Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/West Hollywood Close to Ban on Sale of Dogs and Catshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/11/west-hollywood-close-to-ban-on-sale-of-dogs-and-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/11/west-hollywood-close-to-ban-on-sale-of-dogs-and-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/11/west-hollywood-close-to-ban-on-sale-of-dogs-and-cats/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: CamperGirl, Flickr

How much is that puppy in the window? It's not for sale.

Those worried about the number of designer dogs ending up at California shelters will be heartened by the news that the West Hollywood City Council is moving closer to approving a ban on certain kinds of pet sales. According to DVM Newsmagazine, the city council members approved upon "first reading" an ordinance proposed by council member Jeffrey Prang that prohibits the sale of dogs and cats within pet stores. The ordinance must undergo a second reading next week and, if approved, will take effect in March.

The discussion was ignited after an investigation of a West Hollywood pet store, Elite Animals, uncovered evidence that the owner was not only allegedly selling puppy mill dogs, but also illegally importing animals for resale.

The ordinance, which can be downloaded from the West Hollywood City Council agenda is full of troubling facts and statistics related to the sales of dogs and cats. One startling detail: "A review of state and USDA inspection reports from more than 100 breeders who sold animals to the nation's largest retail pet store chain revealed that more than 60 percent of the inspections found serious violations of basic animal care standards, including sick or dead animals in their cages, lack of proper veterinary care, inadequate shelter from weather conditions, and dirty, unkempt cages that were too small."

Carole Davis of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) told WeHo News that the "Companion Animal Protection Society assisted the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the City of West Hollywood in drafting the ordinance, as well as providing evidence." The ordinance rules that pet stores who currently sell cats and dogs have until Sep. 17, 2010 to "sell, offer for adoption, barter, auction, giveaway or otherwise transfer cats and dogs". The ordinance doesn't affect shelters or rescue organizations that often ask for an adoption fee when finding homes for their animals. It also doesn't affect actual breeders who sell or adopt out their litters on their own.

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]]>californiahollywoodpet storesPetStorespuppy millsPuppyMillswest hollywoodWestHollywoodSonia ZjawinskiThu, 11 Feb 2010 15:00:00 ESTBest Pet-Friendly Hotelshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/20/best-pet-friendly-hotels/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/20/best-pet-friendly-hotels/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/20/best-pet-friendly-hotels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A pup enjoys the comforts of the Kimpton Hotel. Flickr/JeanninePC99

If there's one thing that can sour a vacation, it's thinking about your furry friend caged up in boarding while you're laid out on the beach. In the past, it was hard to find a pet-friendly hotel, but these days it's hard not to find accommodations that welcome pets. According to an American Hotel & Lodging Association survey of 8,000 hotels in the U.S., 60 percent welcome pets. Here's a roundup of ten of the most easily found pet-friendly hotels in America.

Best Western: With more than 1,000 hotels nationwide that accept pets as overnight guests, you'll have no problem housing Fido at your next destination. Each has its own pet fee, ranging anywhere from free to $50 a night. Check with individual locations to find out what their fee is and if they have any size restrictions.

Choice Hotels: 2,500 accommodations within the Choice family, which includes Comfort Inn and EconoLodge, allow pets in their rooms. Since each hotel is individually owned, make sure to visit Choice's website for pet-friendly franchises.

Kimpton Hotels: For those with large dogs, this series of boutique hotels in 16 U.S. cities has no size or weight limits, plus there aren't any extra fees for bringing your pet with you. Some Kimpton properties host special events like pet costume parties and meet-and-greet cocktail hours. All hotels offer dog walking services and chew toys, and if you don't have a pet, they'll loan you a goldfish for your stay (housekeeping makes sure your new friend is well fed).

Hilton: Felines and canines are welcome at most Hilton Hotels & Resorts throughout the U.S. and Canada for a flat fee of $75. Only one pet is allowed per room and it must be under 75 lbs. At check-in, your four-legged friend will receive a Creature Comfort welcome package that includes organic treats and bio-degradable poop bags, and once in your room, your pet can cat nap on a Crypton Clean Pet Pillow designed by William Wegman. Concierge desks have lists of local pet-friendly activities including walking trails.

