Thousands of Pets Abandoned As Festive Season Ends

Admin: Melody Chen

Categories: Adoption News, Holidays, Inhumane Practices, News

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It happens every year, but it never gets easier on the emotions. Everyone who reads The Dog Files knows not to do this. Maybe we need to get the message out stronger to the rest who don’t know this or just don’t care. What do you think? Let’s be constructive in the comments. How do we get through?

– Kenn

By Ryan Kisiel for Mail Online

Looking into his sheepish eyes it’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want him after Christmas.

But this seven-week-old Dachshund puppy is just one of thousands of pets who have been abandoned by their owners after the festive period.

Held by Kennel assistant Maxine Elson, he is waiting along with dozens of his canine friends for a new owner at the Cheshire Dogs Home in Warrington.

Record numbers of pets have been handed over to kennels and local councils this December.

It comes as animal charities say fewer people are adopting cats and dogs this year because of the recession – leaving them with little space to take on more strays.

The recent surge of abandoned pets is being put down to people changing their minds about keeping their Christmas presents when they realise the cost involved.

Manchester Dogs Home took in 108 dogs in December, while in Worcestershire, 60 cats and 35 dogs were abandoned across the county during the same period.

The RSPCA received across the south-west of England 22 dogs and 11 cats on Christmas Day alone.

Animal charity PDSA, which helps families struggling to pay their veterinary bills, said it has seen a sharp rise in the number of people needing their help and animals abandoned.

PDSA spokesman Deryck Wilson said: ‘We’ve seen a real surge in the number of people needing help or who are unable to keep their pet financially.

‘As incomes have fallen, families have had to make tough decisions and pets have lost out. But there is help out there and they don’t have to abandon these animals.’

Santa & His Helper!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files News, Holidays, News

I just got word from the North Pole that Santa has the H1N1 virus and won’t be working this Christmas Eve.

But don’t worry, Max & Remy have volunteered to take his place. Rest assured, your presents will be delivered.

Unless, they are chicken or beef flavored.

Or squeak.

Five Ways To Look After Your Pets This Christmas

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Safety, Health & Science News, Holidays, News

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From WalesOnline

If you’ve got pets, chances are you’ll want to include them in your family’s celebrations this Christmas.

In your head you’ve probably imagined the dog looking cute in antlers, behaving impeccably around your guests – possibly even handing round canapés from a tray on his back.

Sadly, in reality, Fido’s so wound up with all the excitement that he’s torn down the Christmas tree, choked on a turkey bone (and yes, many pet insurance policies will cover injuries caused by a pet even if it is suffering from festive over excitement!) and thrown up all over Granddad’s new slippers before the double episode of EastEnders has even begun.

But there is a way pet owners can enjoy a stress-free Christmas (and no, it’s not by sending them to kennels and “forgetting” to pick them up until the New Year). Follow our handy guide to make sure your furry friends have a happy Yuletide too.

1. Stick to their routine

Although you may be busy opening presents or cooking the turkey, make sure your pet sticks to the same routine. Get someone to feed the cat at its usual time, and don’t forget to give the dog his normal walks – it’ll give you a chance to get some fresh air, too.

2. Keep them calm

If you’re having a party, make sure there’s a quiet place available for your pet to relax in, well away from the mad auntie who insists on cuddling the cat after she’s had one too many sherries. If you have a dog, it’s a good idea to keep him contained there before everyone arrives. Then when he’s calm, you can release him to meet your guests – this should stop him jumping up and frightening any young children.

3. Don’t let them indulge

Although your dog and cat may have their “starving animal” look down to such an art it’s as if they’ve studied at the Italia Conti school for talented pets, avoid giving them table scraps at Christmas no matter how much they beg. Food at this time of year can be a lot richer than they’re used to and things like poultry skin, rich sauces and gravy can all cause vomiting, diarrhoea or, in severe cases, inflammation of the pancreas. Turkey and chicken bones are particularly brittle and can splinter, lodging in your pet’s mouth, throat or intestines. Make sure your pet stays away from alcohol, chocolate and nuts too or you’ll have a much bigger clean-up operation on your hands than just the normal mountain of washing-up.

