From Pet Talk, Texas A&M University
It made for a lot of cute jokes about being “biting mad” over everything from his master’s imminent departure to liberal media bias. But there’s nothing funny about the bite that Barney, President George W. Bush’s Scottish terrier, gave a Reuters reporter recently. Had Barney been a Rottweiler or a pit bull, nobody would be laughing. (And it turns out Barney is an unrepentant recidivist: In September, he chomped Boston Celtics PR rep Heather Walker when the team visited the White House, and there is a standing order that tour-takers are not permitted in the Rose Garden if Barney is meandering outside. Ankles, watch out!) Barney took responsibility for the Reuters incident, issuing an apology to political reporter Joe Decker on his own letterhead.

The First Dog’s transgressions seem a timely prompt for some dog-greeting tips:

Get permission

Decker did ask Barney’s handler if he could pet the dog, but many passersby do not. The verbal exchange also lets the dog know that his owner knows and accepts you, and so he should, too. But actually wait to hear the answer: No means no.
Approach obliquely

In polite canine society, approaching head-on is a serious faux pas, and one that can trigger defensiveness. Instead, approach from an angle, always making sure, though, that the dog can see you.

No staring contests

Similarly, making direct eye contact – and, worse, maintaining it – communicates a significant challenge in canine body language. Instead, use signals that communicate calm and friendliness: eye-blinking, offering your profile (more of that oblique stuff), even yawning. Don’t hold your breath.

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Dear Editor,
The governor is proposing a 9 percent tax on veterinary services to begin Feb. 1, 2009.
I am a full-time student, working full-time. I live paycheck to paycheck. I have rescued a dog from someone who was neglecting her in Gilroy. I knew what I was getting into. Pet care is expensive.
I am respectfully asking readers to join me in asking the governor not to make it more expensive by taxing my charitable act of caring for this animal. I am keeping a dog out of a shelter, saving taxpayers’ money.”Subjecting complicated veterinary medical procedures and treatments to taxation would be the same as taxing health care for children in California,” says William Grant, II, DVM, president of the CVMA. “What will happen to the sick or injured pets of people already struggling with potential home foreclosures and job losses? How much more heartbreak is it fair to ask of our fellow citizens?”Due to the struggling economy and home foreclosures, many pet owners have been forced to surrender their pets to city and county shelters, increasing euthanasia rates. Many shelters are already filled to capacity.Another fear is that pet owners will not be able to spay or neuter their companion animals. California’s pet overpopulation problem is already in a state of emergency. This must pass by a 2/3 vote in the state assembly and senate. Please contact the governor and your legislative representatives and voice your opposition to the tax on veterinary services. (Please consider publishing this letter. I live in San Jose but I use the services of Princevalle Veterinary Hospital in Gilroy and I rescued the dog from Gilroy. Our pets deserve our protection.)
Jayne Steinmetz, San Jose

The Pet Parade on Cannery Row is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11:30 a.m., starting from the Steinbeck Plaza and traveling down the Coastal Recreation Trail to the American Tin Cannery. Pre-registration is required and check in begins at 10:30 a.m. in Steinbeck Plaza. All well-behaved and friendly four-legged friends (on a leash) are invited to participate in this free event.

The Cannery Row Company is proud to support the SPCA for Monterey County and Animal Friends Rescue Project during this event. Pet owners are encouraged to deck out their pets in their holiday finest and strut their stuff along the half mile parade route.

A Doggie Fashion Show, courtesy of Chateau le Paws Pet Boutique and Spa Doggie Day Care, will take place in the American Tin Cannery, the Peninsula’s “Pet Friendly Mall,” following the pet parade. The “models” will travel down a dog bone-shaped runway beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the American Tin Cannery.
Alicia Becerra, a news anchor for KSBW-TV, will emcee the fashion show. Following the fashion show, prizes will then be awarded to the parade participants for the most creative and original outfits. The SPCA for Monterey County and Animal Friends Rescue Project will also be available at the American Tin Cannery during the event and will feature onsite pet adoptions for those interested in adopting a new pet.

To register your pet for the Pet Parade or for more information, visit www.canneryrow.com or call (831) 657.6488.