Continue reading Best Pet-Friendly Hotels

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiWed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 ESTCat Fancy Checks Out 45 Library Catshttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/15/cat-fancy-checks-out-45-library-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/15/cat-fancy-checks-out-45-library-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/15/cat-fancy-checks-out-45-library-cats/#commentsFiled under:

Cat Fancy Magazine

Bodega owners and barn hands have known for years that, even in this day and age, the best way to get rid of mice isn't with a trap or poison, but with a cat. This month, Cat Fancy celebrates its 45th year by rounding up 45 of the most trusted rodent hunters within the states' libraries.

Nope, Dewey isn't the only library cat out there. Turns out tons of public collections are guarded by dedicated felines. Mice tend to love gnawing on priceless collections, so librarians have turned to novelists' best friend to rid them of the problem. It only makes sense that a space that holds the collections of cat lovers like T.S. Elliot and Ernest Hemingway would have a feline security guard. You can check out the full list of cats in this month's Cat Fancy. Is there one in a library or book store near you? Go for a visit and tell us about it!

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiFri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 ESTGolden Retriever Saves Boy from Cougarhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/05/golden-retriever-saves-boy-from-cougar/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/05/golden-retriever-saves-boy-from-cougar/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/05/golden-retriever-saves-boy-from-cougar/#commentsFiled under: ,

RCMP

Dog is man's and boy's best friend.

CBC News reports that on Saturday night, 11-year-old Austin Forman was gathering firewood in his Boston Bar, B.C. backyard when his 18-month-old golden retriever ran towards him, jumping over a lawn mower and right into the path of a charging cougar.

"I knew at that moment that I would have to go get help, otherwise [Angel] wouldn't have any hope," Austin told CBC News.

Austin ran into the house, where he and his mother called 911. When Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived at the scene, they found Angel under the back porch with the cougar's jaws gripped around her neck. Constable Chad Gravelle shot two rounds into the cougar's rear end, but it continued to attack Angel. Gravelle then got closer to the cougar and shot again, instantly killing the cougar, who still had Angel's face clenched within its jaws, CTV.ca reports.

"I feel very, very lucky. If it wasn't for my dog, I don't think I would be here," Austin told CBC News.

The dog came out of the ordeal with some extensive injuries, including a fractured skull, according to NBC's "Today." She has undergone surgery to repair the damage, and her vets hope for a full recovery.

"She was my best friend, but now she's more than a best friend," Austin told CBC News. "She's like my guardian now."

PRODUCTION PLAYER! DO NOT DELETE.

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiTue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:00 ESTWill the Real Munchkin Cat Please Stand Up?http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/will-the-real-munchkin-cat-please-stand-up/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/will-the-real-munchkin-cat-please-stand-up/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/will-the-real-munchkin-cat-please-stand-up/#commentsFiled under:

Jimmy Leo / Solent

We all know about Faith, the two-legged dog who walks on her hind legs, but did you know there's a cat that also likes to play bipedal? Beibei, a kitty living in Singapore, has a tendency to check out his surroundings as meerkats do. Jimmy Leo, the 4-year-old feline's owner, first noticed his cat's tendency to stand on its hindquarters when it was a kitten. "He does it with consummate ease," he tells Paw Nation.

"I initially brushed it off but when he stood longer for some time, especially when eying lizards on the ceiling or high wall, I started to laugh and wonder," Leo continues.

Beibei is a Munchkin breed, a relatively new type of cat. These kitties have regular bodies, but abnormally short legs due to a genetic mutation that causes hypochondroplasia. Munchkin cats tend to stand on their hind legs, though it's not clear why. Possibly to get a better vantage point since they are so low to the ground? "I'm not sure if Beibei is breaking records amongst other Munchkins," Leo tells Paw Nation. "I have friends all over the world telling me theirs do not stand up as frequently or with such unimaginable durations."

Continue reading Will the Real Munchkin Cat Please Stand Up?

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiMon, 04 Jan 2010 13:00:00 ESTRear Gear Relieves Anal Pet Parentshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/29/rear-gear-relieves-anal-pet-parents/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/29/rear-gear-relieves-anal-pet-parents/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/29/rear-gear-relieves-anal-pet-parents/#commentsFiled under:

Rear Gear

Imagine this: You and your pup hit the dog run only to have Fido completely ignored by his canine companions because of his unsightly, um, back door.

This scenario may have never happened to you, or anyone else for that matter, but that hasn't stopped a 23-year-old senior civil engineering student from starting Rear Gear. According to Rear Gear's product page on Etsy, these decorative butt-covers offer a "cheerful solution" for you pet's "un-manicured backside."

