful day it was when the world changed forever. When I changed forever.

But I didn’t realize my life had changed at first. I guess I was just in shock.

911-Photo-0009

For weeks after, the air smelt of burnt sulphur and the sound of sirens never ceased. Every day I’d walk down to where Houston Street connected with the West Side Highway. I’d stand with the crowd and cheer as emergency workers were deployed to what became known as Ground Zero. We stood and watched as other workers came back exhausted to rest, clean up and try fruitlessly, to relax for a while.

One of the things I noticed were the dogs that some of the emergency workers walked with. At this point, Dog Files wasn’t even a glimmer in my eye but I knew something special was going on with the dogs. The workers gathered around the dogs. Some workers hugged them, others cried. The dogs were a great comfort to the exhausted workers. Probably more than the cheering crowd was that I was a part of. It was cathartic to all who watched.

Years later, after creating Dog Files, I decided to do something for 9/11 and I remembered the special dogs from Ground Zero. I knew exactly what it would be: A video episode of Dog Files celebrating and commemorating what I had since learned were search & rescue Dogs, comfort dogs and bomb detection Dogs. The Hero Dogs Of 9/11.

The short video was a major hit. It garnered the most views ever for a Dog Files episode and I found that this largely untold story had touched many others as much as it touched me. That somehow, a story about dogs, could help us see our own humanity, brighter and clearer.

911-Photo-0004

If you haven’t noticed by now, 9/11 affected me greatly. But none so much as what happened to my perspective on life.

About six months after 9/11, I decided to move back to the motherland (that’s New Jersey to you) and six months after that I adopted Max, an American Foxhound/Pointer mix, from St. Hubert’s in Madison, NJ.

Years later, I found my calling and inspiration through way of Max and started Dog Files. I have never looked back.

Working on the Hero Dogs Of 9/11 TV Special was a complete thrill to me. I mean, how could it not be? I got to shake hands (and paws) with true heroes. Folks that put others safety ahead of their own. They are a special brand of people and I’m glad we are able to celebrate them here. I had the opportunity to meet David Lim and Michael Hingson, both highlighted in the documentary. These are folks that care so deeply about their dogs. About all dogs. It was an honor to help them share their stories.

I could not be happier with the finished one hour special. It is the perfect compliment to what I was trying to do with my short video all those years ago. To show the world that dogs deserve our love, care and respect. And hopefully, in doing so, nudging the world to become a better place for this very special animal.

The only animal, in fact, to create an indelible connection with another species… humans. A connection that many anthropologists believe may be one of the reasons homo sapiens survived and thrived 20,000 years ago to become the dominant force on Earth.

However, being in charge doesn’t mean we should always get our way or force our will on others. It means we are protectors. And that it is our sacred duty to be kind and caring to this amazing furry creature that has become our trusted friend throughout history, both good and bad.

Dogs deserve more than a chain tying them down in a muddy yard. They deserve more than puppy mills, dog fighting and neglect.

When the complete history of the human race is written, there will be one constant throughout. The unbridled loyalty of man’s best friend: the dog. Standing right beside their human, ready to protect… ready to comfort… ready to love.

Do we want history to reflect kindly on us, or do we want it to be about the hell dogs are so often cruelly exposed to? This is for all of us to decide on our own. I think you know where I fall.

911-Photo-0005

When I think back to September 11, 2001 and after I get past the pain and the sorrow of it all, I am amazed at how it affected what I do today. If 9/11 hadn’t happened, I might not have moved back to New Jersey, which means I wouldn’t have adopted my dog Max, the Dog Files wouldn’t have been created and I wouldn’t be writing now about the Hero Dogs Of 9/11.

Sometimes it takes a horrible event to see the truth in your own life. It forces you to choose directions. Creating something positive from such a terrible tragedy is what makes us human.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 8Pm ET/PT, the one hour Hero Dogs Of 9/11 TV Special will premiere in the United States on Animal Planet. A one hour special dedicated to the unsung heroes of a frightening, uneasy time in my life and the life of all Americans, if not the entire world.

