Animal Proportions 4 - Worth1000 Contests

Animal Proportions 4 - Worth1000 Contests

Fluffy

By paddy80 (Score: 6.262)

5

critique zoom collect report votes

"I've told you before fluffy, not on the buildings!"

Conflicted... do I want to meet or avoid this guy???

'vie

BOOKmark THIS!

www.petfriendlyrestaurants.com

www.dogfriendly.com

www.dogparkusa.com

www.dogster.com

www.petfriendlyhotels.com

http://www.silvieon4.com/2010/04/ny-on-leash.html

www.bringfido.com

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com

http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/norfolk_va_us/
> http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/portsmouth_va_us/
> http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/virginia_beach_va_us/

and if you have anymore SEND THEM IN!!! I will update this post and include them!

information is POWER
'vie

Yes, I am CUTE

Not just smart.
Wanted to remind you of that.
'vie

A gentle REMINDER

As more than 9,000 Vets head to Atlanta GA for the American American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention this Saturday, July 31, I take this opportunity to remind all vets of a few things... From a 4legged's point of view:

1. I have feelings, fears, sensations and my own particular baggage of emotions. LISTEN to my human as I have bonded with him or her and he/she knows me better. [You see me a lot less than they do!]

2. Please understand that as scared as I am, my human is even more scared. TAKE time to explain things to both of us.

3. We look to you for help. We need to trust you. Do not discount your years of study and expertise by selling inferior dog food. You are a VET not some cheap dog food outlet. Integrity is key.

4. PLEASE return your phone calls. Two words from you make all the difference.

5. Remember that overcharging for a service will eventually drive away your customer. This is a tough economy.

6. EDUCATE yourself. My owners spend a lot of time reading, researching [ American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines, etc ] and networking because THEY LOVE ME. You should know more than they do and if you don't.... LISTEN, RESEARCH, LEARN.

Finally... remember your oath:

Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Finally, I love you doc K, and I hate the thermometer...
'vie

9-27-2010 is the DEADLINE for your INPUT

FDA SOLICITS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSAL TO TRACK PET FOOD RELATED ILLNESSES

[Federal Register: July 27, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 143)]
[Notices]         
[Page 43990-43992]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27jy10-100]                   

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

[Docket No. 2010-N-0368]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Pet Event Tracking Network--State, Federal Cooperation
to Prevent Spread of Pet Food Related Diseases

AGENCY:  Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:  Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an 
opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain 
information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the 
Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and 
to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This 
notice solicits comments on the paperwork requirements for the proposed 
Pet Event Tracking Network (PETNet) cooperative Federal and State 
initiative.

DATES:  Submit either electronic or written comments on the collection 
of information by September 27, 2010.

ADDRESSES:  Submit electronic comments on the collection of information 
to http://www.regulations.gov. click on red link......
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b21d8c
Submit written comments on the collection of information to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-
305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, 
Rockville, MD 20852. All comments should be identified with the docket 
number found in brackets in the heading of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denver Presley, Office of Information
Management, Food and Drug Administration, 1350 Piccard Dr., PI50-400B,
Rockville, MD 20850, 301-796-3793, Denver.presley@fda.hhs.gov.


Pet Event Tracking Network--State, Federal Cooperation to Prevent
Spread of Pet Food Related Diseases--21 U.S.C. 342 and 343, Section
1002(b) of the FDA Amendments Act of 2007. Stat. 823 (2007) (OMB
Control No. 0910-NEW)