The $5 cardboard placards can be tied to your dog's tail like a bizarre little ornament that conveniently hangs in front of your pet's "area." The placards come in a variety of designs, from a biohazard logo to a first-place ribbon. You can even order custom designs.

And if you do, please let us know how the dog park crowd responds.




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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiTue, 29 Dec 2009 17:00:00 ESTSan Francisco Shelters Overrun with Chihuahuashttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/28/san-francisco-shelters-overrun-with-chihuahuas/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/28/san-francisco-shelters-overrun-with-chihuahuas/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/28/san-francisco-shelters-overrun-with-chihuahuas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

mylilangel58/Flickr

Calling Katherine Heigl! Her charitable efforts on behalf of animals may be needed again.

As we reported recently, the Grey's Anatomy star donated $25,000 -- via her charity organization the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation -- to fly 25 lap dogs from Los Angeles to Nashua, N.H. The transfer is an attempt to get the dogs to a part of the country with a high demand for small dogs, but little supply.

It turns out that Los Angeles isn't the only California city dealing with high numbers of small dogs -- the entire state is affected. Last week San Francisco's Animal Care and Control hosted a press event to draw attention to their own tiny problem -- chihuahuas.

"A year and a half ago we started to see an increase in chihuahuas coming to the shelter, either as stray dogs or surrendered by their owners," SF AC&C spokesperson Deb Campbell tells Paw Nation. "It's been a steady increase since then. We've never seen this before with chihuahuas." In years past, the shelter always had an overabundance of pit bulls and pit-bull mixes. Chihuahuas were rare, Campbell tells Paw Nation. "They would be adopted out immediately."

The overall consensus among shelters and rescuers in California, along with the Humane Society of Greater Nashua, is that pop culture is to blame for this explosion. "People see little dogs as a nice Louis Vuitton handbag or beautiful Prada sunglasses," Campbell tells Paw Nation. "They're an accessory to a lot of people. They've seen starlets on TV, movies, and in magazines with these dogs, and so people bred to meet that demand. And they went overboard."

Continue reading San Francisco Shelters Overrun with Chihuahuas

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]]>geo:37.775002+-122.418297Where:San-Francisco-CASonia ZjawinskiMon, 28 Dec 2009 13:00:00 ESTBlaze Erupts at Los Angeles Vet; Only One Pet Surviveshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/blaze-erupts-at-los-angeles-vet-only-one-pet-survives/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/blaze-erupts-at-los-angeles-vet-only-one-pet-survives/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/blaze-erupts-at-los-angeles-vet-only-one-pet-survives/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gene Blevins, Los Angeles Daily News

Tragedy struck the West Hills Animal Hospital earlier this month when a fire erupted in the clinic attic. Four pets were staying at the vet's when the fire erupted; only one survived the blaze.

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that around 1:05 a.m. Sunday morning, a private alarm company called the local fire department to report an activated smoke alarm at 6402 Platt Avenue in West Hills, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. A total of 84 firefighters were sent to the scene, including four LAFD Rescue ambulances and one Hazardous Materials Team. It took 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, which was sparked when heavy rains in the area seeped into the exterior electrical sign that advertised the clinic.

"As is our protocol, LA firefighters made a forceable entry into the business, and though it did appear closed we assumed there were living beings inside," Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the LAFD told Paw Nation. "Firefighters were able to evacuate four animals -- two dogs and two cats -- from the smoke charred building. Sadly, three of the animals succumbed, while one puppy survived."

Firefighters used human oxygen masks on all the rescued pets, though only the sole puppy pulled through. He was taken to another animal hospital for observation.

"Given the nature of the blaze, we felt it was an appropriate and essential element to have this many firefighters ready," Humphrey told Paw Nation. "During driving rain and cold temperatures, firefighters charged again and again into the smoke charred structure and searched every square foot of the building. Thankfully we were able to find the animals."

Firefighters also went to great lengths to protect important medical files within the building by covering them with tarps and sweeping water out of the way as soon as areas were deemed under control. Both files and the building itself survived, though $160,000 of damages are estimated.

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiTue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:00 ESTThe Quick Red Fox Learns Sign Languagehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/the-quick-red-fox-learns-sign-language/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/the-quick-red-fox-learns-sign-language/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/the-quick-red-fox-learns-sign-language/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mark Passmore, Apex

Animal training involves hand commands, so is it possible for a pet to learn sign language? If 18-month-old Millie is any indication, than yes.