By Colleen Grzan

… hamburger, spaghetti, cream of wheat, fillet mignon, mashed potatoes.

These are some of the foods that misguided people have told us they fed to wild birds. Spaghetti (no sauce) because it “looks like a worm”, cream of wheat to nestlings because that’s what human babies eat, raw hamburger fed to orphaned owlets (as if mama owl would be out catching and grinding up a cow). A store’s butcher told us someone once asked him to chop up a steak so it could be fed to a hawk. Some people seem to think a human’s Thanksgiving dinner is fine for the birds, too – they’ve been fed chicken, mashed potatoes (because it was “soft food”), bread and milk (because the birds “needed calcium”), and vegetables.

It’s vitally important to the health of the animal to know not only the specific diets of each species, but also their feeding behavior and the dietary changes required as the bird matures. Swallows eat insects “on the wing”, young raptors must learn how to hunt rodents, and herons eat live fish. Some eat particular kinds of seeds, nuts, berries & fruit; some birds are strictly carnivorous; some birds such as crows eat “everything”, but still need a good quality, natural diet, not scraps from the dinner table.

Do not try feeding on your own. It’s illegal to care for wildlife without permits. WERC receives far too many wild animals that were kept and improperly fed. When their health finally deteriorates, they’re brought to WERC and by then, it’s often too late for their survival. An orphaned bird must be brought to a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. The rehabilitator knows the proper diet and method of feeding each species.

W.E.R.C.. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
www.werc-ca.org

Colleen Grzan and Wapeka

By Colleen Grzan

All the wild animals that arrive at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center have much for which to be thankful: For the kind-hearted people who go out of their way to rescue creatures that may be dreadfully injured or orphaned or sick; and for the dedicated volunteers who treat wounds, set broken bones and hand-feed those animals too young or weak to eat on their own.
Twelve years ago, one very special red-tailed hawk was a fortunate recipient of this TLC. Driving home on Pacheco Pass, a commuter became aware of a truck speeding up closely behind him.
His heart quickened when he saw a hawk ahead of him on the highway shoulder, hungrily eating some road kill.
As the startled raptor attempted to fly off with the food in its talons, the man watched with horror as the truck zoomed around him and purposely swerved off the road, deliberately hitting the hawk and then speeding off. Stunned, but acting with immediacy, the rescuer pulled over, gently gathered up the unconscious, badly injured and bleeding hawk and brought it to WERC
The initial exam showed that hawk had no broken bones, almost unbelievable good fortune considering the force of the collision.
However, the bird suffered massive trauma to its head, and its body was badly bruised. During the long period of rehabilitation, the swelling diminished and the bird’s health gradually and steadily improved with antibiotics and a daily diet of tasty rodents.
Sadly, the hawk’s head injuries had caused permanent blindness to its right eye – the hawk could not be released back to the wild. Perfect sight is essential to the survival of birds-of-prey, which must be able to focus keenly and gauge distances while in pursuit of a meal. Relying on road-kill is not the best or safest survival method, as this hawk proved.
But when one door closes, another often opens. This beautiful young hawk was given the name “Wapeka,” a Native American word meaning “spirited woman” and became one of WERC’s valued animal ambassadors.
For 12 years, Wapeka has visited schools to educate students about our native wildlife and habitats. She is a regular crowd-pleaser at public events and on WERC’s annual Fourth of July parade float, drawing “ohs” and “ahs” when she majestically displays her 4-foot wing span. As red-tailed hawks can live more than 30 years in captivity, Wapeka should be delighting school children for another generation or two.

By Laurie Frazer

I have a pack a day habit! My highest priority is satisfying the pack. After all my pack is alive, living creatures with needs…dogs. It is my responsibility first and foremost to fulfill those needs since the pack cannot fulfill them, with out me.

When I take a member of the pack to Petco to use as a demo dog for my classes, I am always complemented on how well behaved and great my dog looks. I am always approached and asked if the dog on my lead is “up for adoption?” This sometimes takes me back as the dog may be one I paid several thousand dollars for and have spent several thousand hours training with

I have decided what this question really boils down to is that at a glance my dog is representing itself as a dog that anyone could picture themselves owning. With nearly twenty five years experience, training hundreds of dogs I am quite sure anyone can learn the methods to make a dog just like mine. It just doesn’t happen very often. People go out and bring home a dog and it doesn’t develop into what they wanted. Under the pretense of authority, dog owners have told me every reason why it didn’t happen, of course it was the dog.