In August, 2008, FDA sponsored the ``Gateway to Food Protection''
meeting, also known as the ``50-State'' meeting. The meeting included
representatives from other Federal agencies, the States, localities,
territories, and tribal partners, and was held to address the
challenges necessary to ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. Work
groups were formed during the meeting which met and produced
recommendations in specific topic areas. One of the workgroups, the
Outbreaks/Food-Borne and Feed-Borne Investigations Workgroup, created a
subgroup consisting of veterinarians, animal feed regulators, and
others involved with animal health issues. This subgroup developed an
ambitious proposal for an early warning system to identify, track and
report disease outbreaks in companion animals or contamination
incidents concerning pet food or animals feed, which they named PETNet.
The PETNet proposal was developed in response to the 2007 outbreak that
occurred in companion animals that was associated with the deliberate
adulteration of pet food components, such as wheat gluten, with
melamine. As envisioned by the subgroup at that time, PETNet would
include a system for reporting outbreaks and would be supported by
adequate diagnostic laboratory facilities and an established mechanism
for conducting national epidemiological investigations.
The PETNet subgroup subsequently met twice in face-to-face
meetings, in May and November, 2009, during which time the proposed
scope of PETNet was streamlined to focus the program on information
sharing, rather than epidemiology or other aspects. One of the main
concerns of FDA's State regulatory partners regarding FDA's handling of
the melamine incident was that many States provided information to FDA,
but the information reported by the States to FDA and other information
in the possession of FDA was not shared by FDA with the States. States
believed that if they had received more information about what was
going on in a timely manner, they could perhaps have taken appropriate
action to safeguard animal and the public health by using their own
regulatory authorities and resources. The agency agreed with the
States, and thus decided to focus PETNet on being a system for sharing
information between FDA, other Federal agencies, and the States about
food-borne illness outbreaks in companion animals. By the end of the
November, 2009, meeting, this revised vision of PETNet was firmly
established with many of the details about the system in place.
FDA is planning to implement an initiative called ``The Pet Event 
Tracking Network'' (PETNet) that will allow FDA and its State partners 
to quickly and effectively exchange information about outbreaks of 
illness in companion animals associated with pet food. FDA has worked 
closely with its Federal and State partners to develop the PETNet, and 
believes that it will serve an important function in protecting the 
public and animal health.
    PETNet will be a secure, internet-based network comprised of the 
FDA, other Federal agencies, and State regulatory agencies/officials 
that have authority over pet food. The Network will provide timely and 
relevant information about pet food-related incidents to FDA, the 
States, and other Federal Government agencies charged with protecting 
animal and public health. FDA intends to identify and invite State 
participants from all 50 States to participate in PETNet. Members of 
the network will be able to both receive alerts about pet food 
incidents, as well as create alerts when they are aware of a pet food 
incident within their jurisdiction. The information will be used to 
help State and Federal regulators determine how best to use 
inspectional and other resources to either prevent or quickly limit the 
adverse events caused by adulterated pet food. Many states have 
regulatory authority beyond that of the FDA and often can be in a 
position to act independently of FDA with the information they will 
receive from the Pet Event Tracking Network.
    Use of the system, including the reporting of incidents by States 
to the FDA, will be entirely voluntary. The PETNet system will be 
housed in Food Shield, a proprietary software system, and will be 
accessible only to members via password. The system will make use of a 
standardized electronic form housed on FoodShield to collect and 
distribute basic information about pet food-related incidents. The form 
contains the following data elements, almost all of which are drop down 
menu choices: The species involved, clinical signs, number of animals 
exposed, number of animals affected, animal ages, date of onset, name 
and type of pet food involved, the manufacturer and distributor of the 
pet food (if known), the State where the incident occurred, the origin 
of the information, whether there are supporting laboratory results, 
and contact information for the reporting PETNet member (i.e. name, 
telephone number). The form would be filled out and submitted by a 
PETNet member on FoodShield, at which time it will be available to 
other PETNet members. Thus, the information will be entered and 
received by PETNet members in as close to real time as possible. FDA 
has designed the form itself to contain only the essential information 
necessary to alert PETNet members about pet food-related incidents. For 
further information, such as laboratory results, PETNet members can 
contact the reporting PETNet member.

Dated: July 21, 2010.
Leslie Kux,
Acting Assistant Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2010-18303 Filed 7-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-S

Free vet locator and referral for the traveling PET

A free phone referral service provides travelers with a list of emergency vet clinics

HealthyPet Magazine and After Hours Assurance have partnered to provide a free referral service for travelers with travelers with veterinary emergencies.

Pet owners can call 800-204-4595 and provide the zip code, or city and state of their current location and they will receive information on local vet clinics that provide emergency services.

This service is free of charge from Aug. 1 through Labor Day (Sept. 6), and it is national.

So, along with your travel kit which includes a copy of your 4legged's vet file, meds, foods, and vet info and vaccination records, [don't forget the chewies and the toys] add this phone number: 800-204-4595. [Go ahead, save it on your cell phone now].

If you need a checklist for pet travel go here: www.afterhoursassurance.com/freevetlocator.pdf,

Now, you know what they say... BE PREPARED!

'vie

FDA WARNING EVAMIST

Keep Kids, Pets Away From Skin Sprayed With Evamist

Search Consumer Updates

Get Consumer Updates by E-mail²

Consumer Updates RSS Feed³

On this page

• Advice for Consumers
• If Contact Occurs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says children and pets should not be exposed to Evamist, a drug for women that is sprayed on the skin to treat hot flashes caused by menopause.