According to the (UK) Daily Mail, Millie, a red fox, was found when she was six weeks old, being chased down a country road in North Devon, England by three boys. A family scooped up the traumatized canine and soon discovered that the malnourished pup was deaf. Unable to care for her, the family brought Millie to rescue expert Beth Tyler-King. When the family asked if she could take in the fox cub, Tyler-King was ecstatic. "Would I?" Tyler-King blogged at Still on the Track. "I practically hugged her! It has been my life-long dream to hand-rear a cub ever since I played with three of them at an animal sanctuary many moons ago."

As exciting as it was for Tyler-King to hand-raise a fox cub, Millie was even more special due to her deafness. As soon as Tyler-King, who herself lost 95 percent of her hearing at age 4, found out Millie was deaf she began signing to the fox, she tells Paw Nation. Millie surprisingly seemed to understand and even understands facial expressions Tyler-King tells us.

Continue reading The Quick Red Fox Learns Sign Language

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 ESTWalkin' the Bark Rescuehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/walkin-the-bark-rescue/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/walkin-the-bark-rescue/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/walkin-the-bark-rescue/#commentsFiled under: ,

Walkin' the Bark Rescue

It only took two foster dogs to convince Judy Nguyen that she had a knack for helping poorly socialized dogs. Three years later, Judy now runs Walkin' the Bark Rescue, a not-for-profit rescue in Antioch, Calif. that specializes in helping unwanted dogs with behavioral or medical issues. While she has a few volunteers that help, Nguyen works closely with the dogs in her Antioch home, shaping them up for adoption. Nguyen spoke with Paw Nation about her efforts.

Why did you start Walkin' the Bark?
There were two dogs in particular that had a big impact on me and led me to start Walkin' the Bark -- Iris and Doris, two very fearful dogs who came out of their shell with us. I loved watching them blossom, and I loved knowing that I was able to provide them with the extra help not everyone else was able or willing to. It was then that I realized I wanted to help special needs dogs and formed Walkin' the Bark Rescue. With the permission of the other rescues, Iris and Doris became the first Walkin' the Bark dogs. Both have long since been adopted and have developed beyond my wildest expectations with their forever families. It's just amazing to know that I was part of that process.

Continue reading Walkin' the Bark Rescue

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]]>gimmeshelterwalk the barkWalkTheBarkSonia ZjawinskiFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:00:00 ESTThree-Legged Cat Helps Eases Tensions at Texas Police Departmenthttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/14/three-legged-cat-helps-eases-tensions-at-texas-police-department/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/14/three-legged-cat-helps-eases-tensions-at-texas-police-department/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/14/three-legged-cat-helps-eases-tensions-at-texas-police-department/#commentsFiled under: ,

Flickr/nayoungkim

If there's one place other than hospitals that people need a therapy animal, it's a police precinct. "I can have people walking into this office upset about something, and the cat will jump up on their lap, and their faces just change," Police Chief Danny Sullins told the Houston Chronicle. "He's therapeutic."

The cat is Jade, a gray three-legged feline who has been sitting pretty at the Lumberton Police Department for 8 years. Jade came to reside in the department after a woman brought him and his mangled front right leg in hoping that the then-chief would have the cat euthanized. The chief refused due to the expense and because the woman wasn't from Lumberton, but as she left, Jade escaped and hide inside her car engine. "So then Chief had to go in and pop the hood and get him out," department secretary Linda Hunter told the Chronicle. And, as they say, the rest is history.

The department got his partial front leg amputated and since then, Jade has become a fixture of the office. Like most cats, Jade's curiosity has gotten him in trouble, like when he got locked in the supply closet for the night because no one knew he had snuck in, but for the most part, the three-legged feline is a calming presence for both visitors and officers. "The guys all know him and he goes back and visits with them," Sullins told the Houston Chronicle. "He does help with the stress around here."

