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Before Donating To A Dog Rescue – Understand The Important Issues Of The No Kill Philosophy
Dog Information
The phrase “No Kill” has become overused, misunderstood, and often used to manipulate. It is now a signal to DONATE HERE. It is too frequently used to indicate a purity of purpose that makes one rescue group more deserving of financial support than another. An interesting evolution of this phrase is the attachment of the words “the largest.” Various rescues now seem to feel it necessary to describe themselves as the largest NO KILL rescue in the region, state, or country.
The decision of where to donate or what groups to support can be very complicated and needs to be made with all available facts. The KILL versus NO KILL philosophy is the second on my list of ten big issues to consider before making any donation decisions; and there are four equally important aspects of this issue to consider.
Facts about the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy everyone should know:
1) Not all groups claiming to be NO KILL really are.
Unfortunately, there are a few rescue groups that understand the public’s current insistence on being a NO KILL rescue, so they advertise themselves as such. However, for a few groups, this is a blatant lie. For a few others, they maintain their NO KILL status by transferring dogs to KILL facilities. For these groups, their definition of NO KILL just means WE don’t kill–but they have no problem transferring dogs away and removing those dogs from their concern.
How can you know? If you volunteer for a rescue group and you routinely see signs on kennels indicating dogs to be transferred to another group, alarm bells should go off in your head. If you are not a volunteer, then knowing for sure can be difficult. Doing some online research into your group of interest might shed light on the truth. Very often, people who know the truth and are appalled by it–former volunteers or employees–will share that information online.
Only having one person’s word for anything is not wise, but it should inspire you to dig deeper; and help you realize that having a group claim to be NO KILL does not necessarily make it so. It would be wonderful if what people say could be guaranteed to be true. Unfortunately, money too often changes the rules.
2) There are “degrees” of NO KILL.
Many groups advertise themselves as NO KILL but readily admit that if an animal is extremely ill, is in pain that cannot be alleviated, or is a danger to people or other animals, it may be euthanized. For most Americans, this is an acceptable concept.
There are, however, rescue groups that take NO KILL to its extreme. These groups believe there is no acceptable situation for euthanasia. These group members believe animals should be medicated as necessary until they die “naturally.” Sadly, some of these same groups use pictures and/or stories about these animals to solicit donations.
Only you know your own personal philosophy about the euthanasia issue; but for this particular issue, you probably don’t want to support a group that treats death in a way you don’t support.
3) All rescues and shelters can become NO KILL!
NO KILL needs to be a societal goal, and we all need to be working to meet this goal. It will take time, money, volunteers, legal changes, and changes in philosophy, but it is possible! It is already happening.
Nathan Winograd is one of this country’s leaders in the NO KILL movement. His strategies for converting shelters from the methods of the past to the NO KILL philosophy have become the model for accomplishing this very important goal. You can find information about Nathan Winograd on my website or on his.
The important concept for you to understand here is that you must NOT make the assumption that rescue groups that cannot call themselves NO KILL actually WANT to be killing animals. Many groups are in the process of conversion and many others are willing to make the change with the right help. Maybe you can be that help.
4) Groups that are already NO KILL do not need your donation.
This may sound crass, but it is true. Groups that have already achieved the NO KILL goal have done so because they have a sufficient number of financial supporters and volunteers. Certainly, these groups would say they could do more with more; and, if you currently support such a group, your support needs to continue.
If you are just beginning your search and research for making a donation to an animal rescue, perhaps you can have a greater impact by helping groups that are actively pursuing the NO KILL goal, or by helping to change laws and public attitudes.
In conclusion, as you consider donating, make sure you do your due diligence. Educate yourself about all aspects of the animal rescue “industry.” Just as the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy is more complicated than it initially appears, the same is true for all 10 big issues surrounding donations. Remember, this is only the second issue I have discussed. Be looking for the other eight; or go to my website where all 10 issues are discussed.
Shirley Slick, “The Slick Tips Lady,” is a retired high school math teacher and a life-long animal lover. In addition to her goals about mathematics education, she is equally concerned about puppy-mills, the dog rescue industry, and designer dogs. For more information about these topics, or tips about donating to rescues, visit her website at http://slicktipsaboutdogrescues.com/
Finding the Perfect Aussie Shepherd Breeder
Dog Information
Why do I need to find the “perfect” Aussie breeder? “Aren’t all breeders the same?” you may ask. I’m glad you asked. All breeders in general and all Aussie breeders specifically are definitely NOT the same. Perhaps your really don’t need to find the perfect Aussie breeder but you do want to find the breeder that is “perfect for you” You should look at the breeder of your pet as much more than a person to buy a dog from if you want to make the best decision for you and your pet. A good breeder is your best friend in this process. He will provide lots on great information about the nature and care of the breed – in this case, the Australian Shepherd.