I hope you enjoy the Hero Dogs Of 9/11 TV special as much as I did working on it. I also hope that after you finished watching it, you will look at your dog, sitting peacefully at your side, in a way you’ve never looked at them before. Or if you do not have a dog, you will be inspired to adopt one.

Hero Dogs Of 9/11 reminds us that dogs are a gift to all of us.

Let’s treat them as such.

Kenn Bell
Creator of Dog Files

Romanian Stray Dogs Issued Death Sentence After Boy Dies

0
0

Romanian_strays

The government of Romania has approved a law to slaughter tens and thousands of stray dogs in the country’s capital of Bucharest.

The tipping point

The decision was made after a  4-year-old boy was killed while playing outside a park with his 6-year-old brother, who was also injured by a pack of dogs. Sadly, this is just the latest incident of several attacks in a country with an enormous feral and stray dog population.

The law allows the city’s estimated 60,000 free-roaming dogs to be hunted and put down, in spite of hundreds of protesters and international outcry urging parliamentarians to vote against it. The law was approved by a vote of 266 to 23 with 10 abstaining.

Although many Romanians support the extermination program to solve the issue, animal rights groups are calling for a mass sterilization program. These groups believe this will stop the dogs from reproducing and enable them to live out their lives on the street.

Abandoned in the name of “progress”

This human-created problem developed back in the 1970′s when Romania’s citizens were forced to relocate to the cities in a governmental push for industrialization. As dogs were not permitted in the cramped city flats, they were abandoned and left to fend for themselves, reproducing virtually unchecked for decades.

Complexities and corruption

The issue is further complicated with the fact that sterilization programs are undermined by those who have created a business in dealing with the strays, such as those employed as dog catchers, those running dog enclosures, and even dog meat exporters.

While there are a few legitimate rescues working to serve the abandoned dogs of Romania with spay and neuter programs, they have limited funding. And they compete with fake rescues who prey on international animal supporters for funds that never reach the intended cause.

Making the world better for all

The Dog Files values both human and animal life. We need to be responsible for our actions and manage these populations humanely or risk becoming like the creatures being forced to scrape out a harsh living on the streets.

Dogs have served us and been our companions for thousands of years. They deserve better. Our children deserve a civilized world characterized by humane treatment of the creatures under our care. We can’t abandon these domesticated animals whether it’s in Romania, Detroit, or our own backyard.

How to help

Spay and neuter your pets. Support sterilization programs for free-roaming pet populations both locally and abroad. Adopt and don’t shop!

 

 

 

Abusive Babysitter Sniffed Out By Family Dog

0
0

Finn_KillianIt pays to listen to your best friend. And in this case, man’s best friend was also the baby’s best buddy.

After moving to Charleston, South Carolina last year, Benjamin and Hope Jordan hired Alexis Khan, 22, to babysit their then-two-month-old son Finn. Even though Khan’s background check came up clean, their dog Killian still had reservations. When their dog began to act aggressively towards Khan, they became concerned that Killian knew something they didn’t. In order to figure out what was going on, they hid a phone to take an audio recording.

They could hear her cursing at Finn when he cried, and the distress cry turned into a pain cry after a slapping noise.

Thanks to the alert of the family dog, and the clever use of a smart phone, Khan had no choice but to confess to the abuse.

“To know that five months I had handed my child to a monster, not knowing what was going on in my house for that day,” Jordan said. “Had our dog not alerted us to the trouble, had my wife’s instincts not said we need to make something happen, it could have been Finn that was killed by the babysitter. You never know.”

Khan was sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. Additionally, she is now registered as a child abuser database that will ensure she can no longer work with children.

