Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Blue and pink ribbons and the National Zoo



The National Zoo reports that at some point last night between 10:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., proud parents Shera and Luke welcomed four lion cubs to the world. Oh, and get this: "Because it is not uncommon for intervals between births to be several hours long, we will continue to monitor Shera for additional cubs."


Welcome babies!!! Congrats to the proud momma and daddy!

'vie

the Lepto vaccine IMPORTANT

PERMISSION GRANTED TO CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE by Kris Christine founder and co Trustee of the Rabies Challenge Funds. http://www.rabieschallengefund.org/

Regarding the Lepto vaccine, on Page 2 of the American Animal Hospital Association's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines and Recommendations, it states that "Optional or 'noncore' vaccines are those that the committee believe should be considered only in special circumstances because their use is more dependent on the exposure risk of the individual animal. Issues of geographic distribution and lifestyle should be considered before administering these vaccines. In addition, the diseases involved are generally self-limiting or respond readily to treatment. The committee believes this group of vaccines comprises distemper-meases virus (D-MV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), Leptospira spp., Bordetella bronchispetica, and Borrelia burdorferi."

Furthermore, on Page 7, Tables 1 of the AAHA Guidelines referenced above, it states under Revaccination (Booster Recommendations) that the Leptospira interrogans vaccine "....this product carries high-risk for adverse vaccine events." Under Overall Comments and Recommendations they elaborate: "Anecdotal reports from veterinarians and breeders suggest that the incidence of postvaccination reactions (acute anaphylaxis) in puppies (<12>9 wks of age."

On Page 8 of the 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines, it states that "Veterinarians are advised of anecdotal reports of ACUTE ANAPHYLAXIS in TOY BREEDS following administration of leptospirosis vaccines. Routine vaccination of toy breeds should only be considered in dogs known to have a high exposure risk."
Leptospira is a “killed†vaccine and is associated with clinically significant adverse reactions. According to the 2003 AAHA Guidelines (Page 16), "...killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)." Further, the AAHA task force reports on Page 18 that, "Bacterial vaccines, especially killed whole organism products ..are much more likely to cause adverse reactions than subunit or live bacterial vaccines or MLV vaccines, especially if given topically. Several killed bacterial products are used as immunomodulators/adjuvants. Thus, their presence in a combination vaccine product may enhance or suppress the immune response or may cause an undesired response (e.g., IgE hypersensitivity or a class of antibody that is not protective)."

A fuller discussion of the Lepto vaccine can be found on Page 14, in which it is reported that, "Immunity is an ill-defined term for Leptospira ssp. products. If immunity is defined as protection from infection or prevention of bacterial-shedding, then there is little or no enduring immunity."

Dr. Alice Wolf, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, stated in an address (Vaccines of the Present and Future http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Pr ... R00141.htm) at the 2001 World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress that: "The most reactive vaccines for dogs include leptospirosis bacterin and Borrelia [Lyme]vaccine.".

Personally, I found the most stunning quote in this entire document to be on Page 18, in which the task force declares: "However, the ethical issue that our profession struggles with today is whether economics justifies giving an animal a drug (vaccines are biologic drugs) that is not necessarily required. As a minimum, we should allow pet owners to make this choice rather than make it for them."

Combination Vaccines, Multiple Shots--on Page 16 of the 2003 AAHA Guidelines under Immunological Factors Determining Vaccine Safety, it states that: "Although increasing the number of components in a vaccine may be more convenient for the practitioner or owner, the likelihood for adverse effects may increase. Also, interference can occur among the components. Care must be taken not to administer a product containing too many vaccines simultaneously if adverse events are to be avoided and optimal immune responses are sought. "

Anyone who wishes to have a copy of the American Animal Hospital Association's 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines referenced above, please contact me at ledgespring@lincoln.midcoast.com. I highly encourage people to share this report with all of the dog owners they know!

Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and Don't Know, Dr. Ronald Schultz http://www.cedarbayvet.com/duration_of_immunity.htm

World Small Animal Veterinary Association 2007 Vaccine Guidelines http://www.wsava.org/SAC.htm Scroll down to Vaccine Guidelines 2007 (PDF)

The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are accessible online at http://www.leerburg.com/special_report.htm .

The 2006 American Animal Hospital Association's Canine Vaccine Guidelines are downloadable in PDF format at http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocumen...s06Revised.pdf .

Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Rogers,has an excellent presentation on veterinary vaccines at http://www.newvaccinationprotocols.com/


A note from Auntie Robin, Bichon expert at Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue:

We do NOT advocate giving the Lepto vaccine to Bichons (It will be the "L" in the distemper combination: DHLpp or DA2ppL, etc.) Ask your vet for a distemper WITHOUT Lepto in it! And remember: no distemper any more often than every 3 years and none after 8 yrs old.


Educate your two legged and they will take better care of you!

'vie


Sir, would you like to meet a Bichon???

Animal Talk

Man Built a Sanctuary for Homeless Cats

by Rebecca on August 24, 2010

in Animal Pictures,Animal Stories,Cute Animal Pictures

Caboodle Ranch Cat Shelter for Homeless Cats

Craig Grant bought a tree farm far away from the city and turned it into a sanctuary for all the cats he has rescued.
He lives there with the cats and provides lots of love, care and companionship. It’s hard to imagine that once he was not a cat lover and did not want cats until he met his son’s cat Pepper. He also got to experience what it is like raising a litter of kittens.

“Over that time I learned that every cat had its own unique personality and it wasn’t long before the kittens were swinging from my curtains. I didn’t care. Something had changed… I didn’t want to give them up.”
The condo life was not easy for the kitties, so Craig found a tree farm and settled down there for his fur babies.
Over the next several months, he rescued more and more homeless and abandoned cats. The number of new residents kept going up, so Craig expanded the sanctuary to make more room for the animals.
The farm was named Caboodle Ranch and is now a permanent home for all the homeless, rescued cats. Each of them has a sad story of their past, but now they are living in heaven.

“Cats should be able to roam free, and at Caboodle Ranch, that’s what they do.”

Craig has built many beautiful cat houses and decorated the place with vibrant colors and tons of liveliness.
All the cats are spayed and neutered. Don’t forget to visit Caboodle Ranch http://www.caboodleranch.com/Index.html (non profit rescue center) at their website and check them out on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Caboodle-Ranch-Inc/55498031746 .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Flunking fostering... again....

[Self satisfied chuckle.] Doing the happy dance. Dexter III has his forever home! Wohooooo! Interesting fact, Dex was a foster and his 2leggeds have two other dogs and ...they flunked fostering!!!! {I love when that happens, don't you?} It happens...

http://www.silvieon4.com/2009/01/flunking-fostering.html


http://www.silvieon4.com/2009/11/benny-is-in-his-forever-home.html


http://www.silvieon4.com/2009/08/crazy-puppy-dance-time.html

Dex, we sort of announced, foretold... your permanent placement back in June, but we are dancing happily now that it is a done deal.

Happy dance. BTW, Layla, Connor and many many more are still waiting. So, if your heart is big enough and your home can stand the love of a Bichon, we would love to hear from you.


'vie

Sharing what a friend sent us








Now did that warm your little heart?
'vie

Monday, August 30, 2010

Random thoughts from my beach outing

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CAT food RECALL


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.

Company Contact:
Jason Taylor, P&G
513-622-3205

P&G Recalls Small Number of Bags of Cat Food From Stores in Loveland, Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2010 – CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble (P&G) is voluntarily recalling a small number of bags of its Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care dry cat food which may have been sold recently in one or two stores in Loveland, Colorado.

These bags have the potential to contain salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported. No other Iams pet food products are affected.

The Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food in question is sold in blue 6.8-pound bags. These bags feature a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.

