breeding may be detrimental to your DNA

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but the humans who created them through generations of breeding have saddled them with an excess of detrimental DNA, according to a new study.

For instance, the people who bred poodles to have black coats left many of these dogs with extra copies of a gene called KITLG, which helps determine the pigmentation of skin and hair. Those extra copies of KITLG have also made these dogs more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, in their nail beds.

Humans shaped the DNA of modern dogs in several ways along the road to domestication.

First, they created what’s called a population bottleneck by breeding a small number of wild wolves. When the domestication process began as much as 33,000 years ago, people favored the wolves with desirable traits, such as docility or an instinct to help hunters capture large prey.

These early fanciers picked their favorite animals and bred them, a process known as artificial selection. Inevitably, this involved a certain amount of inbreeding. Although inbreeding can cement beneficial traits in a population of dogs, it also locks in whatever troublesome genes the founders happened to have. To make matters worse, the population lacks the genetic diversity it needs to counter the effects of those bad genes.

To see how domestication and the creation of breeds affected the DNA of modern-day dogs, UCLA geneticist Clare Marsden and her colleagues examined the genomes of 46 dogs from 34 distinct breeds. Those genomes were compared with the genomes of 19 wolves (the ancestors of dogs), 25 village dogs (which were domesticated from wolves but not channeled into breeds) and one golden jackal (a more distant relative of wolves and dogs).

The analysis revealed that compared with wolves in general, breed dogs had more DNA mutations that were harmful. However, a few groups of wolves that were especially isolated — such as Isle Royale wolves and Tibetan wolves — had even more of these dangerous DNA changes, according to the study.

The researchers then took a closer look at a selection of genomes in their sample that had been sequenced in the most detail. They found that compared to wolves, breed dogs had 22% more cases of genes that had not one but two copies of a harmful mutation, because it was inherited from both parents.

The results “highlight the costs associated with selective breeding and question the practice  [of] favoring the breeding of individuals that best fit breed standards,” the study authors wrote.

The findings aren’t just relevant to dogs (and the people who love them). They may help certain species that are finding themselves increasingly isolated as their habitat shrinks. To keep these populations vital, conservationists should do what they can to make sure the animals maintain a decent-sized population, both in the wild and in captivity. Having a big enough gene pool is more important than preventing inbreeding, the scientists discovered.

11 things your dog can teach you

I have never claimed to know it all. Like most people, I am constantly learning and growing from my life experiences and the people I meet.

However, it never dawned on me that I could potentially learn the most from one of my best friends in the whole world: my dog.

Just like there are ways that our dogs show us their love, there are just as many ways that we can learn from our dogs.

We’ve all heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I just never thought that the roles could be reversed and that my canine friend would be teaching me.

Scroll through this exclusive list of things your dog can teach you. These are such great reminders that the best lessons in life can come from the most unexpected places.

I truly love my dog, but after reading this, I may just have to say an extra big “thank you” for teaching me so much.

-- Phil Mutz (is that is real name?)

Kimo is limping

A couple of months ago, I noticed Kimo is limping.  Often I see when dogs limp they seem to heal themselves are are back to normal in a day or two.  But this time the limping continued.

I'm not sure how he injured his leg.  One guess was that he was really excited about Jojo and started running around and making energetic play motions.  Something he rarely does with Jojo.  Or maybe it was when he ran from the front yard to the backyard in anticipation of getting fed.

Or maybe it was the time the boxer jumped him.

Or the time Jojo jumped him after he growled at June trying to pet him.

Anyway, I decided to take him to Dr. Asato.  She moved his leg back and forth.  Pulled out something from his paw.  But was still limping.

I wasn't sure what the diagnosis was, but she decided to give him acupuncture treatments.  He kind of yelped when they stuck the needles in him, but seemed ok during the 30 minute treatment.

She was saying that acupuncture releases endorphins.  I think that one of its functions is as a natural pain killer that the body produces. I'm not exactly sure how that would heal the sore leg.

She also mentioned to limit his movement.

The second time I took him, she mentioned she thought it was the bicep tendon.  He behaved better this time.  I also mentioned to her about taking an MRI since that was they did to my mom when she hurt her shoulder.  But she took an x-ray instead.  The x-ray seemed OK but had a light coloration in the shoulder area.

She decided to do a consult with a specialist and said it may have been a previous injury.

She also gave me some medicine which they use on horses to help build up the cartilage or some such.

She again mentioned not to have him strain himself.  I've been leaving him in the back, but sometimes he would jump up on to the hothouse slab on the way to the grassy area.  The problem was when he came back, he would have to jump down a couple of high steps which might jar his injury.  So I blocked off the entrance with some stone blocks.

I also put some small bricks on the step down from the slab in the back, so he would have only a small step down when walking off the slab.

The third time, I mentioned the MRI again.  But she said they would have to anesthetize him.  So we proceeded with the acupunction.

Before the fourth time, Kimo and Jojo interacted and I heard Kimo squeal.  I think Kimo was sniffing Jojo's underneath area and Jojo didn't like it and went after him.  Didn't see what happened as it was over before I ran to the backyard.