Help An Animal Shelter By Voting In Pal’s Shelter Showdown Contest

0
0

pal1

I’m sure you already know that the Dog Files advocates for dog adoption, spay/neutering, etc. Well the good folks at Pets Add Life (Pal) agree with us.

Right now through October 4th their Shelter Showdown Contest is running on Facebook to promote awareness of pet rescue/adoption and the importance of supporting the shelters that work so hard to save man’s best friend.

To help more pets find their forever homes, PAL is giving away a total of $25,000 to three lucky Petfinder-affiliated shelter rescue organizations!
You can vote once a day from now through October 4th to help your favorite shelter win!

Here’s how to vote:

1. Please visit the Pets Add Life Facebook Page, then “LIKE” the page.

2. Click on the Shelter Showdown Tab on the Facebook Page and follow the instructions to vote for your favorite Petfinder-affiliated shelter.

3. You can vote once a day till October 4, 2013.

The winners will be announced the week of Oct 7th! 1st place shelter wins $15k: $10k for a community-wide adoption on 11/19 National Get a Pal For Your Pet Day and $5k as a general donation. 2nd & 3rd place winners each receive $5k donations.

Please vote so your favorite shelter can win. They need all the help they can get.

2013-09-08 12.31.36-1

Max and Remy are both rescues! Max was adopted from St. Hubert’s in Madison, NJ and Remy from the Baltimore Animal Rescue Center. Adopt, don’t shop!

Check out the Pets Add Life site!

“I am blogging on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network and the Pets Add Life (Pal) campaign. I received compensation for my time from Pal for sharing my views in this post, but the views expressed here are solely mine.”

Looking For A Doggysitter You Can Trust? Me too!

0
0

roverbanner

Recently, the Rover.com folks contacted me to see if I would like to try out their service. While Max & Remy are generally fine at home alone, every now and then I have to go film a Dog Files episode and I won’t get back for maybe 12 hours. So I drive 70 miles to drop the hounds off with my parents then travel to wherever the job is, spend the day working, and instead of going straight home when I’m done, I drive 70 Miles to pick up the dogs and 70 miles to get back home. As you can see, this is a lot of extra work and I always do what’s best for Max & Remy, but I’d be lying if I didn’t wish that once in a while, I had a doggysitter close by.

So what exactly is Rover.com? Other than a fantastic URL. :-)

Well, Rover.com is an online community of hand-selected & insured dog lovers founded on the belief that every dog deserves individualized attention in a safe, loving home when their family is away.

Rover hand-selects and approves all sitters, provides complimentary Peace of Mind™ coverage for your dog, photo and video updates, free last-minute concierge services, 24/7 customer support, 24/7 vet advice through our Ask-A-Vet service, and an end-to-end 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Create a free member profile for your pooch; search for sitters by price and location and enjoy your trip knowing that your dog is having a great time. Prices vary by location, but are considerably lower than kennels, and range from $15 to $30 per night. Most importantly, 95% of Rover Sitters are rated 5-stars by fellow members-our highest rating.

Okay, sounds good to me! In the next few weeks, I know I have some filming to do on my next documentary, so I will join Rover.com and test it out for myself. Stay tuned!

If you would like to try Rover.com yourself, sign up and use coupon code: DOGFILES25 to get $25 off any new customer’s first Rover stay!

Have any questions? If so, there will be a twitter chat using #RoverChat on Thursday, October 3rd from 6-7pm PST. Rover.com customer specialists will be on hand to answer any questions about Rover.com.

Dog Files is a part of a Rover.com campaign. As always, the Dog Files only shares news for things we support and believe you are interested in!


Get A $5 Coupon To Try Natural Balance® Original Ultra® Premium Dog Food

0
0

Happy_Hungry

Natural Balance® has partnered with the Dog Files to inform pet owners of the importance of feeding their dogs high quality pet food and is offering a special discount coupon code to friends of the Dog Files.

Original Ultra® Ultra Premium Dry Dog Food is a great foundational diet with multiple proteins and multiple grains.