If you have this product, please discard it and call P&G toll-free for a product replacement at 800-862-3332 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

P&G has worked with its retailers to remove the affected product from stores in the area. P&G believes that only three bags may have been purchased recently by consumers in the area. Yet, as a precautionary measure, the company is initiating this retrieval.

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.

###

Photos: Product Labels

Bichon Season

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Monday unblue



I always hear about Monday blues. So, I thought I give you some Monday red.
Start your week smelling the flowers and looking at beauty.

'vie

Dyeing dogs in China takes off - CNN.com

Dyeing dogs in China takes off - CNN.com


Hideous. Vile. Unacceptable. Stupid. Ridiculous. Megalomaniacal. Moronic. Pathetic. Childish. Insane.... Look I could go on and on and on.... in the same vein and tone. Get the idea?
This would make me want to die. If my beautiful white curls are not good enough for you, then you need to be with someone else. I would call Auntie Robin and go back to White Dog Cottage. Oh, I forgot. Dowi says I could move in with her. Adam says I could be his cupcake 24/7 and ... Ohhhhhhhhh you find it as offensive as I do! [That's the momma I love!] We agree. this is disgusting. Thank you, I know you love me all white and curly. I love you too. Maybe someone should send these dogs the phone number to Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue??



shaking my head
'vie

Sunday, August 29, 2010

ZA beach za beach...




And that's how you spend a great Sunday !


'vie

Sunday outing


I have my hat on, I am ready, come on people, let's go somewhere!!!! It is going to be a warm sunny day and I am thinking Outer Banks. OBX! You know, we can stop for some of that peach ice cream or maybe stop and get some of those soft shell crabs "samniches" or maybe stop and get some of those yummy watermelons or maybe some cubano samniches...

What? It is NOT all about the food! But that is part of the experience, no? I would settle for some granita. Are you going to make a big issue about shaved ice???? Come on, I am losing my cuteness factor here, I am growing stale!!!

Tell you what, I will go wait in the car and if I wilt and die while waiting for you, it will be on your head.


They move slowly like molasses and I want to go go go go go.....


'vie
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Saturday, August 28, 2010

Want to peek and look at what is going on in the world right now?

Go here: http://www.fisgonia.com/

:) It is not just big brother who is watching, it is also little sis, moi, in my perfect fluffiness I am watching you.... smile, YOU are on camera!


[This is why I get fluffed out anytime I go out in public! You never know who is watching!]

'vie

Compare

Compare how JD watches his fav show by looking here~~~>http://www.silvieon4.com/2008/06/news-flash.html to how the English bulldog in my prior post watches TV.

I say... JD you need lessons on how to chill.

Just saying..
'vie

Friday, August 27, 2010

Just hanging around...




Dude, where are your sippy cup and snacks????

'vie

did you see it? Teaching my old human a new trick.

Here is how you do it:
1. You sit and ask "did you see IT?"
yes. IT... that will do for a description, IT

2. Then you "look for IT"
and you have to do this in earnest, as if IT could be there.

3. The "I can't reach IT" look. Very important. It is that helpless moi attitude that will get your human involved.

4. Look again! Show them that IT is important to you! Now they are frustrated for you. Maintain the pose.... hold it.... be patient.... TADAAAAAAA human on the floor looking for IT!!!!
Trick is achieved!

5. Now you need to look innocent here because the human does not like being on the floor...
So what you have to convey is "IT was here a minute ago, where did it IT go?"
See... now you are going for extra points. How long can you keep them looking for IT?


6. Be smart, even after they get up and walk away muttering about the phantom IT... maintain the pose. Inside you are laughing.... YOU GOT YOUR HUMAN ON THE FLOOR!!!!!

How easy was that?

'vie
you have to take your fun where you can get IT.... hahahahahahaha I crack me up!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

National Dog Day Outing



Checking out the people from our comfy buggy.
What a show.
Yes, we are loving the attention and we are loving being out.

What are you doing?

Hey hey how about some frozen yogurt??? Mhhh???What do you mean too much sugar?

got to talk momma into something!