4. Watch the decorations

Make sure you think about your pet while you’re decking the halls. Cats love playing with shiny baubles, so put them out of reach of curious paws. Secure your tree to the wall to stop it from falling and squashing your pet cat. Pine needles can irritate animals’ mouths, so hoover them up regularly. And make sure your dog can’t get to any of your Christmas plants. Mistletoe, ivy, holly, poinsettia and even pot pourri can make them throw up faster than you can turn over the telly when The Sound Of Music comes on.

5. Include them

The Blue Cross is encouraging pet owners to include their furry friend in all the Christmas festivities. The charity suggests you give your cat a box filled with ripped up wrapping paper and a couple of hidden treats to keep it entertained. Or, if you have a dog, train them to do a trick to show everyone on Christmas day. While you’re in the training mood, it may be a good time to reinforce the “leave it” or “drop it” command so you’ll be able to rescue that chocolate liqueur from your dog’s jaws, before he actually swallows it.

Dog’s Trust Launches Canine Christmas Menu

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Health & Science News, Holidays, News

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From The Independent

Feeding dogs human food at Christmas can seriously damage their health, leading canine charity the Dogs Trust has warned.

Speaking at the launch of the Doggy Christmas Menu, a veterinary-approved list of foods safe for consumption by the animals, Dogs Trust veterinary director Chris Laurence said feeding dogs with turkey bones, grapes, mince pies, Christmas puddings, cheese and alcohol could lead to poisoning or even death.

“As a vet I have seen some terrible examples of dog poisoning over the Christmas period,” he said.

“In many cases the owner was totally unaware of the hidden dangers and was simply intending to be kind.”

Aimee Best’s dog Freda, a five-year-old Labrador and Staffi cross, learned her lesson the hard way and had to have her stomach pumped after eating a chocolate bar left under the Christmas tree.

“Christmas 2008 was a nightmare for us,” Aimee explained.

“Freda devoured a whole bar of chocolate before being rushed to the vet for emergency treatment.”

The Dog’s Trust hope its new menu, which includes canine-friendly dishes like mutt nog, cranberry and turkey gobble gobble and doggy mince pies, can make such incidents a thing of the past.

The charity has enlisted the help of TV actor and dog lover Jeremy Edwards for the campaign, whose dog Molly loved the options on offer.

“Molly has certainly given her paw of approval to this risk-free Christmas treat,” he said.

“Despite being a fussy eater, she particularly adored the doggy mince pies – she devoured them in 30 seconds flat.”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, with 18 rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland. It cares for more than 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

The charity is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

Download the Doggy Christmas Menu here!

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Holidays, News

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From Pets.com

Deck the halls with tape and cord covers, fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la.
Holiday lights mean extra electrical cords and plugs. For pets, these items can present quite tempting “chew toys.” Taking an extra minute or two during decorating to tape down or cover cords will help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how anchored are your branches?
Christmas trees are sure to attract a pet’s attention. Secure Christmas trees to keep them from toppling over if a pet should try to climb them, use them as a scratching post or simply bump into them. Anchoring the top of the tree to the ceiling with a strong cord will help keep it in place around frolicking pets. Keep tinsel decorations high on the tree. Cats are inclined to eat tinsel and/or ribbons hanging from trees, which have the potential to cause an intestinal obstruction.

Bells are ringing, children singing… pets need a quiet place to retreat.
During holiday parties, pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is filled with people and noise. Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat. This way, they can choose whether to come out and visit or keep to themselves.

All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Canines. A special treat in their stocking helps pets enjoy the holidays and keep their teeth pearly white: when it’s chew products specifically designed to satisfy a pet’s natural inclination to chew, that is. Including the right chew products in a pet’s dental care program is an important part of keeping a dog’s teeth and gums healthy, along with regular checkups with a veterinarian. Chews, such as bones, rawhides and compressed vegetable treats, are an easy choice for pet parents who want to improve their dog’s oral hygiene – or who just want to freshen their pet’s breath.

I’ll be home for Christmas… if I have an ID.
Keep an eye on pets when doors are opening and closing frequently. And all pets should wear ID tags because they can slip out easily in all of the commotion.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… aren’t good for pets.
Pet parents often think they’re “treating” their pets with table scraps from their holiday meals. The danger, say PetSmart veterinarians, is that dogs do not have the same digestive system or nutritional needs as people. Products like holiday rawhide are made especially for pets and make a safe, appropriate holiday treat. Chocolate contains the heart stimulant theobromine, and in small quantities can be toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, comas and, in large quantities, even death.