This scientifically formulated diet provides complete and balanced nutrition for all breeds and life stages from puppies to adults.

Product Highlights

Fresh Chicken, Lamb Meal, Duck Meal
Premium quality meats are combined to provide the most natural balance of proteins for your dog.

Brown Rice
A superior rice grain with nutrient-rich bran portion intact. This bran layer holds nutrients of vital importance, such as fiber and essential oils.

Fresh Carrots
An excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene.

Oatmeal
An exceptional source of carbohydrates, fiber, thiamin and vitamin E. Not widely used in pet food because of cost.

Fresh Potatoes
Rich in potassium and an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates for energy.

Skin and Coat
Essential Fatty Acids are combined in a specific ratio to produce an excellent skin and coat condition for your dog.

No Artificial Flavors or Colors.

Also try our Original Ultra® Small Breed Bites® Ultra Premium Dry Dog Food made specifically for small breed dogs and puppies!

Natural_Balance_UPF

For  more information and testimonials about this product, visit Natural Balance®.

Cats Stealing Dog Beds: Cute Video

Natural Balance Partners Up To Help Working Dogs

0
0
HelpingHeroes2

Natural Balance and PetCo!

Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance recently teamed up with the Petco Foundation to raise money and awareness for Helping Heroes, which include Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, and Therapy Animals.

Through this partnership, over the past five years, Petco stores have raised almost $5 million for service dog awareness and guide dog programs.

Our canine companions have been making our lives better for centuries. Dogs have been trained to do amazing and difficult feats: dragging us out of burning buildings, digging us out of avalanches, caring for our flocks, guarding our treasures, finding missing children and protecting our families.

They have unquestioningly endured hardships and willingly faced bodily harm on our behalf. Their heroic actions and unwavering devotion have made them the stuff of  legends.

Currently, dogs are trained to perform skills to assist the homeless, jobless, disabled, disparate, isolated and ignored.

Because dogs possess a keen sense of our needs and a pure and sincere devotion to help, they became instrumental in innovative and successful therapy programs. They transform lives by opening doors, ringing doorbells, sensing seizures, providing companionship and winning independence for their beloved master. There is no living creature on this earth that has earned our respect and awe more than the dog.

And in the new millennium, dogs have company. The practice of using a dog’s intelligence and unconditional love to enhance the lives of individuals has expanded to companion animals of every size and shape.

Fluffy rabbits with big ears listen when children who are victims of abuse or violence feel safe telling their story to no human. Pot bellied pigs restore the confidence of returning soldiers suffering with post traumatic stress disorder. Cats encourage verbal engagement in speech therapy for autistic children with the best explanation being provided by a young boy; “Cats have autism too so they understand us.”

Today, a movement has begun to harness animals’ special powers and anything is possible. Our animal companions’ willingness and capacity to improve our lives is limited only by our imagination and contingent only on our support.

To create awareness and raise the funds needed for this remarkable journey to continue, the Petco Foundation and Natural Balance partnered together to bring a “Helping Heroes” campaign to life.

Through this partnership over the past five years, Natural Balance and Petco stores have raised almost $5 million for service dog awareness and guide dog programs. This has provided the inspiration to expand from Service dogs and Military dogs to include a variety of animals and programs to maximize the impact and reach of this ground breaking fundraiser.

From September 28th to October 20th, patrons visited their local Petco and donated thousands. Natural Balance, Petco and the Dog Files thanks everyone who participated.

Together, we can continue to harness the amazing power of these sentient creatures and reach people previously denied the opportunity to live life to the fullest.

The post Natural Balance Partners Up To Help Working Dogs appeared first on Dog Files.

Jerky Treats Kill Nearly 600 Dogs, Cause Unknown

0
0
Use caution when giving your dog treats!

Use caution when giving your dog treats!

