Dog Days at MABCR

Adoption Update: Aggie

2012-01-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

Aggie has been with us for two and a half weeks now. Thefirst week both she and Liam were on their best behavior. She was quiet and did whatever we asked. The perfect little house guest. Liam playednicely with her and seemed to enjoy the company.

Week 2 had Liam asking when the guest was going away and Aggie saying let's play, let's play and let's play some more. They were wearing each other out and Ned and I were happy at day's end when they finally crashed.

As we enter week 3, we are settling into our routines. Each dog gets separate play time with the humans, we are figuring out how to feed one while keeping the other occupied and really enjoying our expanded fur family.

You have made another great match and we thank you sending Aggie our way.

Beverly and Ned

The Science of Flatulence

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

Reposted from the Bark:

The Science of Flatulence

There’s more to it than meets the nose!

Shea Cox, DVM | January 25, 2012

As much as we might hate to admit it, flatulence is a normal biological function. A surprising amount of air is swallowed just with the simple act of eating, and if this is not burped out, it must exit through the other end. The amount of air swallowed tends to be increased when dogs feel they must eat quickly or in brachycephalic breeds (dogs with a compressed upper jaw and a short muzzle) that tend to breathe more by mouth than by nose.

Flatulence comes from an excess of gases in the intestinal tract. These gases may represent air that has been swallowed, gas produced in the biochemical process of digestion, gas diffusion from the bloodstream or gases produced by the bacteria that populate the intestinal tract. Contrary to popular belief, more than 99 percent of the gases that pass from the intestinal tract are odorless (whew!).

Dietary fiber in pet food is not easily digested by the pet’s own enzyme systems, but it is, however, readily digested by the gas-producing bacteria that live in the colon. As fiber is broken down here, hydrogen sulfide is produced, which is the cause of the really stinky gases. Therefore, a diet that is heavy in fiber further promotes a “happy environment” as well as “food” for the bacteria, ultimately producing more gas.

Helping clear the air

Offering your pet a highly digestible, low-residue diet is one of the major ways to combat flatulence. A low-residue diet is designed to reduce the frequency and volume of stools, while prolonging transit time through the intestine. It is similar to a low-fiber diet, but includes restrictions on foods that increase bowel activity. Changing to a low-residue diet means that most of the nutrients of the food are digested and absorbed by the pet beforethey reach the colon, where the gas-forming bacteria live. Less food for the bacteria equals less bacteria, which equals less gas formed.

Sometimes just going through a case and/or bag of such a low-residue diet solves the problem and the pet can return to a regular food afterwards. If necessary, the therapeutic diet can become the pet’s regular food. Low-residue diets are available through your veterinarian, pet supply stores or can be cooked at home (boiled white rice, skinned chicken, cottage cheese and balanced with vitamins and minerals constitute low-residue ingredients).

Other easy changes that can help include:

Feeding smaller meals several times daily instead of one larger daily meal
Feeding a mixture of dry and canned foods
Discouraging rapid eating by placing an overturned small bowl inside the pet’s regular food bowl, preventing them from taking large mouthfuls
Avoiding soy, beans and peas in the diet
Avoiding any treats containing milk, cheese or other forms of lactose
Avoiding fresh or dried fruit treats
Avoiding canned foods containing the texturing ingredient carrageenan
Increasing activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the amount of gases produced as well as how long they “hang out” in the digestive tract. Activity increases gastrointestinal motility, which in turn expels gas and increases regularity of bowel movements.

Are there some medical conditions that can increase flatulence?

Changing the diet and ruling out actual intestinal disease are of primary importance in addressing flatulence. Some disease processes that can cause an increase in flatulence include:

Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Antibiotic-responsive intestinal disorders
Cancer
Parasites, viral or bacterial inflammation of the intestines
Food allergy or intolerance
Inadequate production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas

Medications and herbal and botanical supplements

Sometimes medication can help. Although there are many products available, most are unfortunately not as helpful as they are touted to be, or not labeled for animal use. There are more than 30 herbal and botanical preparations available to reduce gas in the stomach and intestines; however, the dosage, safety and efficacy are unknown.

If further therapy is needed, the following products have some basis and support that they may be of help for flatulence:

Yucca shidigera supplementation:  Currently, this extract is labeled as a flavoring agent for pet food but it is also available as an oral supplement. Several studies have shown that it helps decrease the odor in flatulence.
Zinc acetate supplementation:  Zinc binds to sulfhydryl compounds in flatulence ultimately serving to deodorize the gas.
Non-absorbable antibiotics: Such antibiotics kill the gas-forming bacteria of the colon and may be helpful as long as their use is not ongoing.

Some popular, but more questionable, products with regards to treating excessive flatulence include:

Probiotics: There are many ineffective probiotics being marketed and so it is important to use one that has been shown to contain live cultures that withstand stomach digestion. It is unknown if this type of product will really help in flatulence, as it is asking a great deal for these bacteria to survive the acid environment of the stomach, travel through the many feet of small intestines, and finally reach the colon in the attempt to displace the gas-forming resident bacteria. Still, these are unlikely to be harmful, and can be beneficial in other ways outside of the realm of flatulence, such as helping to stabilize the intestinal microenvironment.

Activated charcoal tablets: These tablets are not likely to be effective because the charcoal-binding sites are filled on the journey from mouth to colon, so by the time the tablet gets to the gas-forming large bowel bacteria, it has essentially already been used up!

Simethicone: This product may control the volume of gas produced, but not the odor. It is an antifoaming agent that reduces gas bubbles. This may be helpful at reducing our doggy’s gas discomfort, but not our nose discomfort.

Pancreatic enzyme supplementation: It is unlikely that these extra digestive enzymes would help a pet in the absence of actual exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Furthermore, this treatment is relatively expensive for something that may only be slightly helpful.

While flatulence is a normal part of everyday life, if the problem persists or seems severe, it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian. Even our pets sometimes need a smog check!

MABCR Volunteers ROCK!!

2012-01-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

Last week, MABCR supporter Elaine came to visit with her grandson, Tom. They spent a little more than four hours and did this:

If you don't recognise this area of the farm it is because most don't ever see it. This is behind the back fence of the play yard, an area that occasionally gets cleared because we are working on a project. This winter I thought we should take the bull by the horns and work to keep it cleared so future projects are easier to deal with and so the fence does not have honeysuckle climbing it.

Many, many thanks to Elaine and Tom.

If you have a few hours to spare, please let me know and I'll see what I can do to hook you up with a little project of your own!