I mentioned that Kimo wasn't putting weight on his leg.  The doctor maneuvered his leg again and noticed a sound as she moved his leg.  She said she might have re-injured it again.  This time Kimo was squealing when they put in the needles.

The day before the fifth time, I had Kimo tied with a long cord as he was lying down outside the back gate.  I tried to tug him back in but he would come in.  And when I came him he started to growl and was showing teeth.  I think he was either in pain or just didn't want to move.

So I skipped the fifth session.

In the meantime, I had scheduled a session with Wendy Simmons who Dr. Asato had recommended.  I put on the muzzle that she brought (which I had recommended to her for safety reasons).  He was reacting and was stiff as she tried to get him used to her hands around his face area.  But after a while he calmed down and was able to massage him.

However he was still not putting pressure on his leg.  And would offer no resistance if you tried to lift up his leg.

I mentioned that to Wendy when she came for her second session.  First she started with UltraSound which he got used to after a while.  Then she lifted his leg and he squealed.  That made her think that it was more than bicep tendinitis and there might be something wrong with his shoulder.

She completed the massage and I told her I think I was going to take her to another of my vets for another opinion and she concurred.

I was debating whether to take him to Dr. Chang or Dr. Kamiya.  I had about decided on Dr. Chang.  But then I check my voice mail.

Wendy had called that she talked with Dr. Asato.  And that she recommended a consult with Dr. Yoshioka who's an orthopedic specialist.  He doesn't have his own office and apparently works out of other offices.  So I could call Makai Animal Clinic to coordinate an appointment.

Anyway I called today and Cookie said the Dr. Asato would have to recommend it, but she wasn't in today, so she'll talk to her tomorrow.  And also that Dr. Yoshioka's fee is $180.  I'm looking at it that he must be good to able to charge that price.

The other thing I've noticed is that there's some scabs scales on his right leg.  Dr. Asato thinks it's scabies so she had given me some shampoo to wash it with.  But I notice some similar scabs on his ears.  I combed it off with the flea comb.  Hopefully it's just dirt or sap or something.

Anyway, stay tuned.  Poor Kimo.

[6/18/15]
had the consult with Dr. Yoshioka
move his leg around and said that his shoulder is popping out
two possible treatments:
immobilization and rest
or surgery (followed by immobilization, rest, therapy)
it would be major surgery
20% chance of complications which is twice normal due to his age, etc.
the prognosis is not as good since it's been several months since the injury and the muscle has atrophied
will have Dr. Asato write up an estimate

[6/20/15]
decided to make an appointment with Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital
want to get a second opinion
and possibly build him up in preparation for possible surgery
since last time he was built up in preparation for his teeth extraction surgery

[6/20/15]
Dr. Asato calls back saying that Dr. Yoshioka is not really encouraging surgery
due to Kimo's age and predisposition
surgery estimated to cost $3000
alternatively could try put him in a sling to limit movement
but if that's not successful, surgery will become even less likely of success

[6/23/15]
See to Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital.  Takes x-rays and blood test.  X-ray look OK.  Blood test shows high bilirubin.  Will schedule an ultrasound to investigate further

[6/30/15]
took ultrasound.  showed sediment in his gall bladder.  will try to see if they can flush it out with medication

[7/13/15]
Duane suggested I take him to Dr. Yoza, who does resonant healing.  So today was his first session.  Warned him about Kimo's bite history and he says they don't do dogs that bite.  But I told him it would probably be OK, if I held him (which I did gently).  Kind of waved his hands.  Mentioned maybe it was a nerve problem (which Dr. Chang suggested) and he said maybe it's a pinched nerve

[7/17/15]
Kimo was crying in the red ginger.  Take him to Dr. Yoza.  Sign up for the seven session plan.

[7/20/15]
pick up Kimo's prescription, which is a liquid which was refrigerated.  I probably should have headed straing home, but I stopped off at Petco to get a comfy dog bed

[7/21/15]
Dr. Yoza

[7/24/15]
Dr. Yoza says Kimo's leg looks better which might be his immune system is improving.  (I think it's because I combed out the flakes)

[7/28/15]
Dr. Yoza.  Lady with the 14 year dog comments that Kimo is limping less.  (I dunno)

[8/3/15]
comb off Kimo's right leg.  notice nails on that side are dark vs. the left side

[8/4/15]
Dr. Yoza

[8/8/15]
Dr. Yoza (last visit)

[8/17/15] snout looking a little raw, wipe legs with cotton, back leg looking scaley now

[8/31/15] see flea on Kimo's snout

[9/10/15] left rear leg looks pretty raw, full of knots on inside

[9/13/15] give Kimo a bath, notice his legs look dark

[9/14/15] one of the nails on right foot is sticking up, slightly clip a couple of nails.  left eye has mucous, wash with water, I'll take him to vet

[9/15/15] eye has mucous again, rinse it off

[9/17/15] take him to Dr. Chang.  Mange is back.  Prescribes Nexgard.  Administer another blood test.  Gets a pedicure

[9/19/15] blood test results, protein is low

[9/30/15] try lemon water for his mange

[10/4/15] more lemon water, right paw not looking so great

[10/9/15] right rear leg looks stiff, having trouble lying down

[10/10/15] give Kimo a bath, must be in pain because tries to shake off water then stops

[10/13/15] let Kimo in the house, goes around to sniff every room, hard time lying down

[10/14/15] having trouble lying down, periodically moans while lying down

[10/15/15] Kimo lying down by the couch on his side and moaning all morning through the afternoon.  Doesn't look good.  Tell Donna his time may be up.  Try to get him by slipping a towel under but he reacts negatively.  But then suddenly pops up by himself.  Take him out to pee and poop.  Then to the garage to to go the vet.