The agency also wants consumers to take precautions to ensure that children and pets do not make contact with skin where Evamist has been sprayed.

Evamist contains the estrogen hormone estradiol. It is sprayed inside the forearm between the elbow and wrist.

FDA, which issued its warning on July 29, 2010, says it is reviewing reports of adverse events in children and pets who were inadvertently exposed to Evamist.

Adverse events reported in unintentionally exposed children include

• premature puberty, nipple swelling, and breast development in girls
• breast enlargement in boys

FDA has also received reports of inadvertent exposure in pets. Pets exposed to Evamist may exhibit signs such as mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling.

"Women using Evamist need to be aware of the potential risks to children who come in contact with the area of skin where this drug is applied," says Julie Beitz, M.D., a director of drug evaluation with FDA. "It is important that people know to keep both children and pets away from the product to minimize exposure."

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Advice for Consumers

FDA recommends that women using Evamist

• not allow children to come in contact with the area of the arm where Evamist was sprayed
• not allow pets to lick or touch the arm where Evamist was sprayed. Small pets may be especially sensitive to the estrogen in Evamist. Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of nipple and/or vulvar enlargement, or any other sign of illness
• wear a garment that covers the arm where Evamist was sprayed if they know they cannot keep a child or pet from making contact with it
• talk with their health care professional if they have questions about the possibility of exposing a child to Evamist
• read the patient package insert when picking up a prescription for Evamist

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If Contact Occurs

If a child comes in contact with the part of the arm where Evamist was sprayed, FDA recommends

• washing the child's skin with soap and water as soon as possible
• contacting the child's health care professional if the child begins to have any of the following signs or symptoms: nipple or breast swelling or breast tenderness in girls, or breast enlargement in boys. Be sure to tell the health care professional that the child may have been exposed to Evamist

You can report any side effects from the use of Evamist to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online ⁴or by mail, fax, or phone.
o Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 3500
o Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
o Phone: 1-800-332-1088

At this time, it is unknown whether unintended exposure can occur with other topical (applied to the skin) estrogen products.

FDA continues to review adverse event reports and evaluate ways to reduce unintended exposures.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page⁵, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Posted July 29, 2010

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This from PAWNATION

10 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat

by Mary Kearl (Subscribe to Mary Kearl's posts)
Jul 28th 2010 @ 2:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health, Animal Nutrition


You know you're not supposed to feed your dog chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts and avocados. And you monitor for sensitivity to common food allergens such as meat, corn, wheat and soy.

But you're only human, and sometimes it's hard to resist your dog's sweet stare as he begs you with his eyes to share some of your delicious homo sapien cuisine. When you want to give him a treat from your table, do you know which "human" foods are safe to feed your pup?

To find the answer, we called upon Liz Palika, author of "The Ultimate Pet Food Guide," and Susan Lauten, animal nutritionist, to explain which fresh, frozen and canned foods people typically eat that are safe for dogs to consume too.

1. Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all healthy options for your pooch. "My dogs will take me down over cantaloupe," says Lauten. "I am required to share the whole thing with them." Consult animal poison control before feeding your dogs any of the more exotic melons.

2. Sunflower seeds (shelled): Skip the salt if possible, or serve in moderation, recommends Lauten. "Remember, treats should not comprise more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake. If your dog gets 500 calories a day, 50 calories could come from treats."

3. Peanut butter: Peanuts don't appear to cause allergies in dogs like they do in people, says Lauten. "I have some highly food-sensitive dogs for whom peanut butter is a large part of their diet."

4. Berries (fresh and frozen): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries or raspberries -- all are good for your furry friend for the same reason they're good for humans: free-radical-fighting antioxidants. "A lot of dogs like them frozen," says Lauten.

5. Cooked chicken: Ran out of your dog's regular food? Whether boiled, baked, served rotisserie-style or grilled, this food is a healthy substitute. "Dogs will eat a freshly cooked chicken any way they can get it," says Lauten.

Healthy dogs can handle cooking oils and seasonings. Just be sure to avoid adding onion or too much garlic. If you're concerned, non-salt seasonings can be used, but that matters more for the human eater than the dog, explains Lauten. Scrambled eggs, hamburger, rice, pasta and/or oatmeal can serve as meal replacements in a pinch, adds Lauten.

6. Cheese: This is a safe snack for dogs, but just like humans, they can experience lactose intolerance, so monitor your dog's reaction. "Many families use a dollop of cottage cheese with every meal," says Lauten. To avoid overfeeding, consider giving your dog low- or reduced-fat dairy products.

