God and Dog

I have to share a video that a friend sent me. It's by Wendy Francisco, an artist whose first animated video reached a million views on YouTube in its first 40 days. Not only is the song beautiful, but the dog is probably the cutest freakin' animated animal I've ever seen.





Make sure to visit Wendy's website, as well as her GoD and DoG site.

Hey, You!

Yes, you, the one who is thinking about getting a cute new puppy or kitten. Have you checked out the Humane Society’s Adoption Pledge? Visit their pledge website to find out great information on why to adopt from a shelter. Some interesting tidbits:

* Between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in US animal shelters
* One in four shelter dogs are purebred
* Most animals in shelters are there not because of “animal problems”, but “people problems”

Adopting a shelter pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Yes, it can be challenging, but once you earn your pet’s trust, you can be treated to love and loyalty.

8 foods not to feed fido

You may share lots of things with your best friend but here are 8 common foods that are dangerous for dogs (and cats) if you are conscerned that your pet has eatten any of these foods contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poision Control Center at 800-426-4435.

1. Chocolate
   Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
   Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.
   
   
2. Grapes (this includes rasins)
   

   Why: Damage the kidneys.
   Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting

3. Garlic, Onions
   Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
   Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-colored urine, weakness, anemia
   
   
4. Xylitol (ingredient in sugarless gum)
   Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.
   
   
5. Alcohol
   Why: Depress the nervous system.
   Poisonous to: All species.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.
   
6. Raw Yeast, Bread Dough
   Why: Forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
   Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizure
   
   
7. Macadamia Nuts
   Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.
   
   
8. Avocados
   Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
   Poisonous to: Most species―birds are especially sensitive.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents)

Real Simple Magazine October 2009

Save a Dog helps find forever homes!

I’ve been trying to beef up my pet lover connections on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, and as a result, I stumbled onto Save a Dog. Save a Dog is Dogtime’s Facebook application. There was a great story about a cross-country trip to place a dog in his forever home. There are so many things about this story that were just amazing, including the fact that this particular dog has been adopted in real life by the same person who has been virtually fostering him online (virtually fostering a dog has been something that I really have been meaning to start. In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog month, I believe this is the perfect time).

Another great discovery: Roads of Hope, an organization “dedicated to bringing homeless animals to their forever families.” Check out their Web site. It’s amazing, and what’s even more touching are the people who are always so willing to help. I’m definitely going to be signing up to work in volunteer animal transport.