San Antonio

Animals in the News : Pet CPR Study

EmergencyOps — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:07:56 GMT

A recent study of 1,166 pet owners nationwide by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media found that "58% said they would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on a pet in need. (That figure is an average of dog owners, of which 63% said they would try to perform CPR, and cat owners, of which 53% gave the same answer.) Additionally, female pet owners were statistically more likely to attempt CPR on their pets, with 65% of women and only 50% of men saying they would try the technique."

For More Information:
-Read the whole Los Angeles Times article
-Contact American Red Cross to learn how to save a life

Posted by: Mark Cross

O.P. Schnabel Goes to the Greyhounds (and Friends) this Saturday

EmergencyOps — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:39:28 GMT

H.O.T. to hold Greyt Greyhounds and Friends Fair on October 24.

Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption, Inc. (HOT) is holding their 8th annual Greyt Grounds and Friends Fair. The public is invited to attend this furr-ific event, which features massages (for both pets and humans), children’s activities, pet costume contests, a Greyhound kissing booth, and MORE! It will be held at the Graff Pavilion in O.P. Schnabel Park.

Four-legged family members are welcome at this event, Greyhound or otherwise.
This is H.O.T.'s major fundraiser each year. This year, proceeds of the Fair will be used to help defray our growing veterinary bills. Currently, H.O.T. has two Greyhounds who are in poor physical condition with heartworms.

Cost:
General admission is FREE. If you would like to receive a t-shirt, dog toy, and goodie bag, you can register for $20.00.

Location:
O.P. Schnabel Park
9606 Bandera Road
San Antonio, TX

For More Information:
• Map/directions to O.P. Schnabel Park
• Check out the event page, which includes an itinerary and photos!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Check out H.O.T.'s website for Greyhounds needing good homes
• Bring your friends and family to this "greyt" event.

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Volunteer Program
Photo credit: photo of Anita, adopted from H.O.T. by Mark Cross

Churchill Gets a Second Chance

jhayes — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:49:49 GMT

After a horrendous instance of animal cruelty in San Antonio last week, Churchill, an old English bulldog, is now receiving treatment for severe burns after having been set on fire. The 2-year-old bulldog is currently at an emergency veterinary clinic and will soon begin physical therapy, although his recovery may take months before he is available for adoption.

San Antonio Animal Care Services is asking for the public's help to pay for the medical costs, which may be up to $10,000. Those wishing to help fund his medical care may send donations to:

"Churchill's Fund"

Animal Care Services

4710 State Highway

151 San Antonio, Texas 78227

A local teenager has been arrested for the crime and charges are pending. The San Antonio Police Department, Arson Investigators, Fire Department and Animal Care Services are currently investigating the case.

For more information, see the Animal Care Services website.

If you have additional questions about Churchill or how to donate, you may call 210-207-6665.

Photo of Churchill courtesy of Animal Care Services

Dog Day at Landa Park

EmergencyOps — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:01:45 GMT

Bring Fido out for a day of fun and water on September 12.

Landa Park Aquatic Complex in New Braunfels goes to the dogs two days out of the year. This Saturday will be one of those days. All friendly, water-loving dogs are invited for a day at the spring-fed pool. A doggie swimsuit contest and a trick contest are part of the festivities.

Bring the family, current vaccination records, poop bags, five dollars, and be prepared for a day of fun at Landa Park!

Where: Landa Park Aquatic Complex, 350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels, TX 78130
When: Sept. 12, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $5 for one dog and owner

Posted by: Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program

Local bully breeds make a "pit stop" at SpaySA!

EmergencyOps — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:25:22 GMT

New program will offer 200 free spay/neuter surgeries for Pit Bulls.

By Lisa Norwood, Public Information Officer for Animal Care Services.

Continuing on our quest to reach No Kill by 2012, The City of San Antonio and SpaySA have teamed up to provide free spay/neuter surgeries for hundreds of local bully breed dogs. The free "Pit Stop" clinics are offered for the first 200 pit bulls and although dogs may be mixed breeds, they must be predominately Pit Bull in order to take advantage of these special appointments. Owners should call 351-SPAY (7229) today to reserve a spot for their bully boy or girl. SpaySA operates the Gladys Harborth Animal Resource Center at 1615 South Laredo Street. Through the generosity of a City of San Antonio grant, SpaySA is targeting neighborhoods and specific breeds throughout the year to help reduce the pet overpopulation in San Antonio.