Dr. Kamiya notices loss of muscle all around (whereas before it was just his left shoulder area).  Thinks it may be severe arthritis.  Prescribes steroids, painkiller to see if condition improves.  Otherwise not so good.

[10/16/15] Is more lively and is walking better.  Still having trouble lying down, but at least he's sitting which was also having trouble doing.  Later lies down by the pillow on the hallway with his left (bad) side up.  That's a good sign.  Previously he would go by the couch and struggle down to the floor and lie down with the left side down.  Then have a hard time getting up.

[10/18/15]  Notice his rear right leg is stiff which gives him difficulty going down steps.  But overall much improved from a few days ago.

people food for dogs

By Nicole Pajer

We try to keep our dogs on their canine diets but sometimes we just can’t resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If you’d like to reward your pet with a table scrap, make sure that you choose people foods that are safe for canine tummies.


Here are a few “dog-approved” people foods:

1. Peanut butter. A favorite treat of many canines. Not only is it a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Stuff peanut butter into a Kong to keep your dog busy for hours. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.

2. Cooked chicken. Can be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add a spice and extra protein to its diet. This also makes a good meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.

3. Cheese. A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.

4. Baby carrots. Good for a dog’s teeth, carrots are low calorie and high in fiber and beta carotene/vitamin A.

5. Yogurt. High in calcium and protein. But make sure to only choose yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system.

6. Salmon. A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are responsible for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, as well as supporting your dog’s immune system. Feed your dog cooked salmon, add salmon oil to her food bowl, or slip him some of your unwanted fish skins.

7. Pumpkin. Good source of fiber as well as beta-carotene/vitamin A. It can help keep the GI tract moving and can aid with digestive issues.

8. Eggs. Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. Eggs are also a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, making them a healthy snack.

9. Green beans.Make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Select beans that have no added salt.

10. Apple slices. Help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which helps to freshen her breath. Apples are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Make sure to take out the seeds and the core before feeding to your dog, as these can be choking hazards. [comments] [apple cider vinegar]

11. Oatmeal. A great source of soluble fiber, which can be especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a great alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog. Do not add any sugar or flavor additives.


These are just a few of the human foods that you can toss your dog’s way. Remember to try them in small amounts. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian. Before giving your dog any people food, do your research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocadoes, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions on what is safe and what is harmful.

***

10 People Foods for Dogs

Paws In Prison

Charles Couch has been in prison for 3 decades. He is facing a life sentence, convicted for what he refers to as a crime of passion.

“I caught my wife with another man together and I killed them both. And that was 33 years ago almost,” he told KATV.

No one would expect a man like Couch to have a soft or compassionate side. But then he met Honey, a rescue dog in the Paws in Prison program. The Arkansas Depart of Correction prison is marrying prisoners with the pups on “doggy death row.”

The rescues are each trained by prisoners, which will make them ready for adoption, and able to avoid being euthanized. Though it may sound unusual, unconventional methods to reach the hardened crowd of inmates have seen a ton of success. In some prisons, the inmates are reformed by training horses!

“She’s taught me — I don’t know, to love again I guess,” Couch says of Honey. She’s the third dog he has trained but perhaps the most special to him. Unlike the other dogs he has trained, he lets Honey sleep in the bed with him.

“When they come to us they’re getting their second chance. When they go to their new owner, they’re getting paroled, they’re getting clemency,” Couch says.

Another inmate, William Bentley, is learning a lot about himself through the program as well. Bentley was convicted of aggravated robbery.

“He’s taught me patience, responsibility. I’m not used to having to take care of anybody other than myself. On the street my mama was taking care of me so it taught me how to take care of something other than me,” he says. “I was anti-social and having him has made me social because everybody wants to pet the dog. Everybody wants to rub him and see him and talk to him and I have to deal with them also.”


The Paws in Prison program has been shown to reduce violence in prison and turn the lives of these inmates around.

15 Things You Do That Are Unintentionally Breaking Your Dog’s Heart

There are several things we as puppy parents unintentionally do that mess with our dogs’ emotions. No matter how hard we try in our effort to be perfect, some of our human ways can lead to one confused pup. And sending mixed signals to our pups will make them more likely to misbehave. But is it really bad behavior, or bad communication?

Here are fifteen common puppy-parenting missteps you can easily avoid.

[via facebook]

Oahu SPCA animal shelter

KANEOHE, Hawaii —The Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Oahu SPCA) broke ground on Hawaii’s largest animal shelter at noon on Monday.

Click here to watch Paula Akana's report.

It’s located on 2.2 acres in Kahaluu surrounded by 18 acres of preservation land. The facility will be able to house more than 300 animals each day. It will also include a pond for abandoned fish (ex: Japanese koi), to be built by the USDA’s National Resource Conservation Service.