Novartis Suspends Production of Interceptor, Sentinel, Program, Clomicalm and Deramaxx

2012-01-21T08:02:00.000-05:00

Over the past month Novartis closed an important manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska in response to consumer complaints it has received regarding a number of its leading human consumer medications. The FDA issued a highly critical report of that plant (see here) after an inspection in June of last year. On January 8th, Novartis announced in a press release that it was voluntarily recalling a number of its leading human products produced at the plant including Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X while it strengthens quality standards. On January 5th, Novartis sent a letter to veterinarians informing them that it was suspending production and shipments of the following Novartis Animal Health (NAH) brands including Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Sentinel Flavor Tabs, Clomicalm, Program Tablets and Suspension, and Milbemite. The letter also noted that production of Deramaxx which was just recently moved to the Lincoln plant will also be affected although the company will continue to ship that product from existing inventory.

The production suspension is leaving pet owners looking for these products subject to the inventory on hand with their local veterinarian and with discount suppliers such as VetDepot.com As those supplies are exhausted, veterinarians will be obligated to prescribe competing substitutes such asHeartgard, Trifexis, Advantage Multi, and Rimadyl. After learning about the situation, some consumers are asking for alternatives even when stocks are on hand. Novartis has not given an indication of when production might resume however they have stated that the recent actions were coordinated with the involvement of health authorities. With the FDA’s involvement, there is the possibility that the closure could be lengthy if it reaches the level of problems recently experienced at facilities owned by Johnson & Johnson, Genzyme, and Hospira.

About VetDepot

The VetDepot Blog is written by company and industry professionals, providing our customers and visitors with helpful and informative articles about pet health and related subjects.

Life Changing Dogs: Binx Herscher

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I feel like an MABCR success story, as Binx changed mylife...completely. I never thought I would end up a shepherdess ....andSarah had to be reaalllly surprised since I was afraid of her sheep!

Ididn't know anything about sheep or herding when I wanted to adopt a bordercollie. I just wanted a great partner to try agility for fun and maybe some rallyobedience!

Sarahmatched me to Binx in June 2009 when he was 6 months old. He demonstrated some"natural ability" when he got into her sheep field and brought herflock quietly to her feet...the rest, as they say, is history. We began takinglessons and learning together as soon as he was mature enough for training.

Binxand I will be running in the USBCHA Open class this spring. I now spend most ofmy weekends traveling for sheepdog clinics and trials. I spend extra time andeven time that is not "extra" at someones farm, learning about andhelping to care for sheep, building and mending fences and pens, and of course,training my border collies to work their sheep with respect.

I amnow in the process of looking for land to rent so that I can have my own flock.

Indeed,life is very different than it was before Binx. I am blessed to have foundhim...he is not only my heart dog and partner on the field, but he showed me away of life and type of partnership that I may have never known without him. Ofcourse, it all started with MABCR...I'm forever grateful for this organizationand what we do for the dogs and the people they teach.

"thankyou!"

Angie

Transport Assistance Needed: 14 January Hagerstown MD

2012-01-12T10:00:00.003-05:00

Need to move this little face from Hagerstown MD to Chestertown MD Saturday 14 January. Meet time in Hagerstown is 2.45 PM. Gem is about 18 months and weighs 25 pounds so can fit in a smaller carrier. He is neutered and UTD on vaccinations.He looks a wee bit peaked in this photo because it was right after his neuter...

Our regular transport help is unavailable this weekend, please consider helping to get this little guy on the next part of his journey to a new forever home. Transport is simple and fairly painless, you just need a vehicle with a crate and some towels for bedding and a leash...

Please contact me asap at ( SLR at MABCR dot org ) if you can assist for even part of the transport.

Gem will also need sponsorship. His transport cost will be $50, his neuter and vaccinations $200. Partial sponsorships are very, very welcomed. Feel free to use the paypal button on our (new) website, or mail a check directly.

Thank you!

Novartis temporarily suspends production of Interceptor, Sentinel

2012-01-11T11:10:00.004-05:00

Novartis Animal Health has ceased production of Interceptor, Sentinel and several other drugs manufactured in its plant in Lincoln, Neb., while the facility undergoes "process and compliance improvement activities," a spokesman for the company confirmed today.

Adoption Update: Jack

2012-01-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

Sarah,

We wanted to share a photo of Jack with you. It was taken X-mas eve. He is so wonderful!!!! I can not believe it has been over a year since we adopted him. Michael and I were discussing him the other nigh about what a perfect gentleman he has become. Still slightly shy. When we come home you can hear him prancing to the door.

His new nick name is Lumber Jack !!!!!!!!

I have to share a funny thing he likes to do, no so funny, but I laugh every time he does it. We cut down our X-mas tree 3 weeks ago. He pee's on it every night!!!! There is a pine tree outside that is his spot. He must think we brought it in just for him.

Kim

Trying to Keep Pets Safe from Tainted Foods

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Trying to Keep Pets Safe from Tainted Foods:

"Recently several batches of dog food have been recalled because they were found to have levels of aflatoxins above acceptable limits. Aflatoxins develop when the mold Aspergilus forms on corn, a common ingredient in pet foods."

'via Blog this'

I has a long tongue...

2012-01-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

Start Easy and Work Your Way Up | Karen Pryor Clickertraining

2012-01-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

Start Easy and Work Your Way Up | Karen Pryor Clickertraining:

"Any time you teach your pet a new behavior, you should start in the most boring and controlled environment possible. Just as you wouldn't expect a beginning gymnast to learn how to do cartwheels by going right into an aerial cartwheel on a balance beam, you shouldn't expect your dog to deal with multiple distractions while learning a new skill.

Think of behaviors as being split up into skill levels that range from very easy to extremely difficult, and always start training at the easiest level possible. When you can, begin training new behaviors indoors, ideally in a small room, until the skill is fluent enough to be practiced in larger rooms. Gradually move to larger areas indoors, and then into the most boring outdoor areas possible, before practicing on walks or in other exciting environments. The more gradually you build up, the faster the training will go in the long run, since you won't have to go back and "retrain" earlier stages."

'via Blog this'

Adoption Update: Dillie

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

I wanted to check and in say Happy Holidays. Dillie is doing beautifully and we lovehaving her in our family. I thought youmight like to see a recent picture of her.

Tammy

Sassy Jess

2012-01-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Brags

2012-01-04T19:25:00.000-05:00

Note to the reader: without Volunteers, MABCR could not, and would not exist as it does today. Our Volunteers are the unsung heroes, and are the fuel that drives us forward. On 31 December I participated in the last transport of the year. I met Volunteer Denise Sayer in Queenstown at 7.30am after she had our new guest handed off to her by Carol Eyler in Gaithersburg. Carol had met the 5am transport in Hagerstown.

Later that day I got a note from Denise. It follows:

In 2011 I had the honor of being both the firstand last transport of the year.

I had 1607 miles in transports (15 dogs)
I had 143 miles in home visits
I had 506 miles in other activities like volunteering at the MABCR booth anddropping off donations

Denise Sayer

Thank you to Denise and all of the other hard working and dedicated MABCR Volunteers for a great 2011. On to 2012!