7. Bananas: "My dogs love bananas and I share mine with them regularly," says Lauten. "All fruits have phytonutrients and required nutrients. They are good for all of us. If the foods are healthy for me, they are more apt to be healthy for the dog," says Palika.

8. Apple slices: Lauten recommends serving your pup seedless, organic apple slices, because apple seeds naturally contain cyanide. Citrus fruits such as oranges are good too, but leave off the rinds; they contain many oils and could be too strong for a dog's digestive system.

9. Baby carrots: Fresh, crunchy vegetables are good for your dog's teeth, says Lauten. Plus, it's a bit easier not to overfeed with veggies. "If you're giving your dog vegetables, you can give a lot more in volume," because these are low-calorie foods.

10. Green beans: Because this veggie fills dogs up, weight-management programs often include green beans, usually canned with no salt added, says Lauten. "An entire can of green beans contains 70 calories. What a bargain, and filling too!"

Of course every dog is different and you and your vet know best if he or she has any food sensitivities, weight issues or other health concerns that should guide your dog's diet. It is always a good idea to check with your pet's doctor if you are planning on changing what your dog eats. Also keep in mind that it is best to introduce new foods to your dog slowly. You don't want your pooch to get gas, bloating, soft stools or other digestive problems.



Auntie Robin.... is this an alias???? Auntie Robin you are NOT fooling me!!!!

Oh wait.. climbing on my soap box... shaking off, , check the tail is in focus and go...

CORN is NOT and should never be fed to dogs! Hey maker of SD and those other RX dog foods loaded with corn.... WHY are you doing that? You want us sicker? Are you so vested in the mighty dollar that you just don't care??? Or are you counting on the innocence and ignorance of our owners who blindly trust that a prescription food will be ok? And any vet who us still carrying those food in their junk food isle, is your conscience silenced by the huge bonus, profit margin, incentive... whatever you call it??? SHAME ON YOU!!!

thank you,
getting off my soap box. [it is actually a small step stool my nonno had made many years ago.]

'vie

Dogs automatically imitate people - Technology & science - Science - DiscoveryNews.com - msnbc.com

Dogs automatically imitate people - Technology & science - Science - DiscoveryNews.com - msnbc.com

Dogs automatically imitate people

Some dogs may look like their owners, but all dogs imitate their human companions

Thinkstock

The scientists suggest owners would do well to match their own body movements, whenever possible, to tasks at hand during training sessions. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, dogs often shower us with praise. New research has just determined dogs automatically imitate us, even when it is not in their best interest to do so.

The study, published in the latest Proceedings of the Royal Society B, provides the first evidence that dogs copy at least some of our body movements and behaviors in ways that are spontaneous and voluntary.

In other words, they can't really help themselves when it comes to copying people.

"This suggests that, like humans, dogs are subject to 'automatic imitation'; they cannot inhibit online, the tendency to imitate head use and/or paw use," lead author Friederike Range and her colleagues conclude.

It's long been known that humans do this, even when the tendency to copy interferes with efficiency.

"For example," according to the researchers, "if people are instructed to open their mouths as soon as they see the letters 'OM' appear on a screen, responses are slower when the letters are accompanied by an image of an opening hand than when they are accompanied by an image of an opening mouth."

In a scientific first, Range — a University of Vienna researcher in the Department of Cognitive Biology — and her team tested this phenomenon on dogs. Ten adult dogs of various breeds and their owners, from Austria, participated in the experimentsAll of the dogs received preliminary training to open a sliding door using their head or a paw. The dogs then watched their owners open the door by hand or by head. For the latter, the owner would get down on the floor and use his or her head to push up or down on the sliding door.

The dogs were next divided into two groups. Dogs in the first group received a food reward whenever they copied what the owner did. Dogs in the second group received a food reward when they did the opposite.

All of the dogs were inclined to copy what the owner did, even if it meant receiving no food reward.

"This finding suggests that the dogs brought with them to the experiment a tendency automatically to imitate hand use and/or paw use by their owner; to imitate these actions even when it was costly to do so," the authors report.

The scientists suggest owners would do well to match their own body movements, whenever possible, to tasks at hand during training sessions.

For example, if an owner is trying to teach a dog to shake "hands," the person might have more success if he stretched out his own hand to demonstrate. The observing dog would then be inclined to stretch out a paw, mirroring what the human did. At that point, a food reward could be offered to the dog, reinforcing the behavior.

The owner is reinforcing bonding and cooperation with the dog, too.

"Researchers have known that human beings prefer the behavior of other people who subtly imitate their gestures and other affects," said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development.