Good breeders will take great lengths to ensure that the dog is healthy and free of genetic defects where “puppy mill” type breeders will not. I don’t like to think that the second type of breeders even exist but they do so just make sure that you’re not dealing with one. Don’t rush out with the idea that you are buying a dog today. Take the time to talk to and even visit several of the Aussie breeders near you. As you do this it will become apparent who the best breeders are. You can definitely find the perfect dog for you through the help of these breeders.
Here are some tips to help you know when you’ve found a good breeder:
· Take time to interview several of the Aussie breeders in your area. Look for a breeder that is friendly and approachable and willing to take the time to answer any question you might have. This is the mark of a top breeder. He or she will be passionate about Aussies and willing to help you select just the right Aussie for your home.
· Ask if the breeder belongs to a breeder’s club. A breeder who seems proud to be part of his club or holds an office within it is likely to be more reputable than one who does not.
· The breeder’s facilities should be kept clean and sanitary. Although there might be several puppies around doing what puppies do, puppy “messes” should be attended to in a reasonable amount of time and the puppies should be kept clean.
· Look for a breeder that will provide documentation of your prospective pup’s veterinary care since birth. He should also be willing to provide contact information for the Vet and/or allow you to have your pup examined by your own vet. This will give you some assurance that the dog is healthy and is free from any disease or birth defect.
· Avoid rushing to make a decision. A good breeder who will give you ample time to decide on when you would want to purchase your Aussie and will not pressure you to buy immediately. If you feel pressured at all you should walk away.
· Papers and a guarantee. I have personally received falsified AKC papers from a breeder. The best breeders will also give you a written guarantee that your pup’s bloodline is accurately documented and will stand the test of time. You should be allowed to return the dog in good health for a full refund should that prove not to be true.
· Take time to interview several of the Aussie breeders in your area. Look for a breeder that is friendly and approachable and willing to take the time to answer any question you might have. This is the mark of a top breeder. He or she will be passionate about Aussies and willing to help you select just the right Aussie for your home.
· The best breeders will probably have some questions for you as well. Don’t be defensive if you are asked about your home environment, work schedules, hobbies, etc. The best breeders know that thinking about these things can make all the difference in the success of the Aussie in your home. For example: Aussie’s are high-energy dogs and they need a certain amount of physical activity every day. When a breeder asks if you like outdoor sports like biking, jogging, walking, etc. this is what he may be getting at. Your breeder will be well aware of the Aussie’s needs and will want you to think about whether you are able to provide them. Someone whose idea the perfect evening is sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea and the latest best-seller would not be a good candidate for Aussie ownership and it the best thing for both you and the Aussie to consider this beforehand.
If you think an Aussie is in your future pay close attention to these tips and you’ll make the right decision.
JOHN ROBBINS is a dog lover and Australian Shepherd enthusiast. For more info on Aussie Shepherd Breeders including tips on care, grooming and breeder selection visit http://www.aussiedogsecrets.com/australian-shepherd-breeders/.
Dog Brains Are Changed By Breeding
Dog Information
Selective breeding has produced major changes in how our dogs look like. But recently, researchers have uncovered some major changes in the dogs’ brains have taken place due to artificial selection through breeding. These changes are about the position of the brain and the region with smell control is located.
In dog breeds with short snouts the brain has rotated forward with as much as 15 degrees. The region in the brain that controls smell was relocated, according to researchers from the University of New South Wales and University of Sydney. They have used magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brains of dogs for a number of breeds.
The size and shape of the skull appeared to be correlated with brain rotation and positioning of the olfactory lobe. When the dog’s head and skull shape become flatter, the brain rotates forward while the smell center goes further down towards the lowest position in the skull. Human intervention in the dog biology through breeding is not comparable to the effects on any other animal. Researchers are going to study further how the changes in brain organization are linked to differences in dogs’ brain function.
Artificial selection has led to breeds that work better when in visual contact with humans, sheep dogs and gun dogs being the most obvious examples. These breeds are better able to understand a pointing gesture. Researchers at the Eotvos University in Hungary have examined the performance of different breeds in making sense of pointing gestures of humans. The study was meant to shed light on the evolution of human communicative skills as well.
Dogs have been selected to live in a human environment and have engaged in interactions with humans for more than ten thousand years. Hungarian researchers have found that gun dogs and sheep dogs can follow a pointing finger but not hunting dogs, dogs used for underground hunting or livestock guard dogs and sled dogs.
Breeds that have short noses and eyes centrally placed are better at interpreting gestures compared to breeds that have long noses and eyes that are spaced widely. This is probably because of the retinal location that offers the best visual acuity.
Researchers at the University of Vienna, Austria had shown that dogs can classify complex color photos and separate them into categories much like humans. They had also demonstrated that dogs can learn by using a computer automated touch screen. This method proved that it could be useful for testing learning strategies and comparing cognitive abilities of different breeds.