Life Changing Dogs: Brit Miller

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

How did Brit change my life? It could take volumes to tell you about Brit's life with us. She came to me at just the right time in my life. I had started agility training with Duncan in 1998 and we struggled with it. Duncan loved agility, but I was such a new handler, slow in my commands, not patient or consistent enough in my training and not really understanding truly how to work with a dog's strengths and weakness.

Then Brit came along. At first she was a real challenge. I knew that she came with some issues and that she had been at Sarah's for quite some time. She came into the house with a strong dominant personality ready to be in charge. She chased anything that moved. On walks, she would lunge at cars, motorcycles and bicycles and at her beginning agility classes, she was obsessed with the other dogs in class. But along with these issues, came a dog that just needed to be loved and given guidance to be the great dog that she became. I learned to be consistent in my training. She took to training like a sponge absorbing just about anything I threw at her, and giving me much more confidence in my abilities as a trainer.

When I started agility with Duncan, I had been anxious at the start line, and my anxiety had shown through in my handling in the ring. Brit, on the other hand, understood her job, and her joy to be working with me was contagious. she taught me that there are no bad dogs, only dogs that need to be shown the way to greatness. She also taught me that training is more about relationship building than drilling skills. Teaching a dog confidence in themselves and in their handler is so much more important than teaching drills and once I understood that, Brit and I became a wonderful team. Over her agility career, Brit earned more than 80 agility titles and Championships in four different venues. But Brit was so much more than those titles. She was a true friend and companion. She lived every day of her life with gusto and with joy, and that joy was infectious. When I worked in the yard, she was always by my side. She became almost a part of me and we traveled everywhere together, visiting family, entering distant agility trials, and accompanying us on family vacations. I truly could not imagine leaving her behind when we traveled and she reveled in each new experience.

When Brit became ill in 2009, she taught me to be strong in the face of adversity and to live in the moment. Brit came through her cancer surgery with the same strength that she had exhibited in her training. She bounced back so quickly from surgery that she amazed her vets. She lived her life to the fullest, often making me forget that she was, in fact, living on borrowed time. She was a love sponge, becoming a favorite at the vets office when she went in for her routine checkups and blood work. No matter that they stuck her with needles regularly, she loved them all and was so patient through all of her illness. With her illness, she taught me that each moment is a precious gift that must be cherished before it is gone. As each day goes by, I miss her more and more. But her legacy has lived on as I have used so much of what she taught me with our current dogs. She will always be alive in my heart.

Maryellen

Adoption Update: Whisper (Jane)

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

I was reading on Facebook about all the crazy emails/phone calls you've had to deal with today, and I thought you might want an update on Whisper. She's doing really, really well and we are so happy to have her in our family.

We've been really working on training, and I took her to work with me daily for about 3 months so I could watch her and correct her if she spun in the crate. I can now leave her at home in her crate for 8 hours without difficulty, and the last time she spun in the house was 2-3 weeks ago. Outside is a different matter. If I let her use the dog door and go out into the dog run, she will spin 90% of the time, so it is rare that she is allowed that privilege. If she goes out in the yard off-leash with me, she circles the trees about 50% of the time. We are gradually improving on that aspect. Today I allowed her off-leash and she circled, but I was able to catch her eye from about 30 feet away and indicate that she should stop, and she didn't ignore me (YAY! This is the first time I've been able to "call her off" without physically getting in her path). The progress is slow but very steady, and I am hopeful she may one day be able to use the dog door. :) She always tips her head to the left when she spins, and I've wondered if she might have some tinnitus in that ear, but I have no idea how to test for or treat it, so I guess I'll just keep wondering.

My kids adore her, and she is SUCH a joy to train. She is very responsive and really wants to please. The trick, as with any dog, is communicating exactly what I want her to do. The deafness has been a non-issue for us. The only real time it bothers me is when she goes to spinning outside, as I can't yell at her to knock it off - I have to physically go stop her. But, that's a minor issue well worth dealing with in return for the joy she's brought us. Thanks again for this sweet little girl.

Sincerely,
Marci

Memorial: Faith Hoolachan

2011-12-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Sarah -

Ten years ago, on October 19, 2001and not long after 9/11, you gave us Faith.

I don't know if you rememberher but you said when you got her from the Harford County pound (where,coincidentally, I had seen her originally on their website) it becameimmediately clear that she had no plans to sleep anywhere other than in thehouse.

When we drove up to the farm, she left her post on the porch guardingthe food and jumped in our car. Faith passed away yesterday after giving us 10wonderful years of her company. Every member of our family had aspecial relationship with her and although she was our first dog, she was thebest dog ever! Exceedingly polite (except perhaps to other dogs on thestreet), smart, gentle, funny, adventurous (she had a knack for wandering farand wide), patient, and over the years, established a truce with the deerand squirrels on the property. Her last Christmas was highlighted bya significant number of meatballs. She was one great dog.

The little boys in the attachedphoto are now grown up but they will always keep Faith in their hearts.

Thank you Sarah and MABCR.

Janet, John, Jordan, Aidan & Nolan

Dogs and Children - Preventing Playtime Confusion | mysmartpuppy.com

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dogs and Children - Preventing Playtime Confusion | mysmartpuppy.com:

"We adults often play with a dog by kneeling down, making excited noises like "Hey, pup! What do I have?" while dragging a toy in front of him. The dog pounces on the toy. "Whee!" and the game begins. Enter a toddler. She kneels on the floor making exciting noises as she moves the toy back and forth in front of her. The dog thinks "Playtime!" and pounces on her hand. Toddler screams. Dog, thinking the game has begun, gets more excited. Parents intervene: "Bad dog!"

The dog is utterly confused."

'via Blog this'

Learn From A Dog: 15 Life Lessons From Your Pet

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Learn From A Dog: 15 Life Lessons From Your Pet:

"We've all heard that people tend to look like their dogs (hey, there's even research to back that one up), but act like them? Hey, maybe it's time to consider it.

Dogs tend to be happy, active and well rested -- things we could all stand to learn. Read on for those and other tail-wag-worthy life lessons from your pooch."

'via Blog this'

Decidedly Dangerous Dog Gifts: The Retractable Leash | mysmartpuppy.com

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Decidedly Dangerous Dog Gifts: The Retractable Leash | mysmartpuppy.com:

"Seemingly ever popular, these tools are by far the most dangerous dog tool I know. After more than 25 years as a dog-care professional, I know multiple dogs who died and multiple people who ended up in the ER while using these sort of leash. But don't take my word, take the word of the company that makes one of the most popular retractable leashes: Flexilead."

'via Blog this'

Adoption Update: Zoe

2011-12-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Sarah:

We just wanted to drop you a line to tell you Zoey is one wonderful dog. Her only fault is she is lazy when she eats. She likes to lay down to eat. Patty and my self want to thank you for paring us up with Zoey. She is a perfect match for us.

Here is a photo of Zoey waiting for Santa Claus.