Alexander worked on another study showing that non-human primates automatically imitate each other. Certain birds do this, too, but it may be very rare in the animal kingdom for one species to almost subconsciously imitate the behavior of a completely different species.

The dog-human bond may therefore have few, if any, parallels.

"Dogs are special animals, both in terms of their evolutionary history of domestication and the range and intensity of their developmental training by humans," Range and her team explain.

"Both of these factors may enhance the extent to which dogs attend to human activity," they added, "but the results of the present experiment suggest it is the latter — training in the course of development — which plays the more powerful and specific role in shaping their imitative behavior."

Copyright © 2010 Discovery Communications, LLC. The leading global real world media and entertainment company.

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk

Contact:
P&G Consumer Relations - 877-894-4458

Media Contact:
Jason Taylor 513-622-3205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- CINCINNATI, July 25, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG), is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its prescription renal dry cat food as a precautionary measure, as it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

The following products are included:

Product Name	Lot Code	UPC Code
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs	01384174B4	0 19014 21405 1
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs	01384174B2	0 19014 21405 1

This product is available by prescription through veterinary clinics throughout the U.S.

No illnesses have been reported. A FDA analysis identified a positive result on the lot codes listed above. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag.

Consumers who have purchased dry cat food with these codes should discard it. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

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Page Last Updated: 07/27/2010

is this enough EVIDENCE? J'accuse!

Do you think that based on this sole blurry pic which may or may not be me, I should be accused, nay, convicted of the crime of de...fuzzing the Dread Bear? Do you think so?

Has our judicial system degraded this much?

Perhaps, assuming that in fact that is me... perhaps I was merely investigation the situation. Let's say I saw some green bits... I followed the green bits and located Dread Bear, and let's argue for argument sake that I then inspected Dread Bear and that picture was snapped in the middle of said inspection. Does that make me automatically guilty of the de fuzzing? I had a duty to inspect as Dread Bear is MY bear!

But No!! The truth is quite different! Quoting Zola here, "J'accuse!"

I accuse momma's voracious vacuum cleaner. I further accuse momma's voracious vacuum based on a well documented history of snatching sox, toys, chewies, and even a small piece of itself... as the habitual criminal it is and therefore much more likely to have defuzzed Dread Bear than poor little old me. I say, go in garage, look in its guts [yuck....] I bet you will find more green bits.

I accuse momma of being an accomplice, if by weakness of spirit, in one of greatest iniquities of the century. She can't control that thing as well as she wants us to believe.

I accuse my family of performing a rogue investigation, by which I mean an investigation of the most monstrous partiality, of which we have an imperishable monument of naive audacity.

I accuse the camera of being a silent and inarticulate accomplice and thus submitting untrue and fraudulent report, unless a forensic examination declares it to be affected by a defect of state or of operator.

I further accuse momma's voracious vacuum based on a well documented history of snatching sox, toys, chewies, and even a small piece of itself... as the habitual criminal it is and therefore much more likely to have defuzzed Dread Bear than poor little old me. I say, go in garage, look in its guts [yuck....] I bet you will find more green bits.

I ask that Dred Bear be made a party to this proceeding under 19.1 and mandatory joinder as he has been damaged and thus should be compensated.

That's what I think. I am pleading not guilty and I am raising my finger.., er paw and pointing it! J'accuse!!!!

Zola, I understand...

'vie

Look closely. Where is Waldo? NOOOO

where is the real me?
There are 2 of me and one of me is wayyyyyy bigger than I am. :) My daddy really loves me.
And look at The Wendy and JD!

'vie

flipping through old pictures....

I am on your mind???

Wonder why. But I do love you Dowi and I am thinking of you too.

'vie

a toast to DELAWARE!

First Shelter Law is Signed in DELAWARE!

On July 24, 2010, Governor Markell signed the first Shelter Law which actually sets state standards for the operation of animal shelters. Majority Leader Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere and managed by Rep. Melanie L. George, D-Bear, in the House. We praise both legislators for their compassion and forward thinking and encourage them to carry the message forward to the nation. The Bill was sponsored by Delaware Senate Thank you!

Governor Markell stated that the law is grounded in compassion and it is aimed at ensuring that lost, abandoned and surrendered dogs and cats will get a better opportunity at being reunited with their families or at getting adopted.It is our sincere hope that this law serve not only as a model to the rest of the nation, but as a springboard for uniform legislative reform on the treatment of animals.