Federal health officials are urging caution with feeding pets jerky treats from China as the tally of dogs sickened has risen to more than 3,600 dogs with approximately 580 of those dying. Ten cats have also been affected.

The cases have included dogs of all  breeds, ages and sizes.

Mysterious cause

Since the source of the contaminants are yet to be determined, the FDA has not had the legal grounds to pull the products from the shelves. These include chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. Many retailers have voluntarily removed the products, however.

To step up the investigation, federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking extra help from veterinarians and pet owners in solving the ongoing mystery.

“To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in the new report released on Tuesday. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”

The rate at which the illnesses are being reported seems to be declining after the FDA issued warnings earlier this year; however, ”This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we’ve encountered,” according to Bernadette Dunham, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it.”

Symptoms after jerky treats

Within hours of eating the treats, symptoms include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, increased water consumption and increased urination. Severe cases have involved kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding, according to the FDA report.

Should your pet show similar symptoms after ingesting treats, the agency urges dog owners to consult a veterinarian immediately. Any remaining treats and packaging should be retained for possible testing.

“Our fervent hope as animal lovers is that we will soon find the cause of—and put a stop to—these illnesses,” Dunham said.

The post Jerky Treats Kill Nearly 600 Dogs, Cause Unknown appeared first on Dog Files.

Marine’s Rescued Dogs Denied Flights, Wrigley Heiress Charters Private Jet

0
0

Anatolian_Vet_Dogs2

SSgt. Andrew Morales rescued two puppies while deployed in Afghanistan in 2011 after their ears and tails had been docked to prepare the Anatolian Shepherds for a future in dog fighting. The dogs became his best friends during the tough deployment.

Flown around the world, now stranded

The fight Morales went through to be able to have his canine companions transferred to the U.S. to live with his family was not easy. So when he was told the large shepherds were too large to fly on a commercial flight, Morales knew he had to get creative again.

The Morales family had been reassigned from California to North Carolina at Camp Lejeune, but it was unclear how the rescued litter mates, Dusty and Wyatt, would make the trip when they were informed of the size restrictions.

Wrigley Heiress Angel

Morales called the rescue league that had initially helped bring the dogs back from Afghanistan, and they made an online appeal on the family’s behalf. Unbelievably, Helen Rosburg, the great-granddaughter of chewing gum industrialist William Wrigley, saw the post on Facebook and knew she had to get involved.

“He’s fought for our freedom and he’s a hero because he rescued two dogs,” said Rosburg.

Helen A. Rosburg, self-described animal lover.

Helen A. Rosburg, self-described animal lover.

The Wrigley gum heiress is a self-professed animal lover who has a soft spot for animal rescues, at-risk youth and for those who serve our country. She raises German Shepherds and has founded her own animal rescue organization, On the Wings of Angels Rescue.

Thanks to Rosburg, the Andrew Morales flew with his wife Kristen, baby daughter Adrianna and their beloved dogs on a private plane from the west coast, arriving Sunday afternoon.

“From the bottom of me and my wife’s hearts, we really appreciate what she did for us,” said Morales. They hope to be able to express their gratitude in person one day.

Rosburg, who lives in Florida, said she hopes she will be able to meet the family, including the rescued dogs, the next time she is in North Carolina.

The post Marine’s Rescued Dogs Denied Flights, Wrigley Heiress Charters Private Jet appeared first on Dog Files.

Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest #PetsAddLife

0
0
Kenn Bell with Benny

Kenn Bell, creator of the Dog Files, with his first dog, Benny, 1977.

Remember how a special pet comforted you as a child when you were scared? How your dog seemed to be one of the few creatures you could share all your childhood woes with? Do you recall your cat purring on your chest when you were sick?

Life may have changed with advances in technology, but the role of pets in fostering healthy empathy and character in children remains the same even in modern times. These character traits continue into adulthood.

In fact, pulling from those childhood memories is what inspired Kenn Bell to adopt Max and create the Dog Files. Now he and the Dog Files team are spreading the word  to let the world know that dogs deserve our love, care and respect.