Thank You again and Merry Christmas

Rich and Patty

Three “M”s for Canine Weight Management | mysmartpuppy.com

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Three “M”s for Canine Weight Management | mysmartpuppy.com:

"More than 50% of America’s dogs are overweight, a problem that eats away at both the length and the quality of their life. No one wants that for their companion but many people are stymied by both exactly how their pet got this way and what to do about it.

Here are three simple tips for how to help Spot slim down:"

'via Blog this'

Penny

2011-12-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

He Loves People “Too Much!” | cooperativepaws.com Blog

2011-12-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

He Loves People “Too Much!” | cooperativepaws.com Blog:

"“My dog loves people too much! He leaps all over them and he’s big, he can throw them over!”

“My dog loves dogs so much he goes crazy! He pulls and barks, and when he gets there he loves them so much he jumps. I wish other dogs understood he really wants to play, but sometimes they get mad.”"

'via Blog this'

Adoption Update: Annie

2011-12-23T19:08:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Sarah,

Hope all is well on the farm. MaryAnn and I have been having the best times with Annie, she is such a marvelous girl. She is the perfect lady when in the house its amazing. She gets her daily run/walks combined with chuckit play and this dog is incredibly fast! Her personality is wonderful with people and other pets, however she does pull hard if she is not permitted to sniff others. Her athleticisim is astonishing, I have never seen a dog so smooth and effortless at jumping over things and prancing across the fields

Bicycles and cars are clearly her issue, however with bikes we have her sit and hold a treat thus she will ignore. Cars only seem to be a real issue when they come directly at us, however she will sit in the driveway watching quietly as cars pull in and out and drive up the street. She is really lots of fun and so so smart. She has grown to become a lap dog sitting on the sofa and sneaking onto the bottom of out bed at night, she just finds her own little spot and does not wake us.

The Fletchers

Top Five Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Puppy | mysmartpuppy.com

2011-12-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

Top Five Tips for Surviving the Holidays with a Puppy | mysmartpuppy.com:

"HoHoHo can turn into NoNoNO! when you have a puppy in your holiday home. Here are the top five tips to help you end the holidays feeling loving toward your puppy (and yourself):"

'via Blog this'

Toby

2011-12-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

The Truth About Humping |

2011-12-22T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Truth About Humping |:

"Lots of dogs hump. For people who live with those dogs, it can be embarrassing and upsetting. We humans aren’t comfortable talking about things related to sex, especially when our beloved dogs are being indiscreet in front of guests. For many of us, dogs are cute innocent “babies.” I guess now is a good time to remember they’re also animals, and animals routinely practice behavior related to their own survival. That includes sexual behavior: humping."

'via Blog this'

Morris Animal Foundation | Keeping aging dogs healthy in twilight years

2011-12-21T20:09:00.000-05:00

Morris Animal Foundation | Keeping aging dogs healthy in twilight years:

"Dogs, like people, begin to experience health problems as they age. Diagnosing these geriatric illnesses can be challenging. All too often, metabolic and endocrine system disorders are the silent factors leading to a senior dog’s sudden decline in health.

Although it is normal for aging dogs to experience fluctuations in their production of hormones and enzymes, extremely high or low levels of a hormone affect glandular function and can progress into full-blown metabolic or endocrine system disorders."

'via Blog this'

Cat vs Dog

2011-12-20T20:51:00.001-05:00

Jin

2011-12-20T10:06:00.000-05:00

Holiday Travels with Your Pet: Traveling with Your Pet: Your Pet and You

2011-12-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

Holiday Travels with Your Pet: Traveling with Your Pet: Your Pet and You:

"It’s important to plan carefully ahead if you take your pet along with your family on trips, whether it’s a winter holiday trip to visit family or a summer road trip. No matter what your travel plans entail, you can help ensure that your trip with your furry family member goes as smoothly as possible by taking the below information into consideration."

'via Blog this'

Adoption Update: Dar

2011-12-19T19:02:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

Remember that red boy pup you pulled from a shelter in Maryland with his three sisters? Dar turned 11 today and he's still "Mr Perfect"!

After doing agility his whole life, we embarked on a new venture last Spring... APDT Rally. I didn't know how he would do in an obedience type venue but we gave it a shot. It turned out he was quite good. Last Sunday we completed his ARCH (APDT Rally Championship). After earning Level 1 and 2 titles, an ARCH requires 5 double Qs from Levels 1 & 2 in each trial, with scores over 190 out of a possible 210 and 100 points. Dar did his in straight trials with an average of 209. Not bad for a boy that never did obedience. I only wish I had tried him on sheep.

I swore I wouldn't do it because we no longer have sheep but, last winter, at the suggestion of my agility instructor, I did a herding lesson with my young dog... just to develop confidence and control. He's a wild child in agility but to my amazement, all business with sheep. You guessed it... I'm hooked. Could easily drop the agility in a heartbeat except it's more affordable than herding lessons around here.

Doreen & Tom
Dar, Tootsie and Wiley

Retractable leashes pose problems for people and their pets

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Retractable leashes pose problems for people and their pets:

"In 2007 there were 16,564 hospital-treated injuries associated with leashes, according to Consumer Union's analysis of statistics collected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of those, about 10.5 percent involved children 10 and younger; 23.5 percent involved injuries to the finger. The CPSC's data does not parse the leashes into types but it's likely that the amputations were caused by retractable leashes.

The most common injuries reported were burns and cuts, usually sustained when the cord came in contact with skin as it rapidly paid out from the handle of a leash. Others occurred when the cord got wrapped around part of the owner or the dog."

'via Blog this'

'So We Bought the Farm' by Steve Riddle

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

My friend Steve Riddle has written a book...Steve is funny and honest. He is a great promoter of MABCR, years ago we gave him a polo that he wears to every sheep demo he does, even when wearing a kilt!

If you don't have a kindle, there are other ways to read. See below the post for directions.

Knuckledown Press: 'So We Bought the Farm' by Steve Riddle now available for Amazon Kindle: "When Steve Riddle moved his family to the country, he never planned on starting a farm. Raised a military brat accustomed to the nomadic life, he never dreamed about putting down roots and raising animals. Most of all, he never imagined he'd write a book about it. In this collection of anecdotes about raising sheep, goats, cattle, and chickens, Mr. Riddle is a storyteller in the classic sense. He takes readers on a frank, personal, and rollicking ride through the challenges, missteps, and disasters he has faced as a beginning farmer. Hold on to your hat and suspend your disbelief, because these stories are so outrageous, they must be true. Includes illustrations by award-winning Native American artist Anita Caldwell Jackson."

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Nook, SONY eReader, or some other device that can read EPUB files, you can purchase and download Steve's book here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105966 Keep in mind you can't read EPUB files in Kindle software. The e-book is currently divided between Kindle and everything else.