“We will be housing rescue koi fish that live 200 years and also providing a breeding ground for endangered birds and other wildlife,” said Stephanie Ryan, Oahu SPCA President.

In addition, there will be a predator fence and within the one-acre pond will be an island for safe refuge.

Oahu SPCA is continuing to look for donations to help. It was made possible by state grants totaling $535,000 that Representative Scott Saiki and others pushed for.

“The legislature really wanted to support organizations that provide animal welfare services,” said Rep. Saiki. “This one was particularly important because it’s a no-kill shelter.”

According to Ryan, once the concrete pier foundation is up, their structures can go up in eight days. They are hoping to be open in the next few months. Currently, there are about 170 animals at the facility in Kalaeloa, all anxious for a permanent home.

“It’s important to have a permanent home for those who care for the homeless, so we are very blessed that we have such an amazing property and support of the community to make this dream come true,” said Ryan.

To learn more about the new shelter or to make a donation, visit the “As Seen On” section of KITV.com.

Lucy and Rufus

Most of you -- Susan's and my readers -- are familiar with out Yellow Lab siblings, Rufus and Lucy, whom we've had since about their fourth day out of the womb.  Over the years, we've referenced them in our columns to make points about "unconditional love" and the sheer joys of dog companionship.

Both dogs have had the potential to outlive their normal live expentancy.

Lucy barely did.  We lost her last New Year's Eve at just over 14 years (equivalent to 98 human years) as a result of liver cancer, and enervating effects of spinal surgery and knee replacement surgery.

Rufus is still hangin' in there.  His main problems are ones to which I can personally relate, difficulty walking, in his case because of serious, classic Labrador hip dysplasia, whereby the "socket" portion of his hip joints have deteriorated so badly they no longer hold the ball portion of the joint up into the socket, so they tend to become "disjointed" when he walks.

When he collapses, we have to put a padded sling under his belly to lift him up high enough to get his hips straight down under him again so he can walk forward.

Oh, and there's the issue of his forgetfulness and dementia.  Now pushing 15 years, he's like a little old man trying to adjust to the loss of his lifetime partner.

When Lucy passed, we buried her down in the lower part of the yard where she used to just roam by the hour, pushing through shrubbery, inhaling each new smell of the day, and barking a fierce warning at any living thing that traversed the pathway just outside the chain-link fence.

Our daughter Kim Isaac, currently the practicing "artiste du jour" of the family, made a beautiful mosaic tile with Lucy's name on it for a marker.  She has promised a matching tile with Rufus' name when the time comes.

So this cool, shady place in our lower yard has taken on significance the likes of which we had never planned.  It will always be the focal point for so many warm and happy memories of Rufus and Lucy, and the joy they brought into our lives.

Every family should be so blessed.

And remember, dog spelled backwards is God.  And I think that simply is too profound a coincidence to just write it off as God messin' with our heads.

-- Jerry Coffee, MidWeek, July 15, 2015

Cecil the Lion

A dentist from Minnesota is accused of paying $55,000 to hunt down and kill a famed lion in Zimbabwe.

“Cecil the Lion” was killed in early July, authorities said. A spokesman for the dentist, Dr. Walter Palmer, told The Guardian that Palmer, 55, may have shot the lion.

“What he’ll tell you is that he had the proper legal permits and he had hired several professional guides, so he’s not denying that he may be the person who shot this lion. He is a big-game hunter; he hunts the world over,” Palmer’s spokesman told The Guardian in a statement.

A professional hunter and the land owner where the lion was killed have already been criminally charged. Police said they are looking for Palmer.

Aloha Vet

Dr. Scott Sims, the barefoot veterinarian from Kauai whose love of animals was showcased on the reality show “Aloha Vet,” died Saturday after a two-month fight with bladder cancer. He was 59.

“Aloha Vet” aired this spring on Nat Geo WILD, and Sims was in talks for a second season when he was diagnosed June 1.

Nat Geo WILD announced Sims’ death, saying he was “a great guy who truly loved caring for animals.”

“Famous for answering calls day and night to care for his patients, he truly embodied the spirit of our network by always putting animals first, and for that he will be greatly missed,” the network said in an emailed statement. “Our only consolation is that we got to share his incredible talent and humanity with the world, if just for one season.”

Sims was popular on Kauai, but he treated animals across the state, flying to other islands in a small plane he built himself. People loved his passion for saving stricken animals — a guinea pig with a tumor, a goat with a hernia, an unconscious horse in a rocky streambed.

There’s even a pig out there that can see again, thanks to Sims.

Sims said in June that his illness was a reality check with a silver lining.

“Would I wish this on anybody?” he said. “Of course not. But is it all bad? No, it isn’t all bad. I get to tell people I care about that I care about them. And they can tell that to me. And those are good things.”

Sims was an animal lover his whole life. An only child, he grew up on an acre of land in Danville, Calif., surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and birds. He was barefoot more often than not — a habit he retained in adulthood, whether driving or flying.

“My mom and dad always had trouble keeping shoes on me,” he said during an interview in March. “It drove my dad crazy.”

Sims graduated in 1984 from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in veterinary medicine. He practiced in California until about 14 years ago, when he moved from Novato to Kauai.