Pal (2)

Encouraging healthy pet care in the new generations

Pets Add Life, is non-profit campaign designed by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Their goal is to demonstrate the joys and benefits of pet ownership, thus driving increased adoption of pets and responsible ownership of pets. This is a goal that the Dog Files can really get behind!

Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest

To foster the recognition of the benefits that pets bring young people, Pets Add Life and the APPA are pleased to announce their  6th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest beginning September 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.

Students in grades 3rd-8th grade are encouraged to write unique poems about the joys and benefits of owning pets of all types for a chance at top prizes.

One student from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a “by-line” in a nationally circulated publication or online outlet. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet-related education or to support a classroom pet.

Poems may be submitted via PAL’s Facebook page at facebook.com/petsaddlife, online at www.PetsAddLife.org or mail final poems and submission forms to:

Pets Add Life
661 Sierra Rose Dr.
Reno, NV 89511.

The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2014 at 5 p.m. EST.

Teachers within the contest grade levels are welcome to incorporate this national contest into their lesson plans, and submit poems in one entry, on behalf of his/her classroom.

To learn more about the Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest, read previous winning poems, upload your submission, or download submission forms, please visit the Pets Add Life website or contact Brooke Gersich at 775.322.4022 or Brooke@theimpetusagency.com.

I am blogging on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network and the Pets Add Life (Pal) campaign. I received compensation for my time from Pal for sharing my views in this post, but the views expressed here are solely those of the Dog Files.

The post Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest #PetsAddLife appeared first on Dog Files.

Devoted Dog Saves Hiker, Is Eaten In Return

0
0
File photo of a German Shepherd.

File photo of a German Shepherd.

A hiker stranded in the remote wilderness states he had no choice but to kill and eat his dog, even though the dog chased away a marauding bear earlier. The bear had ruined his canoe and food supply, leaving him stranded in the frigid Canadian climate.

Marco Lavoie, 44, killed his German Shepherd with a rock three days after the bear left him without supplies and he was struggling to find food.

Survival experts state that this was a reasonable survival solution, given the harsh climate of the area, about 500 miles outside of Montreal, and scarcity of food. It was suggested that had he waited longer, he could have been too weak to overpower the dog, and the dog would have suffered as well.

According to survival guide author André François Bourbeau,“He survived because he made good decisions. Eating his dog was one of them. You have to be desperate, but there’s no shame in eating the dog. He had to use reason.”

Animal lovers point out that he survived an additional three months after eating his dog, surviving on the few edible plants in the Nottaway River area. They believe he ate his dog far too soon. Starvation doesn’t generally set in for 30 days.

One reaction from Twitter:  “This is vile. I’d rather die than kill and eat my dog to stay alive,” said @AmeliaRose.

Lavoie was finally spotted and rescued by helicopter Wednesday, October 30. He was down to half of his body weight, having lost 90 pounds. He was also suffering from hypothermia and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Lavoie’s family only reported him missing a few weeks ago as he often spent weeks in the wilderness by himself, and this was expected to be a particularly long journey.

The post Devoted Dog Saves Hiker, Is Eaten In Return appeared first on Dog Files.


Scientists Decode Secret Message Of Dog Tail Wags

0
0
What is her tail telling you?

What is her tail telling you?

Humans have been able to decipher messages about dogs wagging their tails… we see the fast wag, full-body wiggle as “I’m about to jump out of my skin, I’m so happy!” Then there’s the tucked tail – a tell-’tail’ sign the dog knows he’s in trouble.

Researchers from the University of Trento, Italy, noticed a few years ago that there are subtle differences in how dogs wag their tails, listing to one side or the other. It was noted that when a dog sees something that makes them happy, such as seeing their owner, the wagging would tend to be to the dog’s right. When faced with something uncertain, like an intimidating-looking dog, the tail would tend to wag to the left. Other measurements, such as heart rate, were used to gauge stress or anxiety, which corroborated the tail language.