Holiday Pet Health Tips: Holiday Pet Tips: Pet Care

2011-12-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

Holiday Pet Health Tips: Holiday Pet Tips: Pet Care:

""We see an increased number of calls related to pet poisoning during the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's," says Dr. Steven Hansen, director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Here's one holiday list you can use to keep the furry members of your family happy and healthy this season."

'via Blog this'

George Clooney adopts a dog . . . after passing his home visit

2011-12-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

George Clooney adopts a dog . . . after passing his home visit:

"Don't take it personally if you apply to adopt a dog and the shelter or rescue group requires a home visit. Even George Clooney got one."

'via Blog this'

Morris Animal Foundation | New Science Tackles Antibiotic Resistance and Much More

2011-12-15T19:50:00.000-05:00

Morris Animal Foundation | New Science Tackles Antibiotic Resistance and Much More:

"Have you ever wondered why your doctor insists that you finish your prescription of antibiotics? With all the fuss that we hear in the media about antibiotics becoming less effective and overused, one might assume that quitting your antibiotics when you feel better, instead of taking the whole course, would be better for our bodies.

Not so—for us or for our pets. In fact, the opposite is true, and antibiotics are becoming less effective precisely because people don’t take their full prescriptions or make certain their pets complete their medications.

Germs remaining after incomplete treatment of an infection are more likely to become stronger and more resistant to antibiotics. In fact, recent research suggests that the ability to resist antibiotics may go back 30,000 years, indicating that finding an easy fix for antibiotic resistance will be nearly impossible. "

'via Blog this'

Poco is watching...

2011-12-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

Poco has his eye on me....

2011-12-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Seven years ago we wokeup very early on a Sunday morning and drove to Lancaster, PA. We met Anne andPete and the VERY timid Cody. He had had a rough go for his short life and wasfrightened of almost everything. Thank goodness for Anne and Pete graduallyallowing him to learn to trust again.

We piled Cody in to the car, droolingprofusely and shaking in his paws. It took nearly a month before he would allowus to shower him with attention.

Cody is still a fraidy dog, but he has madehuge strides allowing people to pet him and sit next to him in his chair. Healso excelled at 4-H agility classes and loved being worked by our daughters.He is nine years old now, in excellent health and a wonderful companion. Ipromised him when we arrived home that he would never, ever have to leave, andI will keep my word to him. He has helped raised several foster puppies forMABCR and loves going to the farm to visit Auntie Sarah.

Thank you foreverything, especially my special, big furry Cody on his 7th got day!

--Lynn ( Grant and thekids too.)

Reality Check | Suzanne Clothier

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Reality Check | Suzanne Clothier:

"I'm interested in the animal being as functional and comfortable in their life as they can possibly be. That means minimizing or eliminating sources of fear, anxiety and/or pain/discomfort. That means giving them the skills as well as the limits and the freedom that help them achieve a sense of security in their world. That often means accepting that it's a big world out there, and for many dogs, they'd just as soon not have to deal with most of it -- a small, safe, predictable chunk of life is good for them, thanks."

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Please Don't Take My Toy!

2011-12-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

Aggie pretending to be sweet and contrite with Toby. A super fast game of chase/catch me ensued...

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement | notes from a dog walker

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

My Dog is Friendly! A Public Service Announcement | notes from a dog walker:

"There is epidemic happening across the country and no one is safe. It’s occurring on crowded city sidewalks and spacious country walking trails. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, age, or economic status.

Innocent dogs and their owners are being terrorized, chased down the street, pinned into corners by…other dog owners."

'via Blog this'

Helping the Newly Adopted Dog | mysmartpuppy.com

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love Sarah;s posts, they are always informative and this one hits close to home.

Helping the Newly Adopted Dog | mysmartpuppy.com:

"Regardless of your dog’s past, his new life starts the day you bring him home. What he needs most is for you to limit his stress, while increasing reassuring structure in the form of routines, training and confinement. Offering daily stress-release outlets, in the form of play, exercise, toys and fun training is key at all times but downright critical for a newly adopted dog from any source: shelter, breeder, pet store."

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Old Dog Pet Care - Pet Health Care - Pet Care for Old Dogs!

2011-12-10T08:33:00.000-05:00

Really nice website geared towards people with older pets.

Old Dog Pet Care - Pet Health Care - Pet Care for Old Dogs!:

"As owners of a old dog, we had questions about his health as he got on in years:
Will our old dog develop cataracts and could he possibly go blind?
Will our old dog's hearing be affected to the point of deafness?
Are there ways to help the joint and muscle aches our old dog feels caused by arthritis?
We have found information on choosing the right dog bed, dog ramps and stairs to help ease Tikki's arthritis pain. We looked for special dog foods, vitamins and supplements to help meet our old dog's nutrition needs."

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Holiday Hazards for Pets | The Bark

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Holiday Hazards for Pets | The Bark:

"As the holiday season gears up, have you noticed that with the increase in fun and festivities comes a simultaneous increase in the level pet mischief? There just seems to be no way for our curious pups to resist the allure of all that holiday paraphernalia. "

Please click through to read the rest of this informative article.

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How Sheepdog Trials Relate to Practical Farm Work

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

The American Border Collie Association, the principal registry for border collies in the United States, presents this video illustrating the different phases of work at sheepdog trials, and how they relate to practical work situations on the farm.

You can visit the ABCA at www.americanbordercollie.org

Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back | Dogs Naturally Magazine

2011-12-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

Fascinating article to add to your research on how to best care for your own pets. Definitely something to discuss further with your veterinarian.

Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back | Dogs Naturally Magazine:

"The duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine distemper vaccine, Canine Parvovirus vaccine, Feline Panleukopenia vaccine, Feline Rhinotracheitis, feline Calicivirus, have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of 7 years by serology for rabies and challenge studies for all others.
In the Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Proceedings – Canine Infectious Diseases: From Clinics to Molecular Pathogenesis, Ithaca, NY, 1999, Dr. Ronald Schultz, a veterinary immunologist at the forefront of vaccine research and chair of the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Pathobiological Sciences, outlines the DOI for the following vaccines:"

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P&G recalls some Iams ProActive dog food - MarketWatch

2011-12-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

P&G recalls some Iams ProActive dog food - MarketWatch:

"Procter & Gamble Co. PG +0.21% said it voluntarily recalled certain bags of Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food, due to detected aflatoxin levels above the accepted limit.

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by mold that grows in nuts, corn, wheat, seeds and legumes. Although they are known to cause cancer in animals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows them at low levels because they are considered unavoidable contaminants and pose little risk over a lifetime in occasional and small amounts.

P&G recalled 7-, 8- and 17.5-pound bags of the Iams dog food with use by or expiration dates of Feb. 5 or Feb. 6, 2013. The company said no illnesses were reported in relation to the affected product, but it was instituting the recall as a precautionary measure."

'via Blog this'

Wish List

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Many times each month I am asked "what does MABCR need?"