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]]>geo:30.2656+-94.199402Where:lumberton-txSonia ZjawinskiMon, 14 Dec 2009 10:00:00 ESTKittens Saved From Oncoming Traffic After Being Thrown From Carhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/10/kittens-saved-from-oncoming-traffic-after-being-thrown-from-car/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/10/kittens-saved-from-oncoming-traffic-after-being-thrown-from-car/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/10/kittens-saved-from-oncoming-traffic-after-being-thrown-from-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Flickr/joconnell

It's as if cats keep trying to prove they really do have nine lives. Last week a kitten clung onto a car axle for dear life as the vehicle sped down the interstate, and this week two kittens played real-life Frogger as they dashed across the Clearview Parkway in New Orleans.

As reported by the Times-Picayune, traffic came to a halt on the Parkway Friday evening when two 8-week-old kittens were seen dodging cars. Driver Alyne Pustanio quickly pulled over and plucked the shivering kittens off the road and brought them safely into her car. The two gray kittens, both males, were soon named Lucky and Luckier. Unfortunately, a third kitten, their sibling, wasn't so lucky, as he was found dead on the side of the road.

Pustanio believes the kittens were tossed from a vehicle ahead of her, marking the third time in three months that kittens have been tossed out of moving vehicles in the area. "Throwing them out the window is a criminal activity, and it's a terrible traffic hazard, creating all sorts of human accidents, not to mention the terrifying ordeal for the animal itself," Jeff Dorson, director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, told the Times-Picayune. "We're all at a loss."

Lucky and Luckier licked their wounds -- an injury near the nose and a black eye -- at Pustanio's home before being adopted by Emily Harris, the cat foster chairwoman for Animal Protection and Welfare Society in Baton Rouge. Harris recently lost two of her own cats to feline leukemia and was looking for a pair to adopt. "She was looking for two kittens together, and this happened," Pustanio told the Times-Picayune. "It's kind of kismet."

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiThu, 10 Dec 2009 13:00:00 ESTKatherine Heigl Helps 25 Lap Dogs Evade Euthanasiahttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/katherine-heigl-helps-25-lap-dogs-evade-euthanasia/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/katherine-heigl-helps-25-lap-dogs-evade-euthanasia/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/katherine-heigl-helps-25-lap-dogs-evade-euthanasia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

Katherine Heigl may help patients of the human variety on "Grey's Anatomy", but in real life the movie star has a soft spot for dogs. According to PeoplePets.com, when the actress' charity organization, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, found out that Los Angeles-based rescue group Kinder Rescue were looking for the funds to transport a group of small lap dogs from an overcrowded Hollywood shelter to the Humane Society in Nashua, NH the group donated $25,000 to get it done.

Los Angeles' shelters have too many small dogs, such as chihuahuas and terriers, but not enough people who want to take them in. The Humane Society in Nashua has the demand for small dogs, but not the supply. So naturally the rescue group thought to move the supply to where the demand is. For three months they tried to collect the funds to fly the dogs out, but kept coming up short. And then the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation came to the rescue.

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua told WMUR that movies like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua", which feature the cute pups, along with celebrities like Paris Hilton who create doggy trends are to blame for the influx of small dogs in Los Angeles shelters. Luckily, small lap dogs are in demand in Nashua. "The response has been phenomenal," HSGN executive director Karen Bill told PeoplePets.com. "We had more than 40 voicemails Thursday morning from families inquiring about these dogs. I can guarantee we'll have a line out the door starting at 9:30." The dogs go up for adoption this Saturday at the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiFri, 04 Dec 2009 16:00:00 ESTCleaning Vigilante Targets Pet Owners in San Franciscohttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/02/cleaning-vigilante-targets-pet-owners-in-san-francisco/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/02/cleaning-vigilante-targets-pet-owners-in-san-francisco/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/02/cleaning-vigilante-targets-pet-owners-in-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under:

Flickr/spike55151

Lost your pet and live in San Francisco? You may want to skip traditional flyers or else you could find yourself running up against one angry local.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a mysterious group has popped up, calling themselves Clean Up San Francisco. The group, which may only have one member, has sent out notices to people who have tacked up lost pet flyers, amongst other postings. The letters threaten legal action from City Hall, to which Clean Up San Francisco has no affiliation.

Matt Dorsey, spokesman for the City Attorney, tells Paw Nation that "the City and County of San Francisco has neither created nor sponsored a program called the 'San Francisco Clean-Up Project.' The City Attorney is very concerned that the use of this name, in combination with an official City Hall return address, intends to mislead recipients, who may be justifiably concerned that an agency of their city government would contemplate legal action over posted signs seeking the guardians of lost pets or charitable bake sales. We have also urged people with information on the fraudulent practice to contact the City Attorney's Office by calling 311 or by emailing cityattorney@sfgov.org."