The newly state mandated requirements are basic, but the fact that they are mandated is important. In Delaware, from now on, all animal shelter will have to offer the following:

•Offer night and weekend hours to boost public adoptions.
•Hold all animals not given up by owners at least 72 hours.
•Provide medical exams and needed care within 72 hours of animals' shelter entry.
•Post incoming animals on websites in "lost and found" listings, "with sufficient detail to allow them to be recognized and claimed by their owners."
•Scan pets for microchips and check for tattoos to raise chances of returns to owners.
•Inoculate all cats and dogs for distemper within eight hours of shelter entry.
•Also within eight hours, inoculate dogs for kennel cough and parvovirus, and cats for an upper respiratory infection called feline viral rhinotracheitis and the viral disease calicivirus,
•Keep animals for at least five days after an owner starts procedures to get a pet back.
•Contact rescue groups and other shelters for possible alternatives to euthanasia, such as moving to another facility or into foster care.

Shelter operation in Delaware must now meet state standards for providing humane care and humane treatment of animals or it cannot operate.

One component of the law requires detailed record keeping of intake population, neuter, spay, treatment, reclamation by owners, adoption and euthanasia rates. More importantly, the law also sets euthanasia standards. Compliance and enforcement come under the State Department of Agriculture.

While this is a groundbreaking law, please note that these are BASIC requirements and realize that across the nation they are NOT being met.

Please, talk to your legislative bodies, we need national federal legislation. The interstate commerce of puppy mills, breeders etc. can only be regulated under federal law. IT is a multi million dollar cash cow which operates, unregulated, untaxed in the shadows at the expense of helpless animals who suffer and die daily.

It is time. This victory is groundbreaking but it is only the first step.
'vie
who is no just a pretty face

In pursuit of PLAY

The Wendy: "Do you see this? Why won't she leave me alone?"

Silvieon4: " I am not doing anything! I just want to play with my toys!!!"

Silvieon4: "See? I am shaking my toys! I am playing with my toys, I am having fun with my toys!"

The Wendy moves to the office in search of peace and quiet... Silvieon4 follows:
"WWWWWWWWWEEEEENNNNDDDDYYYY POOOOH play with me!"



The Wendy: "Shhh daddy is working, go away, don't
you dare jump up here. GO AWAY!"




















Silvieon4: "Fine I will sit here and stare at you. I am breathing your air, I am reading your thoughts and I will just sit here and focus on YOU! Can you feel me???"




















Silvieon4: "Pleaseeeeee Wendy play with me! I brought the mallard, we can take turns killing it or we can tug of war it! You love the squack, pleaaaaase... I dug it out of the bottom of the toy basket just for you!!!!"






Silvieon4: "Take it, it's for you!"

Silvieon4: "I am going to sit next to you and make you play with me. I went and got the duck so you would play with me! You owe me!"



















The Wendy: "I can't play with you and the duck, because you are up here with me... and the duck is down there... on the floor"

DRATS!!!!!!
Play is NOT easy!
'vie

waiting for cheese or butter or something..

4 lbs loaf of rye... and there are 2 of them... Where is the butter???

Unfinished business of uncheesed pizzas... Just drop the pepperoni already! None??? Mushrooms? Anchovies? Jalapenos??? EWWWW fish, fungus and fire!!! ICK

Sorry guys, she already put away the bagels... Auntie Karen, you are NOT alone...
'vie

.YUM files

So, I was having this chat with my 2legged sister. Momma has been stinking up the house with baking bagels, pizza, rye bread, curry chicken and such. Way too much food, but she in the "groove", and apparently this groove thing makes you bake, and or cook... Must be a human thing.

My "groove" involves a great belly rub and a chin scratch, but to each its own, I guess. BTW, My tail is in focus today. :)

Anyway, as I was talking to the Dowi, she mentioned that she would love to have some of the stuff momma's groove is producing. And the more we talked, the more the thing became obvious to me.

What we need is to be able to scan the food. Convert it to a .YUM file format and email it [zip and compression should be optional as some foods just don't compress well... ie.. cheesecake]

So, the burning question of the moment is... Bill Gates, are you working on the .YUM file concept?? When can we expect to see a BETA version? If you are not, get crackalacking! And do not forget to pay me for royalties on the "concept"... which I hereby declare to be original and fully owned by MOI. {In other words... LEGAL DIBS} [ Bill, trust me on this, you don't want a repeat of the Facebook fiasco...]

Dowi, soon, very very soon, we should be able to do this!

No, I have no idea what a teleporter or replicator is. Should I know??

again with that Star Trek stuff!!! I am talking "REAL" lady, real, not sci-fi!!!!