Generally I answer with whatever pops into my head, and generally, that isn't the entire list.

So, Amazon offers a Wish List option that allows us to make a real list of the things we need here at the rescue. This list may change over time, but I hope to keep it fairly well updated with thing that are needed in the kennel.

Cool, huh?

Click through here to reach the list...

Adoption Update: Rudy (was Clint)

2011-11-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

Just wanted to say hi, from Rudy and me. He is doing great. Took him with me to our family Thanksgiving dinner at my sisters, stayed over night, tons of kids and strangers.

He doesn't tremble anymore, even right at first when he meets people. Female are still much easier to trust, but really, really, enjoys attention and petting, he is quick to make friends, and only looks to me for reassurance right at the beginning. Today he even ........almost went right up to my neighbor who I was just greeting for the first time... Not quite but was right there with me, she has two dogs so it always goes smoother.

Yesterday we were cutting firewood at a friends house, I couldn't believe how quickly he relaxed, we'd only been there once before and at that time he didn't even really want to get out of the car. What's remarkable is that he wasn't to scared even by the guys who's house it is. He didn't go to far from either of us, chainsaws and all. He got skiddish, only when my son showed up with the truck, he isn't very relaxed around my son....(he likes cats and Rudy holds it against him I think)

Our next goal for him is to use the front door and responding when I say to come. He always comes, but he needs to come to me rather than in the vicinity, we just have a difference of interpretation of the word come apparently.
Hope things are well with you and yours.

Thanks for every thing... He fills a nice little spot in my heart.

Peace
Amy

Shake It! How Dogs, Cats, Even Hummingbirds Keep Dry : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today's blog post falls into the "Now isn't that interesting?" category...click through...

Shake It! How Dogs, Cats, Even Hummingbirds Keep Dry : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR: "They don't have towels. So when they get wet, what do they do? They shake themselves into a frenzy and the water flies off like this:"

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Lucas

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Update from Lucas's foster home -- Ourcleaning person came today, so David had picked up the stuffy toys from theliving room floor where Lucas likes to lay, and put the toys into the basket. I just realized this, so I took Lucas (who you will recall is blind) tothe living room and pulled four stuffies and a few other chewy toys from thebasket for him. He was very happy, and I went upstairs... as I came downa minute later and looked in the living room, he was heading back from thebasket with a different stuffy, apparently I didn't give him hisfavorite-of-the-moment, so he went and found the basket to get it on his own :)

Laura

Happy Got Day Moss!

2011-11-23T22:44:00.001-05:00

Miss was our first Katrina dog. See the nasty fly bites on his ears?

Moss's best human friends took him to his new forever home six years ago today. His human Rachelle now volunteers for MABCR running applications and farm sitting.

Happy Got Day Moss! You landed very well!

My Smart Puppy: Six Steps to a Better Behaved Dog

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

I love Sarah Wilson's approach to training. So commonsensical! Note, your dog does not have to be a puppy to work this magic...

My Smart Puppy: Six Steps to a Better Behaved Dog: "
Six Steps to a Better Behaved Dog
MySmartPuppy.com
You want your dog to change? You have to change first. This article gives you six simple things you can do to change your dog. Want to see big results in a few days? Try this....clock through for the rest of the article.

'via Blog this'

About Noise Sensitivity

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

With hunting season rapidly approaching I thought this would be a good piece to share. Please note, noise sensitivity is not limited to border collies. Any dog can experience fear of loud noises.

About noise sensitivity:

"Noise sensitivity can manifest itself as a problem in a variety of ways, the two most prominent problems being fear and over-stimulation.

It is part of the background of breeding of a Border Collie to be sensitive to sound as they are required to be able to listen for commands and keep their eye on the livestock they are herding without looking back to their handler for reassurance. Over the centuries, shepherds have naturally selected dogs with good hearing to breed from as it is necessary for the dog to be able to distinguish verbal commands or whistles from considerable distances. If the dog is not sensitive enough to distinguish commands against the background noise of wind and weather its effectiveness as a sheepdog will be diminished. They are also required to locate sheep at a distance or, on some occasions, when the sheep is buried under many feet of snow on the high fells in a blizzard. This also requires particularly sensitive and applied hearing"

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Jake and John

2011-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog... anonymous

There has never been a dog so missed, or a man so loved by hisdog.

In loving memory of Jake and a piece of John he took withhim.

Donation made in honor of Jake and John by Kit

Craig - The Story of a Sheepdog

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Documents the training of a sheepdog (in 1946). Filmed by Sid Atkinson at Ryecroft Farm, Dore, Sheffield. Narrated by Richard Farnsworth in 2009.

Not precisely the way things happen today, but a fun series to watch nonetheless!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Six Common Misconceptions About Pet Adoption: Why Adopt and Not Buy?: Before You Adopt

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Six Common Misconceptions About Pet Adoption: Why Adopt and Not Buy?: Before You Adopt:

"We put together a list of common adoption myths, in the hopes that you can gently point friends toward this post when they talk about why they've got their heart set on buying."

Click through for the remainder of this article.

'via Blog this'

Adoption Update: Tip

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I got Tip from Mid-Atlantic BorderCollie Rescue back in May 2011 when he was about 5 - 6 months old. Ibelieve Border Collie Rescue found Tip in a kill shelter in West Virginia backin March, and a friend of mine who was fostering him told me about Tip.

When I picked him up, Sarah Ruckelshaus told me that he was easily correctable and generally very calm,which was a lot different than my other two dogs (one 10 year old Border Collienamed James, and one 3 year old Border Collie mix named Pauli). She worriedthat maybe Tip would not be challenging enough for me. I thought I hadenough challenges with the two I had and was looking for a puppy that would beeasily trainable. I also wanted to have a dog that Pauli would bond withand one that James could tolerate. Well, it's been working out great. Pauli and Tip bonded right away and they are pretty muchinseparable. James does pretty well with Tip, too.

Tip loves almost anything to eat,but especially fruit. One night I had a banana on my counter. Bythe next morning the only thing left was the peel on the floor. My otherdogs don't like bananas, so I knew it had to be Tip. He also loveswatermelons and the blackberries that fall off my blackberry bush.

We've been taking classes atPetSmart. He's been great with the other dogs, and LOVES kids. Andas far as how calm he is, in class when the instructor is talking through theteaching points of a task, he gets bored and lies down on his side until it'stime to do something. Not only is Tip super-trainable, he was the onlyone in his intermediate training class to pass! To pass, he had to do a 2minute down and stay, a stay with distraction, a stay and come from a distance,and heel, and a few other things. He passed everything with flyingcolors! I was so proud of him. Here's a picture I took of Tip inhis graduation cap.

I'm really happy with Tip and hopeto get him trained enough that he can do agility. I hear it's hard to getinto the agility club in Silver Spring, Maryland, but I have a feeling he'llget in.