Contact:
(210) 351-SPAY (7229)

Posted by: Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo: Wikimedia Commons public domain image

Fireworks and Pets

emergencyops — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:11:13 GMT

Tips to help keep your pet safe and sound this fourth of July.

Summer is a time of fun, recreation, and family outings. Beautiful summer nights can be host to spectacular fireworks displays. If you are planning to take the family pet to an event or anticipate fireworks near your home, be prepared for adverse reactions by your pet.

Reactions to fireworks and other loud noises may include:
•Cowering
•Shaking
•Barking
•Losing control of bladder or bowels
•Clawing at walls
•Attempting to escape

How to help reduce the impact:
•Keep your pet indoors
•At an event, keep them on a leash with a properly-fitted collar or in a carrier
•Stay at home with your pet
•Close your curtains
•Turn on comforting music

For More Information:
•Check out the Best Friends holiday hazards guide
•In the unfortunate event that your pet is injured or escapes

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo of an actual pet reaction to fireworks, by Mark Cross

Find a Mature Pal this Weekend

emergencyops — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:45:30 GMT

HHS adoption drive hosted by Palms Pet Resort & Spa on June 12.

The Helotes Humane Society and Homeward Bound Dog Rescue will be holding a special adoption event for adult dogs. This wonderful opportunity includes young adults, adults, and senior adults. The “open-air adoption style” of this event is provided courtesy of the Palms Pet Resort & Spa, a local boarding facility.

“We decided that we'd have an adoption event that didn't focus on cute little puppies,” said Janice MacRossin, Helotes Humane Society member. “Often times, the cute little puppies are snatched up and the older dogs are left. Older dogs have a lot to offer. They're housebroken and over the chewing thing. They're also really willing to learn, and very grateful once they get a family home.”

Where:
The Palms Pet Resort & Spa
12410 Bandera Rd.
Bandera, TX 78023
Map it

When:
1:00 – 4:00 pm

Contact:
Phone: (210) 422-6242
E-mail: hhsanimals@yahoo.com

For More Information:
• Read about the blessings of owning a senior pet

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo by Mark Cross

Animals in the News : wonder fish!

angelmona — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:43:19 GMT

Chiko the wonder fish! (nicknamed norman after theactor in phyco)

Animals in the News : Dog Saves Fla. Woman From Fire

EmergencyOps — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:28:54 GMT

What appeared to be a late-night potty plea from a Groveland woman's dog turned out to be a lifesaver.

Lillian Miller, 58, did not have her hearing aids in place while she slept. At 3 a.m., she could faintly hear her Chihuahua mix's barking.

After a trip outside, she noticed flames coming from her living room window.

"He must have heard the fire alarm, but she couldn't hear it because she didn't have her hearing aids in," said her mother, Eudora Miller.

Miller, who lived at the residence for nine years, is now staying at the nearby home of her parents, who are celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary today with their daughter and her dog.

The family is uncertain about Spaz's age, who shows a little gray around the whiskers, but he is still "as cute as can be," Eudora Miller said. "As far as I'm concerned, he saved her life."

For More Information:
- See the full article from the Orlando Sentinel
- Discover disaster, safety, and first-aid websites

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Volunteer Program

Free Spay/Neuter offered for District 4

emergencyops — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:33:05 GMT

Space is limited during this special offer from SpaySA.

SpaySA, which operates Gladys Harborth Animal Resource Center, is offering 100 free surgeries for any dog residing in San Antonio Council District 4. This District covers southwest San Antonio, bordered by Marbach Rd. and U.S. 90 to the north, 1604 to the west and south, and Lackland AFB and Commercial Ave. to the east.

This great opportunity is made possible by a special grant from Friends of Animals.

Call 351-7729 now to reserve a spot.