'vie

NATIONAL DOG DAY IS TODAY!!!!!!

National Dog Day

When : Always August 26th

National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse. It's an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs in our lives.

This day is intended to honor dogs for all that they do for us. In addition to giving love and companionship, dogs help us out in countless ways. They are watchdogs for our safety. They lead the blind. Dogs aid in search and rescue, and they seek out bombs and drugs.

The second goal of National Dog Day is to rescue dogs in need. On occasion, dogs need us to save them from homelessness and abuse.


The goal of the National Dog Day foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs a year. Lend a hand to help a dog in need today, or any day.


Origin of National Dog Day:

National Dog Day was created by the National Dog Day Foundation. Their motto is "Saving 10,000 Dogs - One Day at a Time".

President George W. Bush, a dog owner himself, sent a letter to the foundation in support of National Dog Day.


More Information:

National Dog Day Foundation


so, momma in our honor, what's on the menu? and what's on the agenda??????

and to all our 4legged buds out there, happy DOG DAY!!!
'vie


Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination

Combination Shots for Dogs: Weapons of Over-Vaccination


If you are going to read anything today, please read this.

PLEASE.

A quote:


Renowned pet vaccination expert Dr. Jean Dodds has written about combo shots (she calls them combo whombos) that they: “can overwhelm the immunocompromised or even a healthy host…. The recently weaned young puppy or kitten being placed in a new environment may be at particular risk.”

This means: no combo shots for small dogs — or any other dog for that matter. And NEVER EVER GIVE ANY OTHER SHOT — ESPECIALLY A RABIES SHOT — WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF A COMBO. This also means no Bordetella given nasally. Giving rabies and Bordetella with a combo could mean as many as 9 shots in one day. Some dogs don’t survive this.


BICHONS ARE CONSIDERED SMALL DOGS


SO READ on!

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/09/09/combination-shot-for-dogs/


EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, PROTECT- WE WOULD DO IT FOR YOU.


VIE

Maggie and Nicky

Doing the happy dance. You all know I do the happy dance only when a White Dog Cottage resident goes home to his/her forever family. Well, I am doing a double step happy dance.... WHOHOOOOOOOOOOO!

Check this out, Maggie and Nicky, who came into White Cottage together, left together and...this bonded pair got themselves adopted by a great family with a wonderful little girl, whose birthday is... TODAY!!!! You know what that means? This was a super happy homecoming!

Happy Birthday Kayla who is probably experiencing stereo Bichon Kisses!!!
One two happy dance...

Honestly you have no idea how it feels to be adopted. To know that you have a forever family!
You BELONG. When you get to TBFR you know you are safe, then you know you are loved, then you know you are taken care of. And that is a lot of knowing. But. You want your own family. Well Maggie and Nicky, you are HOME.

Now, make sure you are wonderfully Bichon, make sure you love your little girl and HAVE FUN!! we hope you see you at the Bash and we know your family will stay in touch. Please... PICTURESSSSSS!!!!

Love and kisses,

'vie

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The value of friends Homage to TANK

The true value of friends cannot be measured with a stick or with a scale, but it can never be underestimated. My friend Tank is in his own words " a very intelligent and opinionated Lhasa Apso". True. But he is more than that. Anyone familiar with his blog knows that TANK had HEART. Yes HEART with all capital letters. So, when I asked him to help with the Julie Lifesaving project, he joined in. He did a fab post and Tank has very loyal readers! Well I cannot thank you enough Tank. And Julie's caretaker has been surprised by the response from all of us blogging 4leggeds. But hey, we are noble creatures and why would we NOT help with this poor baby's plight? I mean , after all, like I have said before, I have sniffed money, it is really dirty paper...
So why would anyone hesitate to give some away for such a worthy cause???

Thank you TANK, and btw... the bushy tailed rats... they are still messing up my yard.
One problem at the time.