I wanted to thank Jeannine and Sarah for their help in matching Tip with me. Tip's been alot of fun to have around, and a great companion!

Dawn

Adoption Update: Breeze

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was waiting for a breakthroughbefore I wrote about Breezie.

She's doing well, even wagging her tailonce in a while. She's still skittish, and all we can hope is that thisgets better as time passes. She's doing well at following routines, andcuddles up every night to sleep.

Carol

The Power of Positive Dog Training

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from the Whole Dog Journal Newsletter
Your positive training program will go much more smoothly if you're good at interpreting what your dog is saying to you and communicating to him in a way that he can easily understand. Dogs are superior body language communicators.

We often reach for our dog's collars over the top of their heads... They see this is as a direct threat, they duck away in submission (or they bite) and learn to avoid us when we are trying to catch them. We follow or chase them, intimidating them further or, alternatively, teaching them that if they take the lead, we follow. The more we try to catch the more they avoid us.

Start by associating gentle touch and restraint with which he is comfortable. Feed him a tiny tid bit of something wonderful, and remove your hand. Repeat this step until he turns his head eagerly toward you in anticipation of his tid bit when he feels your touch. Whether you are reaching out for their leash or for a hug, the more your dog accepts your touch, the more quickly you will be able to move through the counter conditioning and desensitization process.

Tricks for Treats!

2011-11-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so maybe the title of this post isn't exactly timely, but this is a neat little video showing several 'tricks' this human has taught her dog. The dog is 11 months old, and while young dogs are sponges, older dogs can easily learn the same tricks. With cold weather coming, indoor activities help prevent boredom and work to solidify the human/canine partnership and many times, can curb negative activities such as chewing, pacing, and barking. A dog tired in mind and body is a good, good dog, and a trained dog is a listening dog!

A couple of things to note:

while the human in the video is using a clicker, you can teach tricks simply using treats and makers (YES!, GOOD!, YAY!), the clicker simply makes the job easier because it teaches independent thinking and offering behaviours.
Note that the tricks are simple. She is using household items (bowls) and children's toys that could be purchased inexpensively at a second hand store. Be creative.
If tricks aren't your thing, teach your dogs things like finding and retrieving his leash, your slippers, the newspaper. Cliche yes,but your dog doesn't know that.
Build on behaviours your dog already does. If he hands you his paw, put that on command. If he sits at the door to go out, teach him to ring a bell you hang on the door knob.If he dances when he thinks you are going to do something fun, give that a name...you get the idea.
It only takes 5 or 10 minutes each day to teach a new behaviour. Work in tiny increments so that you and your dog don't get bored. Don't expect him to won the new behaviour on the first day. It might happen, but it is more likely to not happen. Owning behaviors takes time.
Once your dog has one behaviour under his belt, move on. Dogs get bored faster than we do. Review owned behaviours on and off during the day, but during training sessions...new and fun is where it's at.
Most importantly, note his person's voice. Upbeat, happy, and excited. That is a very important component. If you are getting frustrated, stop training. Review an owned behaviour and go do something fun with your furry friend. Go back to the training later when you are relaxed and feeling better about training. Trust me, your dog has already forgotten and is ready to move on too!

Please remember, this is all about having fun and building that bond between you and your dog.

Adoption Update: Leisha

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Sarah,

Just a further update on Leisha (formally Sheila). Leisha is doing just wonderful, she fits in here and has really become one ofthe pack. Molly and Leisha get along so well, they play all the time andMolly is the one to instigate playing. We took them both to two differentparks this weekend and Leisha did really well. We met up with my in-lawsat the one park and Leisha went right up to them, even gave my father-in-law akiss. We really enjoy having her here with us, it's nice to have youth inthe house again.

Hope all is well with you,

Thanks,

Shelley

No-slip Crate Pads?

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi,

Just stumbled on a new use for Dollar store or Wal-Mart's shelf lining plastic (the waffle-weave spongy kind that doesn't allow slippage).

I tried a new crate in the car and found the padded mat that came with it kept slipping from under my Maddi's feet. I happened to have a 6' roll of shelf liner, cut it into 2 strips and it worked like a charm under the mat. This works super well for dogs that do not chew their bedding. Obviously, don't use it with a chewer.

It also works great under scatter rugs or other furniture that you don't want slipping on tile flooring either. Washes well too.

Connie

Adoption Update: Clint has a New Name!

2011-11-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Just a note to say good morning, things are going well I think.

I did end up re naming him...Rudy, or Rootie, either or, there's a good story to it but we all feel like it's a good pick. He loves the snow! When we were walking this morning out back, he looked like he was really having fun, and finally relaxing a little.

For the most part, around here I let him off leash totally, no problems, comes when I call and when we are going in the house will come in right with me. Every now and then he says he isn't ready yet, usually when it's most inconvenient, but that's even rare. I take him with me just about everywhere I can to inundate him with people, kids you name it. I figured he's going to have to get over it sooner or later. It doesn't take long in a strange home for him to let other people pet him.... I expect that'll improve with time. What do you think?

The kitten Be el and him seem to do fine. I plan on having he here full time next week. He isn't out of his crate when I am not around, mean their time together isn't un supervised. He plays gently with he, nosing her mostly. When he gets a little to much she just goes and hides. No hairy eyeballs that I can see.

One other thing. So far, he hasn't shredded a thing. I think the kennel was stressful as you said.

Gonna run, literally, we do most days, 4-5 miles right now. I hope that's enough to keep him in shape. He is a really good running partner. Thanks for every thing.

Peace,

Amy

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

2011-11-08T07:03:00.000-05:00

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

HEY!! Did you know that it is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week?

How can you help celebrate? By appreciating your local shelter of course! Make a financial donation. Donate your time. Adopt an animal. Hug a shelter employee!!!

"November 6–12, 2011

In 1996, The HSUS launched National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (based on an idea from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska). This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the first full week of every November, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach."

Dog Flags: A new social contract for people and their dogs | the philly dog

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

Dog Flags: A new social contract for people and their dogs | the philly dog:

"I’m constantly on the prowl for new and innovate products for dogs, and I recently stumbled upon something that I think will revolutionaize the way we walk our dogs.
How many times have you walked your dog only to be approached by another dog that is…well….less than friendly? But you didn’t realize it until you got too close? Or you saw a dog in the distance and wanted to take your dog to meet it for some social interaction, but weren’t sure if you should?"

Click through to read more about this really cool new product!

Go here to see the Dog Flag website and get information on ordering Dog Flags for your dogs!

'via Blog this'

Preventing Obesity in Pets

2011-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Obesity is one of the most common preventable health problems in pets. It's estimated that 40 percent of all dogs and cats in America are overweight. Dr. C. A. Tony Buffington, professor of clinical nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, gives easy to understand advice to pet owners on how to keep pets trim and healthy.