One letter, sent to Adai Lara, who put up postcards on telephone poles in her neighborhood publicizing her new book, received a strongly worded, four-page letter from the mysterious group. "Unfortunately," said the letter, "there is no way to assess your character, personal integrity or level of understanding. From your actions it appears you are concerned chiefly or only with yourself." It goes on to threaten legal action and suggests Lara hire a lawyer. The letters are signed, Quinn P. Cooper, someone the City Attorney has found doesn't exist.

"We're trying to figure out who this guy is," City Attorney Dennis Herrera told the Chronicle. "But the public can rest assured that we are not going to arrest anyone who is trying to find their lost cat."

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiWed, 02 Dec 2009 15:00:00 ESTHoward the Combine Kitty Keeps on Trucking Without His Front Pawshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/howard-the-combine-kitty-keeps-on-trucking-without-his-front-paw/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/howard-the-combine-kitty-keeps-on-trucking-without-his-front-paw/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/howard-the-combine-kitty-keeps-on-trucking-without-his-front-paw/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lansing State Journal

He was dumped in a ditch near a wheat field in Michigan with no front paws. Luckily for Howard, a 6-month-old tuxedo cat, brothers Bryce and Kyle Billingslea found him.

"It was like, 'What do we do? What do we do?'" Bryce told the Lansing State Journal. "So, we went to the neighbors."

According to the Lansing State Journal, officials believe poor little Howard lost his front paws in a farm accident involving a combine, a large harvesting machine. Howard went through a series or surgeries that involved amputating what was left of his front paws and adding skin grafts. Through it all, he had Bryce, 8, and Kyle, 10. "This little 8-year-old prayed his heart out for Howard," Tameka Billingslea, the boys' mom, told the Lansing State Journal.

Due to his stilted front legs, Howard gets around on hard floors using his two hind legs like a meerkat or rabbit. On the home's carpeted floors, Howard runs like any other cat, keeping up with the family's original feline, Hannah. Howard and Hannah quickly became best buds. "She gets to be a mother hen," Tameka told the Lansing State Journal. "I'm so happy he's at peace."

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]]>Sonia ZjawinskiTue, 01 Dec 2009 15:00:00 ESTPet Product Review: Pet Greens Catnip Budshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/pet-product-review-pet-greens-catnip-buds/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/pet-product-review-pet-greens-catnip-buds/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/pet-product-review-pet-greens-catnip-buds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bell Rock Growers, Sonia Zjawinski

We all know how much fun a little catnip can be, but what happens when you give your cat "the most potent form of dried catnip available"?

Pet Greens Catnip Buds are the closest thing to growing your own catmint without having to remember to water. Entire stems of the herb are handpicked and dried, which you then crumble up and stuff in catnip toys, rub on cat beds, or simply sprinkle on the floor.

My cat, Gizmo, is a catnip connoisseur. It's one of the few things other than food that pulls him out of his shell, so I had high expectations. After eating some of the dried stuff I had sprinkled on the floor, he rolled around a bit and then found the toy I had stuffed with the potent herb. With his paws, he vigorously rubbed the toy into his face as he lay on his back, legs splayed out. When I grabbed the toy and threw it towards him, to my surprise he caught it with one paw and again fell backwards to continue rubbing the toy on his face.

He instigated play with my other cats, rather than just sitting back and watching as he normally does. My other cats loved the stuff as well, rolling around in it, though not as actively as Gizmo. They became standard stoners, laying around and staring at the wall.

If your cats are already into standard-fare catnip, I highly recommend throwing down $5 for this potent stuff.

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]]>cat treatscatnipCatTreatspet greensPetGreensSonia ZjawinskiMon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTPet Product Review: Dyson DC28 Animalhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/19/pet-product-review-dyson-dc28-animal/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/19/pet-product-review-dyson-dc28-animal/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/19/pet-product-review-dyson-dc28-animal/#commentsFiled under:

Dyson

I've avoided drinking the Dyson Kool-Aid for a long time. Despite all the raves I've heard about the company's innovative bagless vacuums, I could never fathom paying almost an entire month's rent for one. How much better could a $600 Dyson be from my $70 upright? Turns out, a lot.