Oh by gosh, by golly, don’t let them eat mistletoe and holly.
Mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants can be poisonous to pets, causing severe upset stomachs. Pine needles can irritate a pet’s intestine and cause an emergency visit to the vet. Consider using repellent sprays or a doggie gate to help keep pets away from areas and objects that may be harmful.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. With a sweater on, I’m just delightful.
For the most part, pets should stay warm and indoors during the cold winter months. Some dogs may not adjust as well to the cold weather, so pet parents may consider sweaters to keep their pets comfortable. Pet parents can also ask their vet for good ideas on “winterizing” pets.

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, separate gifts for you and gifts for me.
Pets don’t know which gifts are meant for them, and which are meant for their parents. Gifts for pets, and any gifts that could be food, should be stored safely away from curious paws and noses.

Over the river and through the woods… for families and pets on the go.
Pet parents boarding pets during the holiday travel season should look for facilities that are clean, and have a friendly staff and strict policies on health and safety issues. Visit the facility ahead of time, meet the staff, check the cleanliness, and confirm that the facility has 24-hour supervision and an on-call vet.

For pet parents traveling with their pets, research can be done in advance to find hotels that accept pets. AAA offers a travel guidebook with this information.

Dog Makes Off With Family’s Frozen Turkey

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Holidays, News

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Behind The Scenes Of A Dog Named Christmas

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Entertainment, Holidays, News

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A Dog Named Christmas is on this Sunday Night on CBS.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files News, Holidays, News

The Dog Files would like to wish you and your family, both non-furry and furry, a very happy Thanksgiving Day!
Even in rocky times we have so much to be thankful for!!!

And thanks so much for supporting The Dog Files!

– Kenn

A Thanksgiving Parade Of Dogs At The National Dog Show

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Breed, Entertainment, Holidays, News

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By Cristina Kinon For The NY Daily News

The canines competing in “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” may be the best of the best in purebreds, but they are, after all, just dogs.

“I always like to tell the story of the day that David [Frei, expert dog analyst] and I were sitting there at the NBC booth and the Great Dane walked by and he christened the rug right in front of us,” said John O’Hurley, eight-time host of “The National Dog Show,” said. “It does happen and they are just dogs being dogs, but that was a big surprise. And I mean big.”

“The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” was filmed Nov. 14 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa., and airs tomorrow from noon to 2, following “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

“In a world where network television scratches its head trying to shuffle its schedule around, I think this may be one of the brilliant pieces of programming in recent years,” O’Hurley said of the show’s prime slot. “It is the perfect event because it serves so many audiences on a day where so many audiences need to be served. Whether you’re 4 or 94 years old, there’s something in it for everybody. Everybody enjoys dogs.”

America’s current top-ranked show dog, a Scottish terrier named Sadie, will compete in the show, as will dogs from three breeds recently recognized by the American Kennel Club – the Irish red and white setter, the Norwegian buhund and the Pyrenean shepherd.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen them, they haven’t been at Westminster yet or any other big televised dog show,” said Frei. “It will be kind of fun. It’s amazing the response we get to new breeds every year.”

Overall, there are some 2,000 dogs in the competition. They are first judged against their own breed, then by their group (sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting and herding). Finally, the winner from each group is brought into the ring to compete for the Best in Show title.

O’Hurley, best known for his role as Jay Peterman on “Seinfeld,” said he “really [has] no business in the world of dogs” because he isn’t an expert, but over the years, he has learned at least one thing about our four-legged friends.

“One of the things I have learned from the show is that training is essential for a dog,” said O’Hurley. “As David has pointed out to me time and time again, there aren’t any bad dogs, but there are a lot of bad owners.”

Cesar’s Top 10 Thanksgiving Tips

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Safety, Holidays, News, Training

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From Cesar’s Way

1.) Increase your dog’s exercise regimen! Before visiting or receiving holiday guests, take your dog out for a long walk. If you drain your dog’s excess energy, he or she will be more likely to behave.