The tale of the tail – what do dogs see?

These same researchers wondered if dogs viewing the tail wagging on other dogs would be able to read and respond to these visible cues. The test subjects were shown videos of other dogs with either left or right tail wagging. When dogs viewed a canine wagging to the left, the test subjects’ heart rates sped up and they looked nervous. Conversely, when the wagging happened on the right, the heart rate only increased mildly, and the dog being tested looked relaxed.

One of the study’s authors, Giorgio Vallortigara, doesn’t believe that the dogs intentionally communicate with each other through the tail movements. He theorizes that dogs have learned from experience what body language signals they should and shouldn’t feel worried about.

“If you have several meetings with other dogs, and frequently their tail wagging one way is associated with a more friendly behavior, and the right side is producing a less friendly behavior, you respond on the basis of that experience,” said Vallortigara. Instead, the tail-wagging behavior stems from how different emotional cues activate different parts of the brain, he said.

The report appears in Current Biology: “Seeing Left- or Right-Asymmetric Tail Wagging Produces Different Emotional Responses in Dogs” 

The post Scientists Decode Secret Message Of Dog Tail Wags appeared first on Dog Files.

Abandoned Baby Girl Rescued by Dog Hero

0
0
dog-finds-newborn-baby

Thanks to the persistence of a dog hero, a newborn girl left in a bag is safe.

Not only is a dog man’s best friend; this one is also a hero to a newborn baby girl.

Roger Wilday was walking his german Shepherd, Jade, off leash through a park in Birmingham, England. It was cold, and the park was empty. Jade suddenly headed for the bushes and wouldn’t respond to her owner’s calls. She lay down next to a bag and wouldn’t move.

Wilday knew he had to investigate with his usually-obedient dog not coming when he called her. “She wouldn’t leave until I’d seen it,” Wilday said.

“I walked over and saw a carrier bag — then I saw it move,” Wilday recounted. “I thought it was a bag of kittens, but then I saw her little arms and a head, and the baby started to cry.”

A dog hero, just in time

Wilday ran to a friend’s house nearby to call the police. They brought the baby girl to the hospital, where she was checked and found to be 6 pounds, to have her umbilical cord still attached, and to be less than 24-hours old. Pediatricians confirmed that had the baby not been discovered, she probably would have perished in the cold within a few hours.

A gem of a name

Staff members named the baby girl “Jade” after her rescuer, the 9-year-old German Shepherd.

“Jade’s never found anything before,” said Wilday’s wife, Catherine. “She must have heard the baby crying as these dogs have very good hearing, plus she’s very keen on our grandchildren.”

Police are searching for the baby’s mother and released pictures and video of the “alert, happy and contented” little girl, who’s still recovering in the hospital.

The Wildays, who have four children and five grandchildren, are hoping to get the chance to visit baby Jade.

 

The post Abandoned Baby Girl Rescued by Dog Hero appeared first on Dog Files.

Man Comes Out of the Doghouse, Admits Dog Lifestyle

0
0
Boomer in his living room.

Boomer in his living room.

Some people love dogs, but Gary Matthews, age 48, would love to be one. Matthews is a retired IT technician in Pittsburgh who wears a collar, styles his hair in a dog-eared loops, and loves to don a homemade paper costume with the pet name of “Papey” to fulfill his chosen dog lifestyle.

Matthews feels he’s a dog in spirit and has named his alter ego “Boomer.” In fact, for much of his life, he has gone by the nickname that was inspired by a television show, “Here’s Boomer,” which ran from 1979 to 1982 about a stray dog.

Boomer’s obsession started before that, at age 11, when his father took him to see Disney’s “Shaggy DA,” about a lawyer who changes into a Sheepdog.