The real reason is the pack a day habit. Most new dog owners have a false sense that they have just brought home some new appliance who`s job it will be to make life better. They can use it when they want and when they are tired or busy they can throw it out in the “big yard”. During all those lonely hours in the yard the dog is learning! Learning to dig, chew, bark..

Dog owners are very good at telling you why they “can’t”. Usually it is they don`t have time! We all have time. Time is ticking by while you fold laundry. Did you know you can train a dog during that time? How much time do you spend on the computer, picking the kids up from school, cooking, watching TV? All of those times can be spent doing the chore and training the dog. I instruct my classes on this method and I get rave reviews on the success that dog owners experience with it.

The method is simple. Spend some of your dogs energy, preferably with a walk. Then simply keep your dog on a leash in the house. Have the dog sit, lay down and stay at your feet while you spend time living your life and training your dog. Your dog will learn quickly who is the pack leader. Your dog will learn a routine and settle into it. Eventually the leash will go. You will find you have all kinds of time to spend with a well trained dog.

Make a commitment to a pack a day habit! Your dog will reward you.

Donald F. Gage, supervisor, Santa Clara County, District 1, enjoys the company of his chocolate Labrador retriever, Baxter, 6.

By Pete Keesling

Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed a tax on veterinary services as part of a plan to revive the California economy. Have you heard about it? What does this mean for Californians?

The tax is on any services performed by a veterinarian. Examinations, routine vaccinations, any medical care at all; pet owners will pay approximately 9% more (depending on location) for these services as part of the new proposed tax.

The fallout from this could be huge. Some pet owners may be unable to pay for some services, and many believe that more pets will be abandoned and end up in shelters to be euthanized. A tax like this could be the proverbial “straw that breaks the camel’s back” and force some families to give up their companion pet. Worse still, some pets may go without proper vaccination protection. Could this open the door to rabies outbreaks in some areas? I believe all these are possibilities.

And this tax is not just limited to vet services for pets. It also would be imposed on veterinary services in the food animal industry, making it more expensive for farmers to raise livestock. Looking at a ripple effect of this could potentially mean an increase in our already-rising food prices.

I joined Dave Congalton yesterday on his talk show on KVEC radio in San Luis Obispo. Listeners were surprised by this proposal, and almost all who called in were worried what it might mean for some pets and their companion families.

How do you feel about this proposed new tax? Join me for a discussion when we talk about it this Sunday at 1pm on Petpourri, our radio talk show about animals and health issues. I’ll be taking calls and discussing the ramifications of this proposed fee. I’d like to hear your comments. Sunday at 1pm on AM 1080.

DrPete’s Petpourri. See you there.

Noodles is a 4-year-old domestic short hair cat who has been neutered. He is very quiet, sweet and curious. He has been at the San Martin Animal Shelter since August. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.

As our pets become more and more an extension of our human families, their healthcare and who is providing it is increasingly important.

Dr. Dan Posey, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains that picking the right veterinarian is a serious decision and numerous factors should be considered.

“The first would be if the veterinarian is a good communicator,” states Posey. “I believe this varies with the client’s needs, large animal vs. food animal vs. small animal, but all clients desire, regardless of species or business relation, a veterinarian that strives to have good client rapport.”

Although most pet owners may not know much about the actual medical procedures performed, it is usually apparent if the veterinarian is compelled to serve and fulfill their client’s needs and if this is a person that loves being a veterinarian.

“The veterinarian should be both passionate about their profession and empathetic and compassionate towards their clients as seen through their professional service,” says Posey. (more…)

By Colleen Grzan

It used be common for the general public to bring wild animals into classrooms for “Show and Tell”, with little concern given to the associated health risks. Years ago a person related to us how the children enjoyed petting the raccoons and other wild critters that she trapped and then brought to the classroom for an exciting “hands on” experience. Another person was an animal hoarder and would bring into the schools animals that lived in filthy conditions. Both these situations exposed children to potential diseases (including rabies) and physical danger from being bitten and scratched.