Where:
Gladys Harborth Animal Resource Center
1615 S. Laredo St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
Map it

Contact:
Phone: (210) 351-7729
Fax: (210) 223-2446

For More Information:
-Check to see which District you are in
-Some frequently asked questions about spay/neuter
-The Truth About Juvenile Spay/Neuter

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo by: user Specious, Wikimedia Commons

RE: Microchip San Antonio

jhayes — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:57:27 GMT

$15! You can't beat that deal. I urge everyone with a cat or dog who has not been microchipped yet to take advantage of this special offer.

Not convinced? Please read the artice, Insurance Against the Unthinkable.

Working Together to Help San Antonio's Animals : Microchip San Antonio

EmergencyOps — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:38:12 GMT

From German Shepherd Dog Rescue of San Antonio:

If you are interested in protecting your special friend (cat or dog) with a microchip, this is the time to do it. The cost is only $15.00 per pet, which includes the cost to register the chip with 24PetWatch.

Contact:
Ellen (210) 296-1183
blueangelrescue@aol.com

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Volunteer Program

Animals in the News : Rescued Dog Pays It Forward

EmergencyOps — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:30:46 GMT

On a remote, mountainous stretch of US Highway 97 north of Liberty, Washington, a black Labrador retriever was rescued from freezing temperatures and snow. Named after Blewett Pass where he was rescued, Blewett was adopted by Jay and Janie Smith from the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society.

Three months later, Blewett returned the favor, helping to rescue another black Labrador. The Smiths were walking him on a trail that runs high above the Wenatchee River. Blewett began barking and headed down the steep river bank toward another animal close to the river's edge. What Blewett's owners thought was a dead bear, turned out to be a dog clinging to life.

The local fire District was called and a firefighter and fellow citizen attempted to reach the distressed dog, using ropes to traverse the steep terrain. Blewett stayed with the dog while it was being rescued in the evening hours on Monday. The Lab was weak and arthritic, but no other injuries were noticed. The dog's collar helped lead the rescuers to a neighbor, Carol Hurt, who reported that the dog was missing for a week. Hunt said, "The whole thing is a miracle. One big, black, lost dog found the other big, black, lost dog. It's pretty heartwarming."

The Lab, named Pepper, belonged to Hurt's daughter. Pepper had apparently been swept a half-mile downstream from where he may have been taking a drink.

For an assignment at a local elementary school, students wrote accounts of Blewett's rescue of Pepper, touting him as a hero.

For More Information:
- Read the full Seattle Times article here
- Learn how to incorporate animal welfare into the classroom

Vegan / Vegetarian cuisine : green Vegetarian Cuisine

EmergencyOps — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:22:41 GMT

Has anyone eaten at green Vegetarian Cuisine in San Antonio?

green Vegetarian Cuisine
1017 North Flores
San Antonio, TX 78212

Working Together to Help San Antonio's Animals : Shelter supply need - Kitty litter

EmergencyOps — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:03:44 GMT

From Converse Animal Shelter:

From our wish list, our greatest need is KITTY LITTER. We prefer the non-clumping kind. Our preferred brand is ExquisiCat (in a pink bag).

Please bring any litter donations to our Shelter, located at:
9634 Schaefer Rd
Converse, TX
(across from the Judson High School Grey Campus)
Map It

For bulk donations, please call (210) 658-4821 to arrange for pickup.

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Volunteer Program

A Feline Fiesta for San Antonio

emergencyops — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:39:11 GMT

Adopt-a-cat month at ACS includes several adoption specials.

By Lisa Norwood, Public Information Officer for Animal Care Services

The Battle of Flowers parade is over and done and NIOSA may be just a memory, but a fiesta of a different sort is taking place at City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) throughout the month of June. That’s because the first month of summer is traditionally adopt-a-cat month and the ACS shelter is having a “Feline Fiesta” complete with several adoption specials.

The hope is to increase adoptions because kitten season is in full swing and the shelter has seen a large number of litters brought to the shelter; in many cases with their mothers. It is the aim of ACS to find permanent homes for all of the adoptable animals in the shelter, so throughout the month of June all cats and kittens will be half price.