2.) No food from the table! I recommend that you follow this rule year round, and it is even more important during the excitement of the holidays. Set a distance your dog is allowed to be from the table, and stick to it!

3.) Be aware of harmful human food! Many foods, such as turkey bones and skin, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions, can be dangerous for your dog. If you want your dog to be a part of the feasting, consider buying special dog treats or share a small piece of white turkey meat.

4.) Secure the garbage! The scents coming from the trash can are just as tempting as those wafting from the dinner table, but dangerous objects, such as roasting bags, string, and pop-up timers, are often attached to those tasty scraps.

5.) Inform your visitors! Before they arrive, remind your guests to practice no touch, no talk, and no eye contact when meeting your canine companions. Let them know the rules, boundaries, and limitations of the household, so they can help you enforce them.

6.) Use dog tags! With the hubbub of the holidays, it is very important to make sure that your dog is wearing identification. If you and your dog are going out of town, you may want to add a temporary tag listing your new location’s contact information.

7.) Know your dog! If your dog is overwhelmed by large crowds and new people, it may be better to leave him at home when you go to the parade or find a pet sitter while you attend the family reunion.

8.) Keep a keen eye out! Don’t forget your dog when the festivities begin. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or displaying other unusual behaviors, he or she may have ingested something harmful. Seek medical assistance immediately if you become concerned.

9.) Have emergency contact information ready! Just in case, keep the number of your veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline (888-426-4435) handy. Being prepared can save your dog’s life.

10.) Live in the moment! Thanksgiving is about family. Don’t forget to share the joy and laughter of this wonderful day with your canine family member!

More People List Dogs And Cats On Christmas Lists

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Holidays, News

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By Sue Manning For AP

LOS ANGELES — Dogs across the country can expect some bone-shaped presents under the Christmas tree this year.

An Associated Press-Petside.com poll shows 52 percent of pet owners plan to buy their animals a holiday gift — up from 43 percent last year.

Gus and Molly, a pair of German shepherds, Rosie the bulldog and Zoe the cat will get treats and playtoys, “the good sturdy stuff,” said owner Norm Authier, 50, of Long Beach.

“We have always done this. We don’t have any kids so we spoil our dogs,” Authier said.

The bounce in pet gifts is expected despite the fact that fully 93 percent of Americans say they’ll spend less overall or about the same as last year, according to a separate Associated Press-GfK poll.

The AP-Petside.com poll found that six in 10 of those who own only dogs planned on shopping for their pet for the holidays. Forty percent of those with only cats planned to pet shop.

Sawyer, a 9-year-old Labrador-border collie mix, will get something special because he was born on Christmas Day, said owner Pat Brown, 74, of Beloit, Wis. He can also look forward to his two favorite homemade snacks — popcorn and ice cubes.

Plush holiday-themed toys are very popular with pet owners, as are candy cane-shaped rawhide chews, said Jessica Douglas, a spokeswoman for the PetSmart pet supply store chain based in Phoenix, Ariz.

Popular clothes at this time of year include a Santa suit, a Mrs. Claus dress and reindeer costumes. A lot of boots are sold to dog owners in cold weather states. Bling-wise, collars and leads are popular.

“Some ID tags are decorated with sparkly embellishments and they can be personalized so it’s not just for looks,” she said.

According to the poll, 62 percent of female owners said they would probably buy their pet a gift, while just 40 percent of the men said they would.

Janet Rowlands, 53, in Tulsa, Okla., is planning a Christmas celebration for 29 people and pets, including her four dogs. Jack Russell and rat terrier Boodroe, 7, is the only one who steals gifts from under the tree.

“He sees it as part of the fun,” Rowlands said.

According to the poll, 59 percent of owners say pets are only a minor consideration when picking out holiday decorations, even though 14 percent reported that their pets have gotten into the decorations before.

There are no cranberries, popcorn or gingerbread men on the tree at Erica Peterson’s home in Vass, N.C., because of Logan and the starfish, an ornament she and her husband got on their honeymoon.

On his first Christmas with the family, Logan, a male Labrador-chow, knocked the tree over and everything went flying so he could get to the starfish — apparently because it smelled fishy to him. All edible or scented ornaments were banned.