Luckily for all, times have changed. While it’s important that children and adults be taught about wildlife, it is just as important that people be aware of those misguided individuals who are oblivious to the animals and behavior.

Wildlife exhibitors are required by law to possess permits and display them on demand: Bird permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and mammal permits from both the California Department of Fish and Game and the US Department of Agriculture. So parents, teachers or whoever is scheduling a program with live wild animals—please inquire about the presenter’s permits when scheduling programs and insist on seeing the permits when the animals arrive.

W.E.R.C.. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
www.werc-ca.org

By Andi Joseph

OK, I admit it. I hate to admit it, but I’ll stand up and say, “Yes, I humanize my dog, Pumpkin.” Is it good idea? I don’t know. Probably not, since I talk to her like she understands me - even when I’m around other people and get strange looks. But still.
I came across an article recently on people who humanize their pets and I laughed out loud, because it described me.

She’s a child to me. I have no children yet, and I’ve had her for eight years. That’s the longest relationship I’ve ever been involved in, and it’s an important one! However, unlike many, I do not dress her up. Well, that’s a lie. She does have an orange sweater with a pumpkin on it, which I put on her on Halloween – of course – to the delight of children who may stop by. But that’s it. Except for the blue sweater my Mom knitted for her to keep her warm during cold winters when I lived in Washington. But I’m not sure if that says more about me - or more about my Mom …

But when I talk to Pumpkin, I swear she knows exactly what I’m saying. OK, some of the time … well, she definitely knows “You wanna go?” or “You wanna play?” Part of me really wishes I knew what she was thinking when I talked to her. Would she say, “Oh, that’s a great outfit!” or “That guy is soooo not worth your time!”

But the other part of me, the rational, sensible part, doesn’t want to know. Because in my heart of hearts I know when she cocks her head, ears perked, listening intently, she’s just thinking, “Why are you talking to me? I have no idea what you’re saying … Oh, look! A bird!”

A reader wrote:

“I’ve been looking for places for my dog, Abby, to get some swimming exercise. My wife and I have found that swimming is one of the best exercise for our dog because it burns off a lot of her energy quickly and has very low impact on her joints. We brought our dog to Anderson dam twice and she loved it.

“During the summer, we packed up the family and headed down to Anderson. We were told by the grumpy ranger that even if we paid, we could not allow our dog to swim along the shore. So now we’re desperately looking for new swimming spots for Abby that are as close to Morgan Hill as possible.

“It would be great if they were free (because of the frequency). I’ve looked into special pools for animals but they only exist up north near San Francisco. Are there any animal lovers with pools that would allow Abby to fetch some balls in their pool?”

Anybody have any suggestions on where dogs can go for a dip in the area?

By Brigid Wasson

Monster.

Killer.

Devil.

These are some of the words used to describe the Pit Bull Terrier. How did an ordinary dog, once a favorite American pet right up there with German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels, become such an object of fear and controversy? Are the statements made about them fact or myth? Are these dogs truly vicious and unpredictable, to be avoided at all costs, or do they make good pets just as much as any other breed?

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By Colleen Grzan

Through each season in our area, the iridescent emerald-and-scarlet Anna’s Hummingbird is a delightful and familiar sight. In the spring and summer, the tiny bird has plenty of protein-rich bugs to eat, but with winter on the horizon, many of the flowers and insects these birds normally depend upon will be on hiatus. To entice the beauty and grace of what John James Audubon called “a glittering fragment of the rainbow” into your winter garden, here are a few hints:

Set up an easily-cleanable hummingbird feeder in a shady spot; replace the nectar (1 part sugar—don’t use honey—to 4 parts water) at least once a week; and plant colorful, tubular flowers such as salvia, columbine, and fuchsia and especially winter-flowering plants, such as Kniphofia and Scottish Heath, making your garden a veritable hummingbird magnet and backyard rainbow, come rain or shine.

If you’re diligent and reliable, not only will your hummingbirds be gracing your garden year-round, but come springtime, they may also be raising the next generation of hummers in your trees.

W.E.R.C.. Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
www.werc-ca.org