When the Dyson DC28 Animal, specifically designed with us pet lovers in mind, came in the mail a few weeks ago, I instantly was intimidated. This thing is a powerhouse. With features like a pneumatic actuator, high-torque clutch, and that famous Cyclone technology, you'd think we were talking about the tech specs of a luxury car. So how does all this fancy engineering work in the real world?

My favorite part of the DC28 Animal is that it works with you. When pushing the 20-plus pounds of machine back and forth across rugs and bare floors, it moves itself along so you're not breaking a sweat. If you overextend the telescoping wand, the upright won't come toppling over, but rather it rolls smoothly towards you.

Continue reading Pet Product Review: Dyson DC28 Animal

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]]>DC28dyson animalDyson vacuumDysonAnimalDysonVacuumSonia ZjawinskiThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 ESTFeral Cat and TNR Resourceshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/feral-cat-and-trap-neuter-return-resources/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/feral-cat-and-trap-neuter-return-resources/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/feral-cat-and-trap-neuter-return-resources/#commentsFiled under: ,

Feral For Life Shirt, $25. Photo: FeralforLife.com


Now that you know all there is to know about feral cats and TNR, why not go help some of the ferals in your neighborhood?

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]]>feral catferal cat coloniesferal cat resourcesferal catsFeralCatFeralCatColoniesFeralCatResourcesFeralCatsSonia ZjawinskiFri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 ESTBrooke Burns Finds Lost Maltipoohttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/brooke-burns-finds-lost-mati-poo/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/brooke-burns-finds-lost-mati-poo/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/brooke-burns-finds-lost-mati-poo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Photo: Fame Pictures

Celebrity pets keep going MIA, but this time there's a happy ending.

Brooke Burns, former "Baywatch" star and co-host of Fox reality game show "Hole in the Wall", was devastated when her black Maltipoo Max went missing last week, just weeks after Jessica Simpson's Maltipoo was snatched up by coyotes.

Burns went so far as to hire FindToto.com, an AMBER Alert-type service that calls neighbors in the area to inform them of a lost pet. (Simpson also hired the service, to no avail.)

Fortunately, all Burns needed was her trusty groomer.

According to TMZ, Burns' groomer mentioned Max's disappearance while chatting with another client -- and it just so happened that the client's neighbor had just found a black Maltipoo. They put two and two together and Max was soon reunited with Burns.

Max's groomer definitely has it!

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]]>baywatchbrooke burnsBrookeBurnsfound dogFoundDoglost dogLostDogmaltesemalti-poopoodlepoodlesSonia ZjawinskiFri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:00 ESTPet Product Review: Cat Attracthttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/pet-product-review-cat-attract/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/pet-product-review-cat-attract/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/16/pet-product-review-cat-attract/#commentsFiled under: ,



Photo: Amazon.com


Many litters are made with humans in mind -- masking smells with fragrances, using materials that are easy to clean-up -- rather than cats. That's great for owners, but it's the cats that need to use the litter box. With that in mind, veterinarian Dr. Bruce Elsey developed Cat Attract, a litter that encourages even the most hesitant kitties to properly use their bathroom box.

Cat Attract has a smell similar to fresh foliage, effectively mimicking the great outdoors within the 1-by-2 foot confines of your litter box. The litter kernels are small and similar to dirt, but unlike the natural stuff, Cat Attract clumps so you can scoop soiled litter and throw it out.

A cat rescuer friend of mine filled up two litter boxes with the stuff and soon found that the boxes with Cat Attract were being used more than those with her previous litter. It didn't stop the kittens' out-of-box peeing completely, but it did cut down on it. She liked that it was able to control odors within the box as well, so if she missed an afternoon dump, she didn't come home and get hit with odor.

And while the 20 lbs. bag lasted quite a long time (2.5 weeks for four cats), it's expensive -- $25 at her local pet store. Luckily, you can get it cheaper online.

Other than the hefty price, the only other negative she found is that if you've got a digger who enjoys shoveling down to China before squatting, you're going to have to deal with a glue-like residue at the bottom of the litter box, which can be frustrating to remove.

Price and paste aside, she was happy with Cat Attract's results. "When people come over, it's hard not to see that I have four cats," she tells Paw Nation, "but everyone has said, 'Wow! It doesn't smell at all.'"

Learn more about Cat Attract at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

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]]>cat litterCatLitterSonia ZjawinskiFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST