Ring Dog Rescue Has been adopted by Chester Animal Clinic

Ring Dog Rescue has been adopted by:

 Chester Animal Clinic  12021 Iron Bridge Road Chester, VA

 They will be collecting donations and wish list items for us (Ring Dog Rescue) through the holiday season.

Please stop by and drop off donations and wish list items! Thank you to the Lyne Animal Hospitals for supporting our cause.

Wish List...

Gently used or new blankets

Chicken Broth (liquid in the box)

Creamy Peanut Butter

Canned sweet potatoes (no sugars added)

Canned Pumpkin (no sugars added)

Cooking Spray

Raw Hides (preferably the thin rolls)

Collapsible Dog Crates

Dog Biscuits/Treats

Dog Beds (all sizes)

Dog Food (Dry fish and potato based, Costco's Natures Domaine, Natural Balance- Fish and Potato, Wellness, Anaemet)

Free surgery offered through Mountain View Humane

Dog Vacay and feeding shelter dogs!!!

http://dogvacay.com/sheltermeals

Different collars for walking your dog in a safe manner!

There are many options when it comes to collars for your dog.  We at RDR use all types of collars to walk our dogs.  Some of the more common ones are gentle leaders, the easy walk harness, and the prong collar.  I know many people have mixed opinions about training in general but the topic of the collar type never grows old.  Our philosophy is to use whatever works.  You must be able to control your dog and display each other as responsible members of society.  In an effort to help you pick the best option for your dog I've highlighted a few points about each type of collar:

Gentle Leader - 

Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar is designed to avoid unwanted pulling and lunging but in a safe and painless way. It works naturally on dogs and makes them instinctively understand what you want. It has an adjustable nose loop for custom fit and can also be converted into a regular collar.

Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar

• Naturally calms dogs
• Won't choke throat
• Made of soft nylon
• Applies gentle, painless pressure

Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar won't come off your dog's head like the regular collars do, making the walks more stress free. Moreover, it's different from a muzzle and dogs can easily eat and drink wearing this collar.

Easy Walk Harness - 

No more pulling on the leash? Sounds pretty perfect! Enjoy lunge-free walks around the block with the PetSafe Easy Walk Black & Silver Dog Harness. Instead of pulling on your dog's sensitive throat, the Easy Walk Harness attaches  near the chest, allowing you to steer your pup and regain control over the daily walk. Available in multiple sizes to fit any breed.

Key Benefits 

• Discourages pulling on the leash
• Perfect for teaching dogs to walk nicely on a leash
• Easy to fit and use immediately
• 4 adjustment points provide maximum comfort and reliable fit
• Martingale loop in chest piece prevents twisting
• Quick-snap buckles on shoulder and belly straps for easy on and off
• Belly strap is a complementary color, making it easy to tell which strap goes over the shoulders and which strap goes under the belly

Prong Collar - http://www.dru.org/prongcollar.htm

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and being able to control and exercise them is so important  these tools were created to make it easier for us to do things with our dogs!  Use whatever works but understand and learn how to use them first!

Rescued Pit Bull Saves 4-Year-Old's Life

Rescued Pit Bull Saves 4-Year-Old's Life

By Elise Solé, Shine Staff | Pets 

Angela Boone Photography 

Pit bulls often get an unfair rap for being aggressive, attack dogs. But that's not what Christi Smith, a stay-at-home mother from Minnesota, sees when she looks at her 10-month-old pit bull Tatortot. Smith rescued the dog from euthanasia last week, and soon after, he returned the favor by rescuing her son Peyton, 4, from near-death when the boy's blood sugar dropped to dangerous levels. 

“I wouldn’t have known Peyton was in danger, had it not been for Tatortot,” Smith tells Yahoo! Shine. “He absolutely saved my son’s life.”

More on Yahoo Shine: The 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

When Smith, 28, met the dog in late September, she had no idea that he would turn into her family's hero. At the time, Ruff Start Rescue, a non-profit organization that specializes in neglected and abused dogs, had contacted Smith, who had previously fostered eight other pit bulls, and told her that Tatortot (then named Gator) was looking for a home. The group had first taken in the pup back in May, days before Minneapolis Animal Care and Control had planned to euthanize him. “I hesitated to take him in because I thought Tatortot might be too high-energy for my family,” says Smith. However, she instantly connected with the dog and agreed to foster him temporarily. “I renamed him Tatortot because Gator seemed too aggressive," Smith shares, "and I didn’t want people to associate him with anything that bites.”

Last Thursday evening, she was relaxing at home when Tatortot rushed into the room. “He was whining and barking, trying to get my attention,” Smith recounts. “And when he began running back and forth between mine and my son Peyton’s room, I got concerned.” She followed the dog into her son's bedroom where he jumped on the bed and began licking Peyton's face. However, Peyton was unresponsive.