The move surprised friends but not as much as Sims. For most of his life he had never been interested in coming to Hawaii, but at the urging of a woman he knew, Sims visited Maui. It was more rural than he expected and definitely prettier.

“I had seen all the pictures of hotels in Waikiki, and I’m a country guy, not a city person,” he said. “I went home and started closing doors.”

He settled on Kauai, however, and brought his parents with him when they were in their 80s. Both have since died.

When he moved to Hawaii, Sims figured he would work part time. Instead, he wound up working 70 hours a week.

“I have real trouble saying no when someone comes in and needs some help,” he said in March.

Sims has no survivors. A Nat Geo WILD spokeswoman said that Sims was never married and had no children.

Dog Town USA

(CW) – The CW, in association with Litton Entertainment, announced the addition of “Dog Town, USA,” and “Save Our Shelter” to their Saturday morning line-up, One Magnificent Morning.

Each series will inspire young people to pursue their dreams while valuing the importance of dedicating oneself to the greater good of community and family. These two new shows will demonstrate the powerful interaction between humans and animals with a focus on our canine companions.

Premiering July 4^th, 2015
“Dog Town, USA” – Built on 33,000 acres of pristine land in Utah, Dog Town USA is the nation’s preeminent facility dedicated to finding safe homes for abandoned dogs. Each week, Dog Town’s highly skilled staff and internationally renowned experts first create a safe sanctuary for dogs from around the world. Then, “Dog Town USA’s” medical professionals provide personal care to each dog beginning the detailed process of rehabilitation in preparation for uniting each dog with a loving new family and home.

Premiering October 3^rd, 2015

“Save Our Shelter” follows humanitarian entrepreneur and pet expert Rocky Kanaka and renovation specialist Rob North as they hit the road to revitalize, modernize and energize animal shelters and rescue facilities across America. In each episode, the show’s hosts will engage the local community, including contractors and craftsmen, as they transform rundown rescues and shelters with the ultimate goal of creating healthy and happy environments to increase adoptions and save more pet lives. Each episode educates audiences about pet-related topics and culminates in a big reveal. Audiences will witness heartwarming news that one or more animals have arrived at their new home.

come when called (recall)

This costs $19.99 from the Amazing Dog Training Man (well, this is free)

What else is out there (preferably for free)?

ASPCA

Zak George (video)
Training Positive (video)
kikopup (video)
kikopup (adding distractions, video)
expertvillage (video)

wikihow
wikihow (5 steps with pictures)
petfinder
Perfect Paws
Ian Dunbar
The Humane Society
American Humane Association
QuickandDirtyTips
DogsNSW
Dog Owners Guide
WebMD
For Dummies (video)

OK, that's enough for now

[6/25/15] Eric Letendre (well, I guess he started off this post in the first place)
One more from Eric

Keith clamps on Jojo

I was digging some grass/weeds with Jojo out (and Kimo) out in the yard, when Pat comes out with Keith.

The usual commotion followed with Jojo running around and Keith lunging at him on the leash.  But this time, Keith caught him.

Keith had him by the side of the neck and wouldn't let go.  I pulled up Jojo since that usually makes the dog release after a while but Keith wouldn't let go.  Pat was hitting Keith in the snout, but Keith wouldn't let go.  I tried putting the flexi-leash handle between Keith's teeth, but it wouldn't fit.

After struggling for probably three or four minutes, Keith finally let go.  I noticed Keith had this crazed look in his eyes, sort of reminiscent when Kimo eyes used to turn red when he transformed into wolf mode.

I held Keith for a little so he would calm down a bit, then Pat led him away.

Checking Jojo, thankfully no blood.  Though the side of his neck was wet with saliva.

Later I wiped off the area with an alcohol wipe and he seemed OK.  Well, maybe not OK, but back to his old self.

[posted 5/14/15]

Amanda rescues Bear

When Amanda heard about a lost, lonely dog at Evans Creek campground in Washington state, she and her friend Dylan decided to do the unthinkable.

The two girls — now being hailed heroes — posted photos illustrating the great lengths they went to in order to rescue the frightened, emaciated dog known as “Bear,” who wouldn't let any humans get close.

For an hour, Amanda and Dylan tried to lure the dog with food, but it didn't work. The next day when they went back, the dog was in the same spot. Again, they tried to coax him with food, but to no avail. That’s when they got creative. Very creative.

Pretending she was injured and in need of help, Amanda laid down in fetal position on the gravel and started crawling backward toward the dog. In fact, she spent the next hour slowly inching closer and closer to Bear. When he voiced his discomfort, she’d start whimpering and yawning, which is a calming signal, and continued to inch closer until she rested directly on his side!

For two hours, Amanda and Bear cuddled, until he finally let her slip a lead around his neck. Bear was finally safe. Like the police officer who got out of his car and comforted two dogs wandering on the side of the highway, there are good people in the world.

Bear is on the road to recovery thanks to these two incredible heroes. Because of his eventual friendliness, they think he got lost from his family. They’re trying to find the dog’s owners, but if no one claims him, a local rescue group will help find him a loving home.

[via facebook]

Humane Society West?