Residents should also consider adopting two kittens or cats together to ensure their new pet has companionship. Adopters will help save more lives and a pair of cats or kittens can be adopted at a 2 for 1 price. Residents interested in getting their cat (or dog!) sterilized at a low cost are urged to call the ACS surgery hotline at 207-6652 to schedule an appointment.

Where:
Animal Care Services
4710 State Highway 151
(off Old Highway 90)
San Antonio, TX 78227

When:
Adoption Center hours
Tuesday through Friday 11:00am to 6:30pm
Saturdays 11:00am to 4:30pm

Contact:
Phone: (210) 207-4PET
Fax: (210) 207-6673

For More Information:
• Why adoption is the best option
• Tips for introducing a cat and a dog

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo credit: Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons

Pet Safety in the Summer Heat

emergencyops — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:18:02 GMT

Pet owners need to begin taking precautions as the temperatures begin to rise.

Summer may not officially start until June 21, but hot temperatures are appearing in many parts of the country. Keeping your pets safe from summer heat is vital to their health and safety. Summer months are dangerous for pets outside and in vehicles.

Never leave your pet in a vehicle unattended. Even with windows down, temperatures inside can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke, brain damage, and death can result from exposure to high temperatures. If walking with your pet, remember that paved surfaces can be very hot. The pads of a dog’s feet may become burned.

Proper shelter, with adequate ventilation and water is important. Ensure that your pets water bowl can not easily tipped-over and is in a shaded area out of the sun. Direct sunlight can heat the water, and glass bowls can even focus sunlight onto flammable surfaces. Many dog owners and animal shelters utilize kiddie pools with fresh, clean water. Providing ice cubes to chew may cause jaw stress, but snow cones or shaved ice, without syrup flavoring, can be a cool treat to offer.

Signs of heat exhaustion in animals include:
•Shallow breathing
•Profuse panting
•Salivation
•Rapid heart beat
•Fatigue
•Collapse

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. If your pet is suffering heat exhaustion, spray with cool water or wrap in cool, moist towels.

For More Information:
•Check out the Best Friends hot weather guide
•The Humane Society of Bexar County SPCA has 16 tips to keep summer “cool” for pets

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo by Mark Cross

Animals Needing Assistance : Hunkie the Shelter Dog

kip1 — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:40:54 GMT

Hunkie the Shelter Dog
Shelter Must Make Every Effort to Save This Dog!

PLEASE HELP THIS DOG!
May 28, 2009 : 4:45 PM
A 10 yr. old lab who is located at the Putnam County Humane located in Carmel, NY, is going to be euthanized because he has bitten 2 workers at the shelter. Another worker, wants to adopt this dog and has a lawyer fighting the shelter who wants the dog destroyed. Both sides were to submit court papers by 5/15/09 and then the judge in the case is going to render a decision, but is leaning towards destroying the dog.

Please help us as time is running out for this dog.

Thanks again for any help you can offer.
Please see the links below regarding this story:

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905190326

pets.lohudblogs.com/2009/05/06/petition-to-save-hunkie/ - 37k

RE: Blueberry oatmeal dog buscuits

jhayes — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:34:52 GMT

Except for the bouillon, that sounds delicious to me!

Animals Needing Assistance : Alaska Flooding Puts Dogs at Risk

kduren1 — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:32:20 GMT

To Whom it May Concern:

This spring has brought serious flooding across the interior of Alaska and we now have many villages that have lost everything, including food for their dogs. These dogs are the primary means to maintaining a subsistence lifestyle and are not house pets. They typically survive on salmon, but now are in desperate need of dog food. We recently got 25,000 lbs. of food donated from HSUS, but it has yet to arrive in Alaska. I usually work with getting food out to humans, but have a special interest in animal welfare. The villages estimate they will need 8,000 lbs. of food per week until late July-early August when the salmon runs reach the interior.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/may/20/flooding-leaves-village-residents-need-dog-food-do/

Please direct donations to and designate for dog food distribution:
AKVOAD (Alaska VOAD)
2535 Crestwood St
Anchorage, AK 99508