Grateful 'vie

These things really BUG me


Sooooo. Momma has has these "things" in the garden. Yes I am calling them things. I could call them ... these "hideous looking bugs". I could call them vile representations of unwelcome vermin. [Remember the bees???? If you forgot, look here >~~~~ Bees ] But no. I am being nice. I am nice to a fault sometimes. But let me tell you what the back story is and you will appreciate the complexity of my life.

So. I look out into the yard last night and I see a glow. A strange glow. I am a red blooded alert four legged. It is part of my job to be alert. I overcome my fear, [have to, part of my job] I dig deep into my soul and find the courage to sound the alarm. I barked the deepest, fiercest bark I could bark and got JD and Wendy into the act. I was LEAD dog! We created a loud chorus that would have scared the fur off of any intruder. Finally, we were allowed to go out and investigate the suspicious glow. We ran out in full chase mode. We followed the glow... which... came from the hideous things. We suddenly found ourselves staring at the things which just lay there in their crude ugliness and kitchdom. Silent. Glowy. A testament to ... 21st century artistic failure. The adrenaline is still pumping, but we have no enemy. We have nothing but ugly glowy bugs.... and JD and Wendy turn on me! They start telling me off! Can you believe it? How was I supposed to know that the glow came from this caca??? I felt 2 inches tall. Slowly we make our way back to the house, but not before taking a tinkle on the ugly things as a full expression of my opinion. BTW, the other two followed suit and yes, they shared their opinion. As we get back in the house, momma is telling daddy how wonderfully the "solar bugs" work. How the light up in the dark.

Really? Seriously? Solar? Mhh. Wonder if they work with wet batteries. That's all I am going to say. But if your yard has a glow, trust me it is nothing to get worked up about....
Ugly caca.....


Bitter 'vie
PS momma.... this is like one step removed from garden gnomes....
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progress on the Julie lifesaving project

http://www.adoptaspotdalrescue.com



fundraising ideas

To those of you who donated: THANK YOUUUUUUUUU! XXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
WAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Ok, we need to hit a thousand. Then I will feel as if we really are on the way.
Could you, would you, spare a dime to save a beautiful Dalmatian baby girl?

So many of you have asked me why Julie. She is not a Bichon. Well as I have told you over and over, I am NOT a breedist. She needs help and that is all that counts. Frankly I would love to smell each one of those spots. They look interesting. Did you know that JD has a spotted belly?
So maybe I love spots because of him. In any case, if you can read this and you can reach in your wallet, even 5$ will make a HUGE difference. And when was the last time five bucks meant as much?

Thank you in advance, tomorrow is a big day for Julie. She will be at the vet for tests. My prayers are with her. Now, throw some of your dirty paper her way, so that money is not what stands between her and life!

'vie

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

howww cool!

Ok that was really cool. I donated some cash- soo easy with PAY PAL and the thermometer thingie went up!!!! Try it for yourself! It is soooooo cool!!! Go Julie, go Julie.... try it!!!!


CALLING ON ALL FIREMEN, WHERE ARE YOU???? JULIE IS A DALMATIAN, THAT'S YOUR BREED!!! COME ON PEOPLE, MOVE IT!!!!!

'vie

PLEASE make this miracle happen

Hey everyone. It is very rare for me to ask for help. But after watching Quillah recover from liver shunt and knowing how well she is doing today, I can't help asking you all to contribute something, anything... so that enough funds can be raised for Julie. This baby deserves a shot at life. Please make a difference, help . In my dreams, I have the Quillah Foundation to help all 4leggeds with liver shunts...I need is $$$$$. Money , dirty paper seems such a trite a stupid reason to allow it to stand in the way of life!
THANK YOU!! vie!



Contact Debbie at---
adoptaspotdalrescue@cox.net
Please search and read the website before emailing. Most of your questions are answered here.

This is Julie a 10 week old puppy. She has a liver shunt and we need $3000 to $5000 for her surgery. She is living on a day to day basis now but for now the vet was able to get her stable. Please help us give her the life she deserves. Click here to check her progress


fundraising ideas
Fundraising Ideas