While some researchers are studying how humans have collaborated with dogs and the genetic bases of this interaction, other researchers have thrown light on the connection between aggression in dogs and genes that are involved in neurotransmission in the brain.
Many healthy dogs are euthanized because they have behavioral problems, particularly if they are being aggressive towards people. Studying connections between genes and aggressive behavior in dogs might help us better understand the interplay between genetics and environmental factors that influence dogs’ behavior.
Dennis Dornon
Please visit ThePound.org to learn more about your local Animal Shelter and Pet Kennels.
Puppy Mills Are Not the Best Choice For Getting a Pet
Dog Information – Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are businesses that force dogs to produce litter after litter in order to satisfy the demand for puppies. Sold in pet stores or online, puppies do not have a happy life in a puppy mill. Disease, malnutrition and suffering prevail in some puppy mills and the result can be that a puppy might die after a few days from when he was bought.
People are not always aware of what a puppy mill is when they buy a dog from a pet store or over the Internet. There are about 4,000 such operations in the U.S. producing more than half a million puppies every year.
In some puppy mills, female dogs are bred every time they are in heat and the result is that litters decrease in size. Although it is recommended that the puppies should stay with their mothers for eight to ten weeks, they are sometimes weaned from their mothers before this period. A pedigree offered by such a business is not always authentic, and even pet stores that sell the animals are not always aware of the breeding conditions. Animals sold as purebred dogs might not be what the sellers claim to be, but the higher price associated with purebreds is tempting for people involved in such businesses.
Reputable breeders would not distribute pure bloodlines in such manner. They usually participate in dog shows where their dogs take part in conformation and obedience contests. By witnessing such an event, you can see for yourself how the animals are groomed and treated. Although acquiring a pet this way may cost more money, there are fewer chances to get a sick dog. What you need to know is that such breeders have waiting lists for their dogs, as they do not breed as much or as often as puppy mills do.
Animals bred in these mills often suffer from health and social problems. If the animals are raised in a cramped space, shared by many others, they tend to socialize poorly with both humans and other animals. Transportation from the mill to a pet store is also done in poor conditions quite often. Animal rights groups have campaigned against such breeders that offer poor conditions. The media has also joined the effort to expose poor conditions in puppy mills. Such campaigns are designed to make people more aware of what is happening in some puppy mills and stop buying animals from such breeders in order to stop the cycle that allows this industry to thrive.
Only some aspects of the dog breeding industry are regulated by law. However, the increasing awareness of the public has led to new laws that are aimed at stopping abuses at puppy mills. Such laws include limitations on the number of breeding females, licenses and inspections for the facilities and proper veterinary care for the animals.
Pet overpopulation and suffering for so many animals are the results of irresponsible entrepreneurs that want to maximize their profits from puppy mills. Animal shelters are places where you can really find a pet that needs your care and attention.
Dennis Dornon
Please visit ThePound.org to learn more about your local Animal Shelter and Animal Shelters.
Dog Breeding – Things You Need to Know About Dog Pregnancy
Just like in pregnant humans and other mammals, pregnant dogs need special considerations. And a pregnant dog is as fragile as any other expecting animal on the planet.
During the early stages of a dog’s pregnancy, the signs are indistinct and unclear. But the most noticeable changes are the increase of nipple size, weight gain, loss of appetite, some vomiting and changes in normal behavior. Some pregnant dogs may also become more affectionate and clingy.
A visit to the vet will let you know for certain if your pet dog is pregnant or not. As early as 26 days after a female dog is bred, a pregnancy test can already be performed. The method that vets use to test dog pregnancy is by means of a simple blood test that would look for a hormone known as relaxin. The said hormone will stay in the pregnant dog’s bloodstream for the entire pregnancy until up to 14 days after whelping.
With the aid of an ultrasound, a vet can determine the number of puppies inside the mother dog’s womb as well as their sizes. It is very helpful because it will prepare both the owner and the doctor of any possible complications during delivery.
The entire pregnancy usually lasts 63-65 days. And pregnant dogs often prefer to eat smaller amounts of food in more frequent intervals. The main reason is that the puppies inside the womb would take up the abdominal space resulting to lesser stomach space. It is important to provide pregnant dogs with a balanced diet to keep the mother dog healthy as well as the puppies.
If calcium supplements are given to pregnant women, it should be the opposite in pregnant dogs. Calcium supplements should be avoided to reduce the risk of eclampsia during the period when the mother dog will feed her little pups. Calcium supplements given during pregnancy will most likely prevent the body’s ability to regulate calcium naturally. When this happens, her body would no longer be able to meet the puppies’ demand for milk. Sometimes it would result to seizures and trembling, severe cases can even lead to death.
Exercise is also very important during pregnancy but it should not be exhausting for the pregnant dog. During the final days of the pregnancy you will know when to provide the dog with a whelping box by the time the bitch show signs of nesting behavior and become very restless. And the sure sign that the puppies are about to say hello to the world is when the mother dog’s temperature drops.