More on Yahoo: Indiana Dog That Crashed Half-Marathon Gets Medal

“My heart stopped, I completely panicked,” she says. “Peyton's breathing was shallow and there were long pauses between each breath.” Knowing she could reach the hospital faster than an ambulance would arrive, Smith scooped up her son and got in the car. After they arrived at the hospital, doctors woke Peyton with a shot of adrenaline and diagnosed him with low blood sugar, a possible sign of diabetes.

Pit bulls don’t have a reputation for being gentle giants, much less breeds that can help save lives. However, according to Natalie Zielinski, Behavior Program Manager at the Wisconsin Humane Society, they're simply misunderstood. Pit bulls were bred from heavy, muscular bulldogs, and because of their strength, were often used for 'bull baiting,' a blood sport in England that involved pit bulls antagonizing bulls. "Unfortunately, their reputation as fighters stuck, although research shows that pit bulls are no more aggressive than golden retrievers," Zielinski tells Yahoo Shine.

It's possible that Tatortot, like many other dogs, reacted to an odor produced by Peyton's body when his blood sugar dropped, although according to Zielinski, it's a bit of a mystery how dogs are able to do it.

Since Tatortot's rescue, he's been enjoying his new found fame on Facebook. His page Tatortot, the Amazing Pit Bull has racked up almost 2,000 likes in the past week. And he's in the running for a new job, too. "I plan to train Tatortot to be a medical alert dog or a therapy dog so he can visit the elderly or terminally ill children," says Smith. "Hopefully he can bring new life to people, just as he did with Peyton."

Check out this blog post from ASPCApro

http://www.aspcapro.org/blog/2013/09/25/bully-this%E2%80%94-results-are-in%E2%80%A6

If you vote take a look...

TODAY- Sandy Hook student, rescue dog bond: 'She just feels safe' Jane Teeling and Aine Pennello

Good News

Sandy Hook student, rescue dog bond: 'She just feels safe'

Jane Teeling and Aine Pennello

TODAY

• 
  

Aug. 25, 2013 at 10:22 AM ET

Courtesy of the Wishneski family

Emma Wishneski, a third grader who was at Sandy Hook last year, and her therapy dog Jeffrey

On her first day of fourth grade at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Emma Wishneski will bring a special friend with her to class: a miniature stuffed animal version of Jeffrey, a stocky, 73-pound pit bull.

The toy is a reminder of her closest animal companion, a registered therapy dog the 9-year-old has become close to over the last nine months, after tragedy struck her school.

She first met Jeffrey in December, when his owner Michele Houston brought the dog to a Christmas party for Emma’s classmates at Sandy Hook, just weeks after the school shooting that claimed the lives of 20 students and six faculty members.

Emma was fatefully late to school that day, missing the traumatic event because she had a doctor's appointment. Though she did not witness it firsthand, she lost friends and educators in the shooting.

In the wake of that shock, meeting Jeffrey had an immediate impact on Emma. The two quickly formed a bond at the Christmas party, and she stayed with him throughout the entire event.

"It was still a really vulnerable time for her, and she just was comfortable sitting next to Jeffrey," said Emma's mother Marykay Wishneski. "He's strong and I think she just feels safe."

The next day, Emma asked her mother when she could see Jeffrey again, so Wishneski reached out to Houston to arrange a play date — the first of many for dog and girl.

“I think for her, there's a security in that it's a dog and not another person,” Wishneski said. “Emma becomes free and runs and plays and smiles. It's a very tender thing between the two of them.”

That Jeffrey is a pit bull — a breed commonly perceived as aggressive — was never a concern for Wishneski, and it’s a stereotype Houston is determined to break in her therapy work.

“Both ends of the leash are responsible for the future of these dogs,” said Houston, who also brings Jeffrey to assisted living facilities, hospitals and school libraries to connect with elderly people, the sick, and struggling young readers. A large dog, Jeffrey curls into a ball and rolls onto his back on command, pawing the air with his signature painted nails.

“It all starts with a belly rub,” Houston said. “He meets you, he flops on his back. Then his magic starts.”

Jeffrey’s life could easily have taken a different turn. Two years ago, he was one of hundreds of pit bulls in the New York City shelter system. Like most, Jeffrey was destined for euthanasia — until a New York City rescue group called Bruised Not Broken placed him on their advocacy website in the hope of finding him a home.

That home was with Houston, a hospice worker in Milford, Conn., who adopted Jeffrey hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized in 2010. Realizing Jeffrey’s potential early on, Houston took him beyond obedience training to achieve the American Kennel Club therapy certification.

"He passed with flying colors," she recalled. "The examiner, he said if you don't make this dog a therapy dog it would be a shame."

Today, Jeffrey — the "Positively Peaceful Pit Bull," as he is known — has more than 700 Facebook fans and a full schedule of therapy visits in the tri-state area.

Courtesy of the Wishneski family

Emma Wishneski, a third grader who was at Sandy Hook last year, and her therapy dog Jeffrey

But even working dogs need to play, and Houston says Jeffrey and Emma’s bond is a true friendship, for both of them.