Hawaiian Humane Society officials estimate at least half of the roughly 27,000 animals that enter its Moiliili facility annually could instead make their way to a new West Oahu site expected to be open in about two years.

D.R. Horton — Schuler Division, developer of the 11,750-home Hoo­pili project between Kapo­lei and Ewa, announced Tuesday that it is giving the Humane Society a 4-acre site for a second facility to accommodate animals in need.

The parcel is on undeveloped land near Fort Weaver and Old Fort Weaver roads, about a half-mile from the Queen's Medical Center-West Oahu.

Besides animal services such as sheltering for stray and lost animals, spaying and neutering, adoptions, lost and found, dog training classes and youth education, the Humane Society will operate a dog park, which will encompass about half the property and be open to the public, said Pamela Burns, the group's president and CEO.

Burns said her organization has sought a West Oahu site since 1999. When the new site opens, at least half of the 27,000 animals that now enter the Moiliili shelter each year will instead go to the new site, she said.

"What we don't know is how many more will need sheltering from West Oahu that are not being transported to our Moiliili shelter," Burns said.

A recent survey showed that while just over half of Oahu households have a pet, about 74 percent of West Oahu households own pets, Humane Society officials said.

Burns said she and Horton-Schuler have been discussing the gift for several years, although it wasn't finalized until last week.

"Now that we've gotten the gift of land, we will begin our planning process as soon as possible," Burns said. "So we are working as quickly as possible to make this happen."

The dog park will be about 2.5 acres, significantly larger than the one the Humane Society opened at its Moiliili location in 1999.

The society is in the end stages of an $18 million capital improvements funding drive, and about half that money is slated for development of a new West Oahu campus, society board Chairman Richard Zwern said.

Burns said she expects about 25 new paid employees to work out of the West Oahu campus. She said the society also has 600 active volunteers, and "we know by opening a campus in West Oahu, we will attract many more volunteers from West Oahu to join our forces."

The Moiliili facility currently has about 85 full-time staff members.

If the society chooses to ask for additional help from the city, it might not get a warm reception from the Caldwell administration.

The organization has a current operating budget of $7.3 million, which includes $2.3 million from a contract with the city for animal services.

When it asked for additional funding in 2013 to meet the scope of its work, city officials balked. The two sides agreed to allow the group to reduce its field services.

***

So what's the difference between the Hawaiian Humane Society and the Oahu SPCA which is in Kapolei?  It's a no-kill facility.

Kimo vs. Jojo

Kimo now 0-3 this year.

First was a couple of months ago when I took him to the dog park when he was having his gum disease issues.  One of the dogs jumped him and Kimo went down.  I ran over but the dog was off before I got there.  After that Kimo stayed away from the group and looked like he wanted to go home.

Then was last week (thereabouts).  Amy was coming back and Kimo lies to go down Amy's driveway.  So we went down.  One of the boxers was loose, went up to Jojo and jumped him.  Down went Kimo.  I was going to grab the boxer but he was off in a couple of seconds.  Don't know if Kimo made a face at him or what?  After that Kimo wanted to go home, but I made him stay at the stone wall at the top of the driveway for a little while.

Then today I was out with Kimo after coming back from an early walk to the beginning of the street.  Jojo came and so we went to the end of the street.  June came out to take her green bin.

Kimo went over to her and June had him sniff her hand and tried to acclimate him to her.  But after a little while he tensed up and snapped at her.   Surprisingly, Jojo went wild and jumped on Kimo, like a wolf attacking a bigger animal.

I managed to grab Jojo and pull him off, but then he went back and jumped on Kimo again.  I gave Kimo some slack and tried to stay between them and eventually they calmed down.

But after that, Jojo was limping.  We went back home and Kimo went to the lower landing and Jojo went to the top landing.

After things seemed settled, I came out to feed them and I noticed that Jojo was limping again.  I examined Kimo and it looked like the tip of his ear got nipped.  Then later I noticed two bite marks on the inside of Jojo's

They both seemed to eat OK,  Maybe they were hungry from the fight.  Then Jojo jumped down and hopped his way home.  We'll see how he is when he comes back.

Hopefully he'll heal by himself.  I remember that Koa (Eddie's dog) used to limp once in a while.  But then the next time you saw him he seemed to be walking/running OK.

[3/28/15]  I didn't expect Jojo to show up today.  But he did with little or no trace of a limp.  Things seemed more or less normal, but I'm keeping an eye just in case.

Jojo ran down when Pat was out with Keith on his leash.  Keith was yapping at him and Jojo would seemingly taunt him by going close and backing off.  I was a little worried that Jojo might jump him like he did Jojo, so it's a good sign that he would back off when Keith charged at him.

Tuffy and Comfortis

I've been taking Tuffy out once in a while, now that Nalu has him tied up outside the fenced area.

I notice a few weeks ago that he had fleas, so I combed a bunch out.

The next time, he still had fleas, so I combed more out.

Last week, he still had fleas, so I decided to give him a bath.

Yesterday, I checked and it seemed to be better.  But then the more I combed, the more fleas came out.  He still had a lot of fleas.

So I decided to give him a Comfortis.