'vie
Ps, Adam, buy a new domain name for me, Silvieon4.yum, STAT!

Man Wearing Darth Vader Mask Robs Long Island Bank

Man Wearing Darth Vader Mask Robs Long Island Bank


JD!!! I was right I was right I was right! Darth Vader is real!!!! That was NO MASK!!!!


Ick that dude just creeps me out. Somebody give him an antihistamine so he can breathe without sounding like that!
'vie

Can I has IT?

I have no use for the dude.... he gives me the icks, BUT my birthday is coming up and I would love the itty bitty GIRAFFE as my very own pet. Please? Momma can I have the baby giraffe????

wistful 'vie
{ YES! THEY DO TOO EXISTS!

The Pygmy Giraffe

Among the smallest of all mammals the Pygmy Giraffe lives in the lush grasslands of the Okavango delta, Botswana. Standing a mere five inches tall, the pygmy giraffe uses its long neck to reach the very tips of the grass plants, where the most succulent seeds are unavailable to other pygmy African mammals such as the micro-buffalo and the pico-kudu.

Pygmy Giraffes have leathery lips and tongues to allow them to deal with the toughest of vegetation. They also have unique, paisley markings that allow them to hide among crowds of hippy tourists when threatened by meerkats.

It is unknown whether the Pygmy Giraffe is endangered as they have proven to be unusually difficult to count. However, most authorities agree that the pre-colonial population density of 25 per square metre is far higher than at the present day.

Crypto Zoology is NOT real???? Drat..... Never mind.....

I CAN TOP THAT!

1. Look at this:~~~~~~~>http://crapatmyparentshouse.com/




2. Now, scroll down.. slowly.... BECAUSE I CAN TOP THAT!

I said S L O W L Y!

and one more thing, I have no clue as to why or how, so, let's do it a la Clinton, you don't ask and I won't tell....


ok, look now:

And, according to momma, that's not crap. It's...collectible ephemera... aha. whatever.... I WIN.


'vie who knows the names of the glass frogs.

Second class citizens?

Is that how the world view us, rescue and shelter dogs? That article from the LA Times started me thinking. Unfortunately the more I thought, the angrier I got. Yes, angry. Fuming. Ticked off beyond words. I had to calm myself down enough to write this. That meant walking off the rage into coherent thinking. So, let me quote the part that really got me angry:

"From April 2006 through June 2007, the agency bought 322 untrained dogs at a cost of $1.46 million, or an average price of $4,535 each — a reasonable cost, the inspector general found."

OMD! 4,535 dollars... Do you have any idea how many dogs could be rescued and save that money?

The lack logic, the total lack of logic, really it's insane. Nine million dogs are killed yearly and our own government is spending 4,535 dollars per dog while admitting that:

"Males and females ages 12 months to 36 months are eligible. The department is looking for Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois "or other working, herding or sporting breeds with prior approval."Homeland Security says no training is necessary — their experts will handle that. But the candidates must be "alert, active, outgoing, confident" and "extremely tolerant of people," according to the solicitation, which sets a July 23 deadline."

So, why are they NOT looking into shelters and rescues???? Do you mean to tell me that NO shelter dog or rescue dog meets that criteria????? ARE YOU SERIOUS??

Who is making a kickback from this? I have to ask.

Al Franken (D-Minn.) you claim to love dogs.... soooooo STEP UP!!!!

ken.dilanian@latimes.com You wrote this article, help us fix this horror!

GUYS, anyone reading this blog, please, call write, fax, post, email, do it all!!!! WE ARE NOT SECOND CLASS. Make the US government set an example. SAVE A LIFE!!!!

CROSS POST

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.


Not a second class anything!
'vie

This from the LA Times

Good dog? Homeland Security may want you

The department is recruiting 3,000 'alert, active, outgoing' canines to sniff for drugs, bombs and cash.

A Homeland Security officer with his dog Sara during a media event after a training exercise involving an improvised explosive device in Los Angeles. (Mark Ralston, AFP/Getty Images / May 18, 2010)

By Ken Dilanian, Tribune Washington Bureau
July 17, 2010

Reporting from Washington —

Wanted, to serve their country:
a few (thousand) good dogs.

As it guards the borders and hunts for terrorists, the Department of Homeland Security relies on an elite squad of about 2,000 canines to sniff for bombs, drugs and smuggled cash.

Now the department is moving to expand its four-legged force by 3,000 — about 600 dogs a year over the next five years — according to a recent bid solicitation aimed at small breeders across the country.