This year Logan will get a big butcher’s bone, while Peterson’s female Maltese named Bubbles, 13, will get rawhide sticks made like candy canes. Both will be wrapped and put under the tree.

Last year, Debra Jensen’s Labrador named Nightmare and a German shepherd-Siberian Husky named Ticia got stockings with dog treats in them. This year, because her husband recently lost his job, there may not be a stocking, but there will still be treats — they can count on leftover ham.

“The dogs are our only children. I love my babies,” said Jensen, 55, of Tulsa, Okla.

Pat McCauley figures his 4-year-old Shih Tzu named Crystal can survive the holidays without a present.

“I’m not going to buy the pet anything,” said McCauley, 54, of Princeton, Ill., “I have a daughter who is 17 and she will buy the pets something but I surely wouldn’t in any way, shape or form buy my pet a Christmas toy.”

McCauley may sound like a Grinch, but he concedes buying pet gifts is not the most ridiculous idea he’s heard.

“If I just had a pet by myself and my daughter wasn’t around, I’d buy it one or two things a year, like a ball or a tug,” he said.

The AP-Petside.com poll was conducted Oct. 1-5, 2009, by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. It involved telephone interviews on landline and cell phones with 1,166 pet owners nationwide, and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points for all pet owners.

Turkeys & Pups = Perfect Day

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Entertainment, Holidays, News

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By Mike Hughes For TV America

Along with all its turkey traditions, Thanksgiving now has TV traditions. That tickles Jon Miller, an NBC executive.

“When I go out and talk to people, they’ll sometimes tell me how they remember watching the dog show with their parents on Thanksgiving,” Miller said.

That’s flawed nostalgia, actually. The Thanksgiving-day dog show only dates back to 2002.

Miller devised it to cure an annual problem: Each Thanksgiving, viewers flocked to NBC’s coverage of the Macy’s parade, but then switched channels. “They’d watch the Cowboys game and whoever was beating the Lions that day,” he said.

So he thought of a logical show for NBC to air after the parade. He lined up:

• A corporate sponsor, creating the title: “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina.”

• An existing dog show to modify for TV. The USA Network already had the Westminster Kennel Club, so Miller went with the Philadelphia Kennel Club show, which may or may not be even older. The Westminster show started in 1877, the Philadelphia Kennel Club one didn’t start until 1879 – but were spurred by a show at the Centennial Exposition in 1876,

• A host. That’s John O’Hurley, who sees the show as a natural. “This has all the people,” he said. “Our demographics are absolutely across the board.”

Network people weren’t so sure. Miller predicted five million viewers; instead, he got 20 million.

That’s logical, O’Hurley figures, in a country that has 75 million dogs in 45 million homes. His home has three of them and he likes the enthusiasm of the competitors. “There’s a spirit to the dogs. They seem to really enjoy what they’re doing.”

It helps that the show follows the parade, which is a favorite with families. Now some stay for the dog show, which is:

• Concise. The Westminster show takes six hours; this one takes two. “We want it to be a fun, fast-paced show that informs,” Miller said.

• Accessible. David Frei offers the expertise, but O’Hurley brings the layman’s view. “He’s very funny,” Miller said. “A lot of it is spontaneous.”

Once known only for soap operas, O’Hurley has tried just about everything lately. “If God speaks, he speaks through opportunities,” he said.

He’s ranged from comedy (playing J. Peterman on “Seinfeld”), to game-show host (“Family Feud”) to pianist, golfer, author, musical co-star (“Chicago,” “Spamalot”) and runner-up on the first “Dancing With the Stars.” He also golfs; that’s how Miller – who is also an NBC Sports executive – met him.

O’Hurley brings the same tastes as other viewers. “Rufus was one of my favorite dogs, just an ideal one,” he said. “The fact that he went on to be a therapy dog is all the better.”

A colored bull terrier, Rufus won the National Dog Show in 2005, the Westminster show in 2006 and 126 more. He’s now does therapy visits to kids. He’ll be profiled in this year’s show, which also profiles therapy dogs in general. “I’m so impressed by how they can change people’s lives,” Miller said.

They provide a sort of feel-good story, amid a thankful day of television.