Needed to weigh him to see how much I should give.  Bring out the scale and carry him.  He's 28 pounds.  Heavier than Kimo even though they're about the same length and height and Tuffy looks really skinny.  (Well, actually Kimo is really skinny too).

Feeding time.  Tuffy gobbled up the Comfortis like nothing.  Just like he gobbles his regular food.

Check back like an hour later and I noticed a bunch of fleas had emerged and were perched at the top of his fur.  Pick them out and put them in detergent water.  I noticed most of them seemed half-dead as they sank in the water without any struggles.

Well, hopefully this works.  We'll see when I check next time.

Bailey, play dead

http://www.wimp.com/dogplays/

Big Island Dog Rescue

It was always about more than saving dogs.

When Kailua-Kona resident Tasi Autele sat down with his daughter Finnley at the Hawaii Island Humane Society on a recent day and reluctantly told her that some pets never find homes, the girl took the news with a child's faith.

"She went around and talked to all the dogs," said Autele. "She said, ‘My daddy's not going to let anything happen to you.'"

And when Finnley, 4, returned, she looked her father squarely in the eyes and asked, "Right, Dad?"

Autele smiled, squirmed and made a promise he had no idea whether he could keep.

"That's right, sweetie."

Weeks of brainstorming with his wife, Tricia, followed. The couple decided to try to create a program inspired by the Maui Humane Society's Wings of Aloha Transfer Program.

On March 6 three dogs boarded an Alaska Airlines flight from Kona to Portland, Ore., bound for the Columbia Humane Society in Sandy. Among the departing was Luke, a shy, placid 4-year-old Cata­houla who had been dropped off during the night at the Humane Society.

The shipment marked the sixth animal that Autele's newly formed Big Island Dog Rescue has placed with the Oregon facility since it started operating at the beginning of February.

"What's going on in the Pacific Northwest is that there is a huge demand and no supply," said Columbia shelter manager Dean Cox, reached by phone. "We bring 40 dogs up in a van load at a time from L.A. What Tasi is doing is easy to manage."

Eventually, Autele would like to transport dogs from overburdened shelters around the state to mainland facilities with high adoption rates.

It's taken a lot of work, and it's going to take more. Autele has maxed out credit cards, and he estimates he's spent 12 to 15 hours a day getting the venture registered and legal, setting up ways for people to donate, and networking between the Hawaii Island Humane Society and the mainland.

It costs about $450 to ship each dog by cargo, so Autele is seeking volunteers to fly dogs as checked luggage to Portland, and volunteers willing to fly back with empty pet carriers.

"The infrastructure is in place now," he said.

Kimo's gum disease

About the end of last year, I was noticing that Kimo's leg was looking scaley and I noticed that he started dripping pink saliva.  Then he started not eating that well.

So I finally took him to the vet.

I thought it might be a skin problem or maybe a return of the mange, but it turned out that Kimo had gum disease.  It looked pretty bad, so it was diagnosed that he would have to have teeth extracted.

They took a blood test to make sure that he would be OK for the anesthetic and got a call back for Dr. Kamiya saying the blood test was mostly good and they would call back with an estimate.  Never got a call back so I called them after a few days.  They gave me a verbal estimate, but apparently they were having equipment problems so they couldn't do it right away.

So not wanting to wait, I did a search for dog dentistry Hawaii (or something) and came up with Aloha Animal Hospital and called them.

In the meantime he was really having trouble eating and I resorted to giving him raw egg mixed with small bits of fish.

They confirmed the diagnosis of gum disease and the vet (the weekend guy on duty) gave him some antibiotics.  With the antibiotics, he seemed to get a lot better.

I went back a few days later and saw Dr. Chang who's the head of Aloha Animal Hospital.

Yep, gum disease.  But he didn't like some of the readings of the blood test (in particular the albumen).  So the plan was to give him her antibiotic and some A/D canned food which was meant to build him up.

Kimo's condition got better with the antibiotics and the food.

The next blood test (a couple weeks later) was much better but still not quite back in the desired range.  We could take a chance and operate or try to build him up some more.

The second one.  So a couple of weeks later another blood test (which turned out to be improved and in range).

In the meantime, I took him to another vet for confirmation and possible alternative treatment.  And yep, gum disease confirmed.

Decided to stick with Dr. Chang for the operation and took him in the next week.  He pulled out most of this teeth.  Told me some of them more brittle which was a sign of bad nutrition.  He still has a couple of his front teeth and a few of his back teeth.

He prescribed puppy food for the next few months to build him up and recommended Hills Science Diet A/B which is what he feeds his dogs (if it's good enough for him...)

The first day or so, he didn't want to eat.  Don't blame him.  But then started eating more after a couple of days.

Took him back after a couple of weeks.  Gums look much better now.  But still has some rough skin condition on his lower front leg.  Told me to shampoo it off.  I told him I thought it might be his mange coming back.

Dr. Chang was surprised that was still on ivomec.  Told me that he has never had a dog in his practice on ivomec permanently.  So did a skin scraping which came back negative and took him off the ivomec.

I kind of combed off the scales off his leg but didn't bathe him yet.  And am giving him canned food with his kibble.  He seems to have a little more energy but his poop is starting to get soft again, especially after the first poop which is normally OK.  Maybe it's because I'm trying out different canned foods.