---

Males and females ages 12 months to 36 months are eligible. The department is looking for Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois "or other working, herding or sporting breeds with prior approval."

Homeland Security says no training is necessary — their experts will handle that. But the candidates must be "alert, active, outgoing, confident" and "extremely tolerant of people," according to the solicitation, which sets a July 23 deadline.

Depending on their proposed uses, the dogs will be subject to a series of tests for courage and toughness, including the ability to disregard blows from a stick.

Among the biggest canine users is Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol. Customs officers have about 550 canine teams at ports of entry, and the Border Patrol has an additional 850 teams in the border regions.

The dogs have helped save "literally thousands of lives a year" by tracking illegal immigrants who have strayed into remote areas without enough food and water, said Clark Larson, who runs the customs and border agency's canine program "There is no technology that trumps the cold nose of a dog."

Dogs also help the Federal Emergency Management Agency hunt for survivors or remains after disasters. They board ships with the Coast Guard and sniff for bombs for the Secret Service.

The Transportation Security Administration is requesting $71 million this year to set up 275 new explosives-detection canine teams in airports.

Some security experts believe dogs could be cheaper and more effective in screening airline passengers than high-tech body imagers or metal detectors. The Department of Homeland Security has not adopted that view, but Secretary Janet Napolitano did tell lawmakers earlier this year that she favors a greater reliance on man's best friend for all sorts of tasks.

"Senator, I love dogs," she told Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.).

"Me, too. Me, too," he interjected.

"We all love dogs," she said. "Dogs can be trained to sniff narcotics, bulk cash, arms … explosives — and we're using them in all those ways in airports and at ports of entry along the land."

She said the department is "increasing the number of dogs as fast as we can."

In 2008, the department's inspector general examined the customs and border agency's canine program and pronounced it a success.

From April 2006 through June 2007, the agency bought 322 untrained dogs at a cost of $1.46 million, or an average price of $4,535 each — a reasonable cost, the inspector general found.

The dogs were extremely effective, the examination concluded: Although only 4% of the Border Patrol's agents were canine handlers, they were credited with 60% of drug arrests and 40% of all other apprehensions in 2007.

There are occasional problems. A customs Belgian Malinois attacked a 4-year-old girl at Dulles International Airport in February, causing wounds to her abdomen that required 20 stitches, according to news reports.

But the successes have piled up. At Newark Airport last March, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois named Pistol sniffed out a duffel bag containing more than 50 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $1.6 million.

Dogs typically work for about 10 years, Larson said. They are not eligible for federal retirement benefits, but they do have a golden parachute of sorts: When they are too old to work, they often are adopted by their human partners.

"Their pension is sitting nicely by the fireplace with the handler," he said.

ken.dilanian@latimes.com

Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times

One must stay fit!

Man proposes... God disposes....

Yesterday, momma put it in her head to use the blower outer to clean up a bit of the yard. The gardener does not come until Thursday... You know, she braved the heat, the "humditty", the pollen and allergies and spent hours with the blower outer in the back yard and on the walkways. At the end of her 2 hour task, Between the sneezes and coughs she had the smug self satisfied smile of the conqueror. She declared "ORDER IN MY WORLD! NEATNESS COUNTS!" To an OCD person like her, neatness is a big deal... which is why we constantly stretch her reality by scattering toys and such, we do it for her own good.

Well, at about 4 pm, yesterday, just when momma was listing all her aches and pains and hair frizzies resulting from her neat yard quest, the sky got dark. Then the lightening show started. Then the noisy booms and then pouring rain and wind started. By the time daddy got home, the rain had stopped, the sky was light again, and... the yard... well... let's just say it looked like a salad had been tossed all over. Front yard, back yard, tree limbs everywhere, leaves everywhere, petals everywhere... and the coup de grace... our pool got a new accessory! Beyond the leafage and debris, one of our umbrellas was now at the bottom of the deep end.

I have to tell you. JD gave me the look. You know, THE look. Scramble, go upstairs because momma is going to erupt. Usually I do as he says. Yesterday I decided to forgo his advice.

I knew momma was upset, I knew she was tired and felt defeated, so... I gave her my best de-stresser. I climbed on her lap, licked her face and offered up the belly. I took away all other choices. She had to sit and pet me. AND IT WORKED! By the time we were done, momma was calm and philosophical about the whole mess. : "Man proposes, God disposes".

And oh... Mr Weatherman... you are not very good. You have been predicting rain for 2 weeks.... who can believe you?

'vie
whose job is never done


PS. The umbrella has been fished out of the pool.