Animal Rescue

A 9-11 Tribute – Search and Rescue Dogs at Ground Zero

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a decade since the Twin Towers fell. Each year we bow our heads in remembrance of those lost and in honor of those who worked tirelessly in the days and weeks following that fateful day. Some don’t remember or don’t know that service dogs played a vital role in search, rescue and recovery at those disaster sites. I came across this video tribute to the service dogs who worked the Trade Center site, and I really think it is something for everyone to see. Please watch the video and remember these magnificent animals for their past and present service.

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Every Dog Deserves its Day: National Dog Day

Service Dog - National Dog Day

National Dog Day

It’s National Dog Day—a day to remember and recognize all that these wonderful creatures do for us without question. Dogs save lives, keep us healthy, guide our blind and disabled, protect our neighborhoods, and bring joy to our families. Dogs do so much good for the world, yet so many of them end up neglected, abandoned, and abused.

National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe, and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.” (www.nationaldogday.com)

Take a moment to say ‘Thank you’ to your dog today. Something as simple as an extra belly rub or a special treat will be appreciated. Think about donating to your local animal shelter, or host a special dog-gathering with friends. Maybe even think about adding to your fur family on National Dog Day. Whatever you do, remember to celebrate all the wonderful things that dogs do for us each and every day.

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Rural Rejects – Unwanted Pets and How They Found Love

I grew up in the country, rural Northeastern Pennsylvania to be exact. Raised on a beautiful 30 acre farmette, my family always had animals from cats and dogs to poultry, llamas, sheep, horses, and lots of others. It was hobby farming, no production other than new babies in the spring and hayfields to harvest for winter feeding. Over the years our little farm became the home to many pets tossed out along the roadside and left to their fate by others far less compassionate towards them. While from origins unknown, more than one of these unfortunate animals found a place in our hearts and home. More >

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Pet Fire Safety Check – How Does Your Home Compare?

Dog lying by open flameLast Thursday was National Pet Fire Safety Day. A house fire has always been one of my greatest fears so when the AKC put out their tips on avoiding this potential tragedy I was shocked to learn that almost 1,000 house fires last year were actually started by the family pets themselves. Some of the pet fire safety tips the AKC gave were obvious to me, but others were more subtle. Planning for the unexpected tragedy is an integral part of responsible pet ownership.

How to prevent your pet from starting fires

Extinguish open flames – Curious by nature, pets will often investigate candles or stovetops. Never leave an open flame, such as a candle or gas stove, unattended and be sure to double check that all flames have been put out before leaving your home. More >

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Adopting Shelter Pets – Interesting Findings in a Recent Survey

Bassett behind BarsThere is no question that adopting a pet from a shelter can be the right course of action for many families looking for a pet. My second dog, Gatsby, was adopted from a rescue organization. I knew from the start that I wanted to adopt, but the process was so arduous I thought it might never happen!

I filled out countless adoption forms, both online and in person; mailed, faxed, made calls and left messages with various agencies in my area for weeks on end. When my form was finally reviewed, the pet I was interested in was already adopted out and I had to go through the whole process all over again. There was even one instance where I was rejected as an applicant because I worked a regular job.  There seemed to be a delay in when their websites were updated and what pets were actually available or had other adopters applying. I got lucky when one of my adoption forms landed in the inbox of a very dedicated foster mom who contacted me promptly about Gatsby. We did our interview over the phone and she accepted photos of my house as a “visit”. She called all three of my references that day, and had my current pets’ records faxed to her too. After all that, I was finally approved for a dog that hadn’t yet found a home, the catch? I had to leave the next morning for a three hour drive to pick him up. The whole process took me many months but ended very quickly with a sweet, cuddly puppy sitting on my lap for the long ride home. More >

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Animal Cruelty and Abuse – Understanding the Law and Reporting Violators

Cock FightHello, Frank Indiviglio here.  Despite the many people and groups involved in animal welfare and conservation, the sad fact is that animal abuse and neglect remains a serious problem USA.  Unfortunately, the relevant laws are quite confusing and lack uniformity, and it is often difficult which agency is responsible for enforcing them.  It is worthwhile, however, to learn as much as you can about how to proceed – most enforcement authorities are poorly staffed, and rely almost exclusively upon citizen complaints for leads.

State and Federal Laws

Animal abuse is a crime in all 50 states, and almost all aspects of the problem are controlled by state law.  The only areas covered by a federal law (the Animal Welfare Act) are commercial animal breeding facilities, zoos, circuses and research labs.

Details, such as what constitutes abuse or neglect and how the laws are actually enforced, vary from state to state.  In some states, various types of illegal situations (i.e. dog-fighting, neglect in pet stores, abused animals in private residences) are handled by different law-enforcement agencies.  More >

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It’s Spring…Here Come the “Orphaned” Wild Animal Babies!

Frank and Wallaby
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.  Once you acquire the reputation of being a skilled pet-keeper (or of having a soft heart!), springtime may bring with it requests from well-meaning folks that you care for “abandoned” animal babies they have found.  In my long experience as a wildlife rehabilitator I have raised Flying Squirrels, Opossums, Raccoons, Muskrats and many other furry friends (the oddest being a Star-Nosed Mole!) – very rewarding work, but not to be taken on lightly. More >

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