So now the crisis is over and am now in monitor mode.

Petey

Petey, Malia's terrier passed away a couple of months ago.

Petey was a dominant dog.  Malia said he used to chase kids in her neighborhood.

And even at home, he used to nip at Shirley (their black cocker spaniel) when she got too close.

I remember trying to walk Petey with Kimo.  They both got into it.  It probably took a minute or two for them to settle down enough for me to walk them, but it seemed like a lot longer.

I had to have them on opposite sides of me as Petey would tend to lunge at the other dogs.  I didn't really walk him all that much, but he seemed to be getting a little better each time.  Emphasis on little.

I started walking him occasionally but then he hurt his leg and I laid off for a while.

Then I remember getting him after not seeing for a long while and was surprised that he seemed happy to see me and ran up to me.  He actually walked pretty well using the choke chain (which acted more or less a collar, not really used for corrections).

Petey is another one I'll miss.

Cesar 911

[10/15/15] Season 3 coming in 2016

[2/27/15]  How to watch Season 2 of Cesar 911

[1/15/14] Cesar's getting a new show.  Sounds a lot like Dog Whisperer 2.  Hope so anyway.  If so, it should fare better than Leader of the Pack and Doggie Nightmares.  Neither of which measured up to MPH's production efforts which had a lot to do with DW's success (imo).

***

Cesar Millan is coming back for the bad dogs in new Nat Geo Wild series “Cesar 911″ — and he’s only bringing Milkbones for the ones who “sit” and “stay.”

The new series, produced by ITV Studios America (“Hell’s Kitchen”) in association with Leepson Bounds Entertainment, premieres on Friday, Mar. 7, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo. It will debut internationally on Nat Geo Wild in April, billed as “Cesar to the Rescue.”

Each week, the “Dog Whisperer” is summoned by co-workers, relatives, friends and neighbors to take on a four-legged menace that is terrorizing their community. Millan will evaluate the situation and rehabilitate the problem dogs — as well as their humans.

Each episode of “Cesar 911″ will consist of two stories within one community. First, Millan will meet with the whistle-blowers to get briefed on the situation. He then evaluates both the dogs and owners through home, business and neighborhood locations where the dogs display their problem behavior. There, he’ll either get to work right on the spot, or relocate the troubled pooches to his Dog Psychology Center for more in-depth cases.

On the premiere episode of “Cesar 911,” “Family Feud,” Millan heads to Orange County to tackle black Lab mix Misty and Shiba Inu mix Auggie, who are biters. The following week on “Boss With a Bark,” Millan will take on a yapping Bichon Frise trio. On March 21′s “Dog Fight,” he’ll be called in to break up dog-agrressive Boxers and a nippy Chihuahua.

*** [3/1/14]

You’ve probably got a barker somewhere in the neighborhood, or the dog that’s always getting out. You may have a neighbor whose dog is aggressive toward everything. Maybe you haven’t visited your sister for a while because her dog is out of control, or avoid the dog park because of one particular dog owner and their misbehaving hound.

You really can’t just walk up to these people and tell them they need to fix their dog. People can take it very personally when you criticize their dog training skills. But what if there were a way to blow the whistle and get help in these situations?

That’s exactly what a whole bunch of people did, and the result is my all-new series, “Cesar 911,” premiering on NatGeo WILD this Friday, March 7th, at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time. I’m very proud of this show and excited to share it with you, because it goes beyond anything I’ve done before.
Instead of helping just one family and dog at a time, I’m now helping entire communities work together to bring balance to the dog or dogs that have been causing conflict. I get called in to help a restaurateur whose dogs are scaring away customers, a family who’s afraid of their own dog, a Chihuahua terrorizing an entire dance school, and a lot more.

The best part about it, for me, is that bringing the community into it does more than just rehabilitate dogs. It heals people and reduces tension and conflict.

***

According to this facebook post, the show will supposedly be available on hulu and youtube, 30 days after the showing on TV.  We'll see.  Because that's what they said about Leader of the Pack and nothing.

*** [4/27/14]

Yep, available on hulu.  Hopefully it sticks around and doesn't disappear like Dog In The City did (for example).  Also mirrored to dailymotion and uploaded to youtube by natgeowild.

The season is already with over (only six episodes), but has been renewed for another season.

*** [1/3/15]

Noticed Cesar 911 is now on Netflix.  That makes up a little for the Dog Whisperer being taken off Hulu and The Best of Dog Whisperer being taken off Netflix.  A couple of other shows have caught my attention.  Lucky Dog on Hulu, a current series which is currently being shown on CBS.  And Animal House, a series from 2004.

*** [1/4/15]

Season 2 starts airing in February, preceded by Cesar's live show special Viva Las Vegas.

*** [1/8/15]  The first episode of season 2 will air on February 27.

Sonic

So many of you followed the story of Sonic, the 98-pound blue fawn pit bull deemed too aggressive to be adopted and “sentenced” to Cesar’s care by a judge in Apple Valley. We are so proud to report that, thanks to Paws for Veterans, Sonic is now in his forever home with US veteran Ray Lewis in South Florida, working as a service dog. Sonic — we salute you!

dog catches bus to the dog park

by herself

[via iliodentals]