“’Emma’ is a special word in our house,” Houston said. In April, Jeffrey came to Emma’s ninth birthday party, decked out in a hat in the shape of a birthday cake, and let her friends climb all over him.

Today, Emma dreams of becoming a veterinarian. After meeting Jeffrey, she even helped train the Wishneski’s family dog, Jedi — a Wheaton-Doodle they adopted from a shelter — to be a therapy dog through Newtown Strong, a non-profit created to help those affected by the shooting.

“I think that she loves that Jeffrey is a therapy dog — that he has a job and that there's something special about him,” Wishneski said.

And as Emma prepares to return to Sandy Hook Elementary on Tuesday, at its new location in a different building from where the shooting took place, her bond with Jeffrey will be there in the background, a source of strength and happiness.

“Emma has a smile that could light the world, and I feel like we used to see that smile a lot more, but it's definitely still there,” Wishneski said. “And when she's with Jeffrey she doesn't stop smiling.”

If you aren't giving a heartworm preventative 12 months a year, every month, you may want to re-think your position. This is from the DVM 360 magazine.

CAPC changes heartworm guidelines due to evidence of resistance

'Slow kill' method no longer recommended in cases of infection.

Jul 24, 2013  DVM360 MAGAZINE

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has altered its guidelines after evidence of preventive-resistant Dirofilaria immitis strains was presented at the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists Conference at the end of July in Chicago. Researchers have now identified heartworm isolates from the Mississippi Delta region that develop in adult dogs receiving routine monthly heartworm preventives.

At the conference, a number of parasitologists—including Byron Blagburn, PhD, of Auburn University, Dwight Bowman, PhD, of Cornell, and others—presented the findings of investigations funded by Novartis Animal Health, which has contributed $1.6 million to date toward studying resistance. “Resistance has been demonstrated across the macrocyclic lactone (ML) product class,” writes Bowman in an introduction to a collection of the research abstracts. “All currently approved products have failed to prevent heartworm development in dogs when tested in experimentally induced infection models with Mississippi River Valley isolates.” These products include ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin oxime and moxidectin.

This means treatment of heartworm-positive dogs should be immediate and aggressive, as noted in the newly revised CAPC guidelines. The “slow kill” therapy sometimes prescribed by veterinarians is never appropriate, as it has been demonstrated that using this modality—repeated macrocyclic lactone administration over a period of time—increases the proportion of circulating microfilariae that possess resistance markers.

These recommendations from the researchers can form a “first line of defense” against the spread of resistance, according to the conclusions presented in the abstract collection:

1. Macrocyclic lactones should never be used be used for slow-kill treatment of heartworm disease.

• Macrocyclic lactones are approved for prevention, not treatment of heartworm disease.

• Using a macrocyclic lactone, including ivermectin, moxidectin, selamectin or milbemycin oxime, for slow-kill treatment may incrase the risk of resistance developing.

2. Dogs should be tested for heartworms once a year. Existing infections should be aggressively treated with an approved adulticide and microfilariae should be eliminated.

3. The CAPC recommendations for year-round prevention with a broad-spectrum parasiticide should be followed.

4. Pet owners should be encouraged to reduce exposure to mosquitoes as much as possible.

Parasitology specialists emphasize that evidence for resistance does not mean abandoning current protocols but following them even more rigorously. “The new evidence confirming heartworm resistance underscores the importance of protecting pets year-round without gaps in prevention,” Bowman says in a statement from CAPC. “Veterinarians also should continue to emphasize annual heartworm testing. In areas where heartworm is more prevalent or breaks are appearing, testing every six months is recommended.”

While new strains may be preventive-resistant, CAPC says current products are still effective against many strains of heartworm and several control other parasites, including intestinal helminths, fleas and mites. “Preventives are still the best protection we have, and consistently administering them is key to maintaining pet health,” says CAPC board member Susan Little, DVM, PhD. Though the preventives cannot guarantee that infections will never occur, Little encourages veterinarians to “test dogs regularly to be sure they have not become infected, and when infections are identified in dogs, we have to treat whenever possible.”

The geographic spread of resistant isolates has not been determined, but CAPC says it will continue to monitor the evolving situation and modify recommendations to veterinarians as needed.

Analysis of the Office of Attorney General Advisory Opinion relating to Trap-Neuter- Return (TNR) programs fully operated by a locality

1 

Analysis of the Office of Attorney General Advisory Opinion relating to Trap-Neuter- 

Return (TNR) programs fully operated by a locality 

The recent Virginia Attorney General Advisory Opinion (Va. Att'y Gen. Op. No. 12-100 (June 

12, 2013), “Advisory Opinion”) endorses status-quo Trap-Neuter-Return programs in Virginia 

by giving strong support to locality-sponsored sterilization programs for feral cats.  The 

Advisory Opinion confirms the general understanding that, under current Virginia law, feral cats 

captured by animal control officers and confined in a pound cannot be returned by the locality to 

their colonies.  The Advisory Opinion also makes clear that a person humanely trapping a feral 

cat for sterilization is the finder—not the owner—of that cat. 

The Opinion’s conclusion that localities may not return a captured and sterilized feral cat 

does not impact currently operating locality Trap-Neuter-Return programs 

The type of TNR program analyzed by the Advisory Opinion is not one that most, if any, 

localities in Virginia operate.  The Advisory Opinion addressed the permissibility of locality- 

sponsored TNR, where the locality itself, through its animal control officers or other government 

personnel, engages in every aspect of TNR: the capture of outdoor feral cats, the neutering and 

vaccination, and the return to their outdoor home.   

But locality TNR programs in existence today do not operate in the fashion described by the 

Advisory Opinion.  Virginia localities that have TNR programs operate where the locality’s 

contribution, by and large, is merely to provide or coordinate sterilization services.  Private 

citizens, not animal control officers, conduct the actual trapping of cats for TNR. 

This distinction is important because the Advisory Opinion’s conclusion that a locality TNR 

program may not return feral cats after sterilization stems from requirements placed on animal 

control officers who capture feral cats (or indeed, any companion animal) outdoors.  The 

Advisory Opinion states that any authority a law enforcement officer would have to trap a feral 

cat stems from statutes that authorize an officer to “capture and confine” or “seize and impound” 

an animal. See Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6562 and § 3.2-6569.  Those terms must be read together as 

a phrase: “capture and confine;” “seize and impound.”  As such, if an animal control officer is to 

capture a feral cat, the cat must be confined in a pound.  Confinement in a pound triggers the 

restricted disposition options of § 3.2-6546, which include return-to-owner, adoption, euthanasia 

and transfer to another facility, but does not include return to a feral cat colony. 

It is important to note that private citizens do not face the same prohibition on return-to-colony 

for cats they humanely trap.  Unlike an animal control officer, a private citizen has no duty to 

confine or impound a cat after humanely trapping the cat.  Thus a cat trapped by a private citizen 

need not be placed in a pound and be subject to the restricted disposition framework of § 3.2- 

6546.  The Advisory Opinion’s conclusion that feral cats may not be released “by the locality 

back to the location from whence they came” (Advisory Opinion, 5 (emphasis added)) does not 

hold that similar restrictions follow for private citizens when the cat was not captured by an 

animal control officer.  Private citizens who find a cat are under no requirement—unlike a 

locality—to confine the animal in a pound or animal shelter.  

2 

The Advisory Opinion additionally notes that, for cats trapped by an animal control officer, there 

is another method of disposition: under § 3.2-6562, an animal control officer may deliver the cat 

to any person who will pay the license fee on that animal.  (Many Virginia localities have no 

license fee for cats).  This method of disposition is in addition to the disposition options 

identified in § 3.2-6546. An officer delivering a cat to a person who would pay the license fee 

would otherwise need to comply with § 3.2-6546.  

The Advisory Opinion makes clear that localities have substantial leeway in how they 

conduct sterilization programs for cats and dogs 

Virginia law grants localities substantial authority to conduct sterilization programs for cats and 

dogs.  Indeed, the Advisory Opinion states that localities may “establish a program for and 

provide funding to have feral cats sterilized by a licensed veterinarian.” Advisory Opinion, 3. 

As mentioned above, Virginia localities that currently have programs for feral cats, even if they 

are colloquially called “TNR programs,” are far less comprehensive than full Trap-Neuter- 

Return programs explained in the Advisory Opinion.  In existing programs, localities provide 

sterilization services for cats brought to them by members of the public.  They do not neuter and 

return cats captured by animal control officers.  From the locality’s point of view, the program is 

less “Trap-Neuter-Return” and more “Accept-Neuter-Give Back.”  Essentially, the locality runs 

(or coordinates) a sterilization clinic for feral cats.  This sort of program is well within the 

authority granted to localities by the Virginia code. 

A locality’s authority to sterilize feral cats is wholly separate from its authority to capture feral 

cats.  The authority to sterilize derives from different sections of code than the authority to 

capture.  A locality’s authority to sterilize derives from §§ 3.2-6529, 3.2-6534 and 3.2-6543; the 

authority to capture derives from §§ 3.2-6562 and 3.2-6569.  

Moreover, unlike the authority to capture, the Virginia code does not specifically attach the 

authority to sterilize to any other duty in the code.  The authority to capture is followed by a duty 

to confine. (For example, § 3.2-6562 uses the phrase “capture and confine.”).  But the authority 

to sterilize stands by itself as an authority independent of other duties.  For example, § 3.2-6534 

identifies “[e]fforts to promote sterilization of dogs and cats” as separate from the “care and 

maintenance of a pound.”  

So not only is the authority to sterilize separate from the authority to capture, it is not attached in 

any way to the duty to confine in a pound.  Just as a locality need not operate a sterilization 

program just because animals are “capture[d] and confine[d],” a locality need not “capture and 

confine” feral cats in order to have a sterilization program for feral cats.  

3 

A member of the general public who traps a feral cat for sterilization is the “finder,” not 

the “owner,” of the cat 

The Advisory Opinion is quite clear that a private citizen who humanely traps a feral cat for the 

purpose of sterilization is not automatically the owner of the cat.  The Advisory Opinion notes 

that the “law makes a distinction between an owner … and someone who temporarily takes 

custody of and cares for and/or shelters such an animal” and concludes that a person trapping a 

cat would not become “a de facto or de jure owner thereof through his actions of capturing and 

temporarily harboring, caring for, and otherwise taking temporary custody of the animal.”  

(Advisory Opinion, 5).  That same logic regarding ownership should also apply to a person 

returning a cat after sterilization.  Indeed, there is nothing in the Advisory Opinion to suggest 

ownership would attach after a private citizen returns a feral cat. 

Conclusion 

The Advisory Opinion makes a distinction between a locality-operated “capture and sterilize” 

program, where return back to an outdoor colony is not allowed under § 3.2-6546, and a locality- 

operated sterilization program, where no code sections prohibit the locality to accept cats from a 

private citizen and give them back to the citizen at the conclusion of the sterilization procedure.  

A sterilization program, where feral cats humanely trapped by private citizens are given back to 

members of the public following sterilization, is clearly permissible. 

Although currently-operating locality TNR programs comply with the conclusions of the 

Advisory Opinion, there are obvious benefits to amending the Virginia code to allow for full 

locality-operated capture-sterilize-return programs.  Programs where the locality is engaged in all 

aspects of the TNR process allow for synergies not possible under the current system.  These 

sorts of programs hold the promise of proactively neutering the highest number of animals and 

being one of the most effective methods of reducing euthanasia in animal shelters.  Animal 

control officers in jurisdictions such as Spartanburg, South Carolina, who have adopted TNR 

programs have reported overwhelmingly positive outcomes.  Certainly, there are animal control 

officers in Virginia who would like to become more directly involved in TNR.  Amendments to 

the Virginia code to authorize full locality-operated TNR would not undermine protections 

currently afforded companion animals under the comprehensive animal care laws. 

But even though the Virginia code does not permit full locality-sponsored capture-sterilize-return 

programs, it does not follow that localities should not continue—or put in place—sterilization 

programs for feral cats.  As a policy matter, those programs are effective to provide humane care 

to feral cats and to reduce the population of feral cats over time.  Sterilization-alone programs 

can provide significant benefits to communities and can leverage the efforts of volunteers in a 

locality willing to provide assistance to cats. 

Richmond Animal Care and Control Pet of the Week!

Save The Date

   P.O. Box 28632 Richmond, VA 23228 – 804.622.4200 – www.ringdogrescue.org

SAVE THE DATE

As part of our continuing effort to raise funds for the homeless animals of the Greater Richmond Area, we are excited to announce that on October 18^th, 2013, we will hold a Golf Tournament at Birkdale Golf Club.

On Friday, October 18^th, 2013, we will be hosting a 1 pm shotgun start. We would like you and your Company to take part in this very important event, as we continue with our efforts to raise funds for the rescue of the Pit Bull Type dogs in our area. We would like our corporate friends, local business, volunteers, fosters and families to take part in “Putting for Pitties”.

Ring Dog Rescue has been serving the Greater Richmond Area since 2004. With a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home, Pit Bull Type dogs in our area; along with offering education and outreach services. We continuously strive for a healthy community for both humans and animals.

We hope you will join us for this fantastic event, celebrating National Pit Bull Awareness month, and our mission of working towards a healthy humane community.

Sincerely,

A. K. Taylor                                                           Tonya Irizarry

President and Founder                                             Vice President and Founder

AKC and VVMA Express Outrage at PETA Approach to Euthanasia in Animal Shelter

AKC and VVMA Express Outrage at PETA Approach to Euthanasia in Animal Shelter

(Wednesday, July 10, 2013)

The American Kennel Club® (AKC) and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) have today issued statements to highlight their vehement disapproval of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)’s apparent policy of euthanizing animals frequently at its shelter in Norfolk, VA. Furthermore, the AKC has called for the PETA shelter to take steps towards balancing its adoption and euthanasia rates for dogs and cats in its shelter.

“While most shelters strive for a 90% re-homing rate, PETA is apparently proud of their 99% killingrate and callously boasts that the animals it rescues are ‘better off dead’.That is an alarming ratio that should be fully investigated. PETA’s track record is absolutely unacceptable,” said AKC Chairman Alan Kalter. “Legitimate animal shelters in America re-home most of their sheltered animals. If some of Michael Vick’s fighting dogs can be rehabilitated and re-homed then PETA can – and should – do better. If they cannot – or will not – then they should leave sheltering to others.”

“Re-homing a dog is not always the easiest but it is AKC’s preferred route. PETA’s apparent lack of commitment to re-homing is hypocritical. Our experience, through AKC clubs’rescue network,proves that a rescued dog can often thrive if given the much-needed love, medical care, rehabilitation and responsible placement into a new home. AKC is disgusted that euthanasia is seemingly so easilyemployedby PETA.”

“While it is true that some animals at shelters are too physically injured or psychologically scarred to be adoptable, many of them can be successfully treated, rehabilitated and adopted, said VVMA President,Mark Finkler, D.V.M.“Veterinarians throughout Virginia work with numerous shelters and rescue groups to assist in the care of these dogs and cats. It is disappointing to hear that PETA has a different philosophy regarding the handling of these abandoned and unwanted pets."

• AKC affiliated clubs and dedicated volunteers comprise the largest dog rescue group network in the country. www.akc.org/breeds/rescue
• The AKC Humane Fund also supports rescue group activities through its Rescue Grants. Learn more at: www.akchumanefund.org
• The American Kennel Club believes euthanasia should be employed only as a last resort when all reasonable efforts to place adoptable dogs have failed. At the same time, AKC recognizes that not all dogs are adoptable due to temperament and health issues.

Richmond Animal Care and Control has adoptable dogs for a special fee of $4.00 in celebration of the Fourth of July!

4th of July schedule RAC&C will be holding $4.00 adoptions for all pets ages 6 months and older on July 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th. We will be closed July 4. And ALWAYS: PETS AGES 10 YRS. AND OLDER MAY BE ADOPTED FOR NO ADOPTION FEE WITH AN APPROVED APPLICATION. All City of Richmond residents must purchase a $10.00 annual pet license when adopting. Richmond Animal Care and Control 1600 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA 23222 New Adoption Hours: RAC&C is now open for adoption Wed. – Fri., 1 – 7 p.m. Sat., noon – 5 p.m. and Sun., 1 – 4 p.m. RAC&C is closed to the public Monday and Tuesday. Staff is present Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

When choosing a companion please take everything into account!

It is extremely important that when choosing a dog you know what you are getting into. Some dogs like Katie (picture attached) must be groomed on a regular basis for not only their looks, but their health and well being! Dogs like Katie a maltese, must be groomed regularly or else their hair will begin to mate. These mates harbor bacteria, fleas and irritate the skin; sometimes causing open sores and infection. Getting any type of dog requires maintenance but some more than others, so please consider what all the duties will be prior to choosing your new mate. See Katies before and after pictures below!

Farewell to Lucas!

Today has been a sad, sad day. We had to say farewell to Lucas. This week his health took a sudden turn for the worse. He had not eaten much for weeks. Due to his ongoing battle with Babesia, an incurable condition common in fighting dogs, heart arrhythmia and other issues, getting around on walks was becoming more of a challenge. He couldn’t even lie down comfortably. Lucas’ quality of life had clearly deteriorated to the point where his primary caregivers here and our veterinarians reluctantly made the difficult decision to end his suffering. Lucas, one of the Vicktory Dogs, was a prominent, positive and very public personality. Our John Garcia calls him ‘The King’. He was the subject of articles and blogs by writers from all sorts of publications on many topics, from animal welfare to sports. The response to the first news of Lucas’ passing has been stunning—more than 800,000 Facebook newsfeeds (double the previous amount for any Best Friends Facebook item) since we first posted the news. We remember Lucas as an unforgettable, wonderful dog, who, through no fault of his own, was caught up in the horror of dog fighting. He came to us in 2008, along with 22 other dogs rescued from the Vick case, under a court ruling (along with Meryl) that he would have to stay with us for life. The law enforcement policy at the time was that dogs taken from fighting rings must be killed, a policy supported by leading animal welfare organizations other than Best Friends. But Lucas became a celebrity who, along with the other Vicktory Dogs, has helped us effect change. Best Friends has led the way in convincing other major animal welfare organizations that all dogs—even those from fighting backgrounds—deserve a fair, individual evaluation and a second chance at life. It’s ironic that one of the Vicktory Dogs the court feared most would become one of the greatest-ever canine ambassadors for change? The dog with the scarred face of a fighter was, despite ongoing health issues, a happy-go-lucky Best Friends resident who made a lasting impression on everyone who met him. I’ll always remember fondly the days when Lucas was in my office. We all loved having him around. Numerous visitors came to enjoy his friendly greetings. With his tail wagging and a happy grin on his face, he singlehandedly changed hearts and minds when it came to people’s views of pit bulls and, in particular, former fighters. He was bigger than the many obstacles placed in his life. He was stronger than his past abusers. Despite all his life challenges, Lucas was always an unerringly sweet, affectionate buddy to us all. The grief we feel is very real but John Garcia might have given us the best advice of all: “I think it's time not be sad, but to celebrate his life. He lived a happy life at Best Friends and Lucas helped saved thousands of other dogs' lives just by being who he was.” http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2013/06/20/vicktory-dog-lucas/ Goodbye Lucas … till we meet again. Gregory Gregory Castle CEO Best Friends Animal Society

New Dog's in town at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FEATURE Wildlife Detector Dogs Trained to Sniff Out Illegal Wildlife Shipments Editor's Note: Today, a look at the USFWS' use of especially trained Wildlife Detector Dogs. First graduating class will be on front lines of battle to halt trafficking in protected species Wildlife Inspector Amir Lawal and Viper demonstrate how they'll be checking packages for illegal wildlife on the front lines of Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement. Photo: Tom MacKenzie/USFWS The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a message for would-be wildlife traffickers: there's a new dog in town, and if you try to bring illegal wildlife parts into the country, there's a good chance he's going to sniff you out. And there are more just like him. That's because today, the first class of "wildlife detector dogs" and their handlers graduated from training in searching for protected species. In coming weeks, they will be stationed at key ports of entry around the country, searching for wildlife smuggled across U.S. borders. The four retrievers - named Viper, Butter, Lancer and Locket ¬- have been trained as part of a national effort to stem the growing trade in threatened animal parts such as elephant ivory and rhino horn. "The recent rapid growth in the global trade in protected wildlife is pushing some species perilously close to extinction. Elephant and rhino populations in particular are declining at alarming rates," said Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Deputy Chief Ed Grace. "The battle to stop wildlife smuggling is one we simply cannot afford to lose, and using dogs and their phenomenal sense of smell to catch smugglers will give us a real leg up in this effort." The use of dogs in law enforcement isn't new. Dogs are already used to detect illegal fruits and food products, bombs and drugs. Some have even been trained to track down pythons that are invading Florida's Everglades. Training dogs to find smuggled wildlife products was the next step. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforces the nation's wildlife laws, such as the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Act, and is responsible for U.S. enforcement of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This agreement between 178 countries restricts cross-border trade in protected wild animals and plants, from elephants and rhinos to Brazilian rosewood and wild orchids. Service inspectors are on the front lines of enforcement of these laws, inspecting declared wildlife shipments and working to intercept smuggled wildlife and wildlife products. Inspectors examine imports and exports at U.S. international airports, ocean ports, border crossings, international mail facilities, and FedEx and UPS processing centers. Using dogs will give inspectors a whole new capacity to quickly scan air, rail, and ocean cargo, as well as international mail and express delivery packages, declared or not, without the time-consuming need to open each crate, box, or parcel. The four graduating dogs and their Service Wildlife Inspector-Handlers completed the 13-week training course at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, Georgia, half an hour southwest of Atlanta. The center normally trains detector dogs to sniff out fruits and plants to interdict potential insects or diseases that could hurt U.S. agriculture. For the Wildlife Inspector-Handlers, this is a new and exciting venture. "This gives me a chance to combine my two great loves, wildlife and dogs," said Amir Lawal, Wildlife Inspector at the port of Miami. "I can't wait to get started in the field with my new partner to stop illegal wildlife shipments." So smugglers beware! From now on, bringing illegal wildlife through U.S. ports is barking up the wrong tree. • Hi res photographs available for download at: http://www.fws.gov/home/wddtp.html • Watch the YouTube video at: http://youtu.be/awx5Z1hiwdE • HD video of the dogs in training and interviews with trainers and handlers available on request The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets atwww.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.

A big THANK YOU to all of our supporters...

We expect our dogs to tolerate things we would not...

We expect dogs to tolerate things we would not tolerate. For example, I would not tolerate a stranger locking eyes with me on the street and then walking up and getting in my face but we expect dogs to tolerate that when we do face to face meet and greets and when the dog doesn't react well we are surprised. You should never introduce dogs that way. Walk them side by side and if you get a good feeling from them both let them meet yin and yang style...butt to butt and not eye to eye. Remember safety first!

We need your help... dog "hit by car" turned out to have been maliciously wounded!

This handsome young man was found and brought to an emergency vet center by a good samaritan believed to be hit by a car. After a thorough exam it was determined that he was not hit by a car, but instead suffered from an inexcusable act of malicious cruelty. The photos are too graphic to post, this darling soul was sliced open on his neck and abdomen. Through the quick action of the veterinarians and staff he was quickly stabilized and has a good prognosis of a full recovery.

Ring Dog Rescue is asking the public to help with his medical expenses, the emergency veterinarian is not making a dime off of this case, we are only needing to cover the cost. This precious man will need several weeks of recovery, antibiotics and potentially 2 surgeries to remove dead skin and keep the wounds closed. We are working with authorities to gain information to prosecute the unknown individuals who did this.

Please help us help him!

Hot, Hot, Hot...

Bath Time....