“I loved that movie, and thought how great it would be to transform into a dog just like that,” says Matthews. “It affected me somehow, it was just an idea filled with strong emotions for whatever reason. I started to ‘play Dog’ and just thought it was a fun game” according to his website.

From that young age, he started collecting dog-related items and studying everything that had to do with his canine obsession.

His parents did become concerned when he never seemed to grow out of the dog stage. They grew to accept the fact that Matthews felt more like a dog, and even began calling him Boomer like his friends did. He underwent evaluation and attended a special school due to the social complications related to his preferences. His parents were apparently comfortable enough with his mental state to leave him their house and a trust fund from their estate, which he now lives off of.

Boomer with some Collie friends

Boomer with some Collie friends

Living the dog lifestyle

To get more deeply in touch with his inner dog, he eats and drinks from dog dishes, occasionally eats dog food (Pedigree canned is his favorite) and carries a squeaky dog toy around with him for security. He has built himself a portable dog house that he keeps in the attic and can move outside during nice weather. He states his dog bed is much more comfortable than human mattresses.

Boomer felt it would be natural to change his name to what he goes by, since only his bills and identification carry his birth name. His request was denied in 2010 by a judge who deemed the change to be too confusing. In the event of an emergency or testimony situation, as soon as he would state, “Boomer the Dog” the report would instantly be considered a prank.

Man’s best friend is looking for puppy love

Boomer has had the most acceptance in the Furries subculture, where people who dress up like mascots and assume anthropomorphic personalities. He has attended several Furries conventions and hopes to one day meet a “puppy girl” who shares his love for all things dog.

We admire many traits of dogs, but is this taking things a bit too far?

The post Man Comes Out of the Doghouse, Admits Dog Lifestyle appeared first on Dog Files.

Max & Remy: Swan Wars: Cute Dog Video

0
0

Max-Remy-Swan-Wars

Max & Remy seem to have a hate/hate relationship with the swans. Watch as Max & Remy defend the homestead and I try badly to get them to stop. Can two dogs take on a gang of swans?

The post Max & Remy: Swan Wars: Cute Dog Video appeared first on Dog Files.

November 19th Is National “Get A Pal For Your Pet” Day

0
0
Max and Remy

Max and Remy… best buddies!

It’s difficult to imagine Max and Remy not having each other. They look like litter mates, but they actually came from two shelters in two different states! Max and Remy are the dynamic duo… destined to make a difference as spokesdogs for the Dog Files!

Watching these two best buddies hang out is a treat for anyone who chances to meet them, so it is from experience that we heartily endorse National “Get a Pal for Your Pet” Day, celebrated on November 19th.

GetaPalforYourPetDay

Why should you consider getting a pal for your pet?

  • Social interaction: Having at least two pets of the same type allows for more social interaction and will help keep them happier and healthier. This is especially important for dogs, which are pack animals. Even cross-species buddies can be beneficial.
  • Improved health through exercise: A playful chase through the yard or a game of tug-o-war with a fellow pet buddy will provide animals with regular, fun exercise a single pet isn’t likely to experience.
  • Companionship: Pets that have a buddy to hang out with are much more emotionally stable and less likely to engage in destructive boredom behaviors while you’re at work. More pets provide more companionship for multiple family members as well.
Unexpected friends...

Unexpected friends…

How do you choose another pet that will fit your family?

Choosing another pet is a big responsibility. Your existing pets’ temperaments and family lifestyle need to be taken into account. Many shelters have tips for acclimating a new pet into your home and helping ease the transition with resident pets.

For tips on adopting a pet, visit HealthyPet.com, or the Pets Add Life (Pal) guide to multiple pet ownership.

PalCropped

I am blogging on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network and the Pets Add Life (Pal) campaign. I received compensation for my time from Pal for sharing my views in this post, but the views expressed here are solely mine.

The post November 19th Is National “Get A Pal For Your Pet” Day appeared first on Dog Files.

Viewing all 97 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images