A cold bath is no way to win your dog over, forget outside with the hose. So the bathtub is the best place to start. You can purchase a restraint with a suction cup on it to attach to the tub or wall. Some dogs are initially fearful of the spray if you have an attachment or hand held shower. Try a gallon jug or pitcher if this is the case. Nice warm to hot water is very relaxing, we all know that. I start with the water at the back end of the dog, stroking the back as I go. You want to be firm because we ARE going to do this. But you also need to be calm and non-confrontational. Sometimes they use that route to go ahead and put up a fight. A good bit of massage in the mix will help the situation, also some "atta boys". If the head is a huge problem, use a warm, wet washcloth with a bit of shampoo on it and then rinse with same method, a clean wet cloth. Be upbeat and happy with your dog not angry. You may find yourself making some progress. Always reward a job well done, makes it easier the next time......

RVA Strength Fest

EWWW...Anal Gland Expression! A tip from the groomer...

Ahhh, the expression of the anal glands, could there be a more unpleasant task. This is really a hands on task, but I will try to explain it to the best of my ability. There are two main reasons that your dog scoots his bottom across your carpet. One he has tapeworms, which means he has ingested a flea and two, or the sacs are full and causing discomfort. If it is reason 1, you need to treat for fleas and you can by an OTC tapeworm treatment or get some Drocit from your vet. The telltale sign here is mini-rice stuck around your dogs anus. Dried up if dead and looking like cooked moving rice if alive. Now back to the topic at hand. The anal glands are your dogs signature of identification. Ideally, every time he has a bowel movement he deposits a small amount of scent from the glands. Every dog in his path can read that signature and tell a great deal about who has traveled before him. Sometimes due to diet or who knows what the glands will get full and sometimes impacted and can also become infected. The consistency ranges from watery to a thick paste. The color can be a very pale yellow to almost black, there is no normal. Blood however would be a cause for concern and your dog should be seen by a veterinarian. The odor is most foul so you dont want to have your face in the trojectary range. It can be so thick it just sits there or so thin it will shoot across the room. Now, for the hands on part. You will place your thumb and index finger between four and five o'clock and seven and eight o'clock (if the anus were a clock). Holding the base of the tail with the other hand you will squeeze in and up at the same time with the two fingers. If the sacs are empty there will be no resistance at all. If they are full, you can feel a roundness and a tightness. Use a slow constant pressure, when you are successful you will know it. Have a paper towel or washcloth handy. This takes practice and it is not for the faint of heart. GOOD LUCK ,your dog will appreciate it.

Another Great Grooming Tip!

Brush your pit bull? Nah! What you need is a hound glove or sometimes known as a grooming mitt. They use these on horses as well so they dont call it a hound glove in the horse department. You should be able to pick one up for $5.00 or less. Sometimes they are cloth with a rubber front, the better ones are all rubber. They have little raised rubber nibs that grab the shedding hair as you groom. It will knock off dirt and as you go it massages the skin and distributes the essential body oil. The dogs like it and they work very well. That's all there is to this session.

A note from our favorite groomer!

Bully Bath Time for the sensitive and hopelessly allergic. I have two favorite shampoos I use for these circumstances. Both are highly effective and can be used as a general purpose shampoo to keep your dogs skin and coat in great condition. We will start with MICRO TEK shampoo made by Eqyss Grooming Products. This stuff is awesome and I use it on myself as well. I buy it locally at Southern States in the horse department. You can order it for dogs but the bottle is half the size and costs about the same as the large horse bottle. Exact same product. The technology was developed by NASA for decontamination of the astronauts. Its a little pricey but it goes a long way and does the job. It is cruelty free, environmentally friendly and smells like a day at the beach. It soothes on contact and will not sting or hurt open wounds. You can use this product as often as necessary and it will not harm the skin or coat. They also make a companion spray or a gel if you need to treat the skin between baths. Shampoo number two is Fresh N Clean MEDI CLEEN by Lambert Kay. I order this on Amazon because I can find it for less than $4.00 a bottle. Depending on where you buy it, you may pay as much as $12.00 a bottle. I try to find it with free shipping as well and stock up. I love this stuff. It has somewhat of a medicated menthol odor that is quite soothing to the senses. A little extra bonus. It leaves the skin and coat in great condition and will slough off the dead skin like nobodies business if your dog has this issue as well. I couldn't manage without these two products. Give them a try, you wont be sorry.

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Saying goodbye is never easy

I just got off the phone with my mother, who has finally decided to say goodbye to her 17 year old girl, Sasha. The poor dear has been struggling for at least a year,  anxious most of the time, and having more "accidents" in the house. Not to mention, unable to stand while eating.

Are there treatments available to help improve Sasha's life? I'm quite sure. But how do you decide how far do you go in seeking treatment? My parents have a hard enough time making ends meet, let alone affording vet bills in the thousands.

What do I think about my mom's decision? Relieved and sad at the same time. It's a tough spot to be in having to make this decision - one I hope to avoid. My 15+ year old girl is struggling and it breaks my heart. When do you say no more medication or treatments? Times like these I wish they could talk. :.(