Cost of Medical Care for Pets Increases - WSJ.com

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Cost of Medical Care for Pets Increases - WSJ.com:

"Pet owners are feeling sticker shock at the vet. The average household in the U.S. spent $655 on routine doctor and surgical visits for dogs last year, up 47% from a decade ago, according to the American Pet Products Association. Expenditures for cats soared 73% over the same time frame—on pace with human health-care cost increases. Expenditures for people in the U.S. were up 76.7% between 1999 and 2009, according to the U. S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services."

Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal. Click through to read the rest of the article.

'via Blog this'

Good Search -- A Free Way to Support Us!

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just got a note from "Good Search" and discovered that four of our supporters are using the Good Search tools and have generated a $40 donation check for MABCR!! How cool is that? MABCR garners a donation each time you search using the Good Search tool bar with no effort from you! Thanks!

Mid Atlantic Border Collie Rescue - MABCR - Free Way to Support Us!:

"Raise money for Mid Atlantic Border Collie Rescue - MABCR each time you search the Internet or shop online!"

Every time you shop online or search the internet, a donation will be made to MABCR. With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, that can add up to quite a bit of moolah.

Here’s how:

GoodShop.com works with more than 2,500 stores (including Target, Apple, Petsmart etc..) and every time you purchase something, a percentage will be donated to us! And, even more exciting, GoodShop also offers over 100,000 of the most up-to-date coupons and free shipping offers so you can save money at the same time. It’s win win.

GoodSearch is a Yahoo powered search engine which makes a donation to us each time you do a search.

Join the rest of our community in using these sites to help us easily raise money for our mission. Get started by clicking the “Become a Supporter” button on our profile page (www.mabcr.org)!

'via Blog this'

A Funny for Your Day

2011-11-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Silly ditty from Britain's Smith and Jones . Watch 'till the end, it is worth it!

Adoption Update: Ranger

2011-11-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

I am so thrilled to let everyone know that the little guy that stole my heart has found a wonderful home with a really good friend. My friend Gayle was waiting for the right time to adopt after having recently lost an older dog. She called to tell me she was ready -- just as I was struggling with falling in love with my little man. Gayle is special to me, and I am over the moon that my little guy is special to her and that he has his forever home only 6 miles from me...

Happy Halloween from Milo and his Packmates!

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do Animals Grieve? : 13.7: Cosmos And Culture : NPR

2011-10-29T10:22:00.000-04:00

Do Animals Grieve? : 13.7: Cosmos And Culture : NPR:

"It's refreshing to answer a scholarly question without equivocation. Most often, I can't do that. When anthropologists reconstruct how prehistoric peoples lived based on their material artifacts, or theorize about how monkeys and apes think about the world based on their behavior, disclaimers of what we can't know often crowd out solid answers.

But from a combination of observation, evolutionary logic, reading the peer-reviewed science literature, and talking to insightful animal people, I'm convinced that animals may feel deep grief when another animal dies. Not all species, to be sure; if spiders and snails are ever found to grieve, I'd be the first to express astonishment. But I do mean more than only the usual suspects, more than the apes, elephants and cetaceans."

Please click through......

'via Blog this'

Tetanus: Not Just from Bites and Rusty Nails | The Bark

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tetanus: Not Just from Bites and Rusty Nails | The Bark:

"We have all heard of tetanus shots and have some sense that we are supposed to periodically get them, especially after a dirty cut, scratch with a piece of metal or some sort of bite wound. Some of us may even know that tetanus is often referred to as lockjaw, but the general knowledge of tetanus generally does not extend much beyond that, and many people are not aware that tetanus can be a problem for animals as well as people.

Different animal species have different sensitivity to the tetanus toxin. On the spectrum of tetanus sensitivity, horses, humans and livestock are most sensitive and dogs are less sensitive. And then there are cats: They are quite resistant and almost never get infected (as we all know, cats have a different rule book than the rest of us). We will, of course, focus on our favorite, dogs."

Please click through for the remainder of this informative article.

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OT: The Dogwood

2011-10-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

This is an off-topic post. I am not offended if you choose not to read and then watch, but I promise, if you do, you will be glad that you did. You will meet some special people and learn about an special place. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Thirteen years ago it never occurred to me that MABCR would introduce me to such passionate people, and such incredible programs. Wow. Just wow.

Some years ago MABCR adopted a special pair of pups to a fellow called Galen Sampson. Their story is special to MABCR because those pups introduced David to Laura, and they eventually married (don't you love serendipity?)

Galen is a chef, who fell in love with Bridget who was working in Baltimore helping people better their lives. They started a program in their restaurant (The Dogwood, named after their dogs).

This is their story, and the story of people helping people...because they can.

Turning Point: Godparents for Youth Organization & Dogwood Restaurant

If you live in, or visit Baltimore, stop by, grab a seat and say hi.

The Dogwood

http://www.dogwoodbaltimore.com/

911 W. 36th Street, HAMPDEN
(between Elm & Roland Ave)
Baltimore, Maryland, 21211
410.889.0952
dining@dogwoodbaltimore.com

Doggie Bits: Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate - By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Doggie Bits: Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate - By: Dr. Dawn Ruben: "Halloween and the temptation of chocolate is everywhere this time of year. But our dogs should not eat any chocolate because for them, chocolate is poison.

In addition to a high fat content, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two different types of stimulants that affect the central nervous system and the heart muscle, as well as increasing the frequency of urination.

Six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts – can make a dog very sick. "

Please click through to read the rest of this important article.

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Big Day Saturday!

2011-10-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a big day here at the farm.

First up was Yappy Hour.

Then Sheila found a new home. She went to live with MABCR Alum Molly. Sheila is Molly's family's third MABCR adoption! Really excited about this adoption for so many reasons!

Next up was Clint. Clinty had been with me more than a year and found his forever human. or rather she found him. She applied because of him, but never mentioned it, so I was surprised to learn that little fact when she came to meet him. Here they are out for a run his first full day with his new human. Clinty has landed well for sure.

While Clint's human was still here getting to know him, our transport arrived with three new guests:

First out was Zoe, a lovely little girl with just enough 'tude to make a rocking good sports partner. Pulled from Kentucky, someone thought she should have a shorter tail and banded it (yes, you read that right, they used a castrating band to try to dock her tail), so it had to be surgically docked. She needs sponsorship (I am guessing a minimum total of $300, her transport was $25) to pay her vet bills in Kentucky, if you are interested in helping, please email me directly.

Next out was Banjo. Banjo is an adult with a very young mind. He thinks he is a teenager, and has a very young attitude. He is sweet and once neutered will make a great active companion. He was found strayed at a farm in the country. Banjo also needs sponsorship ($50), and of course, an adopter!

And finally, the little man with no name. I have come up with at least 100 girl names, but no boy names that suit. He is all of 8 or 9 pounds and is very sweet and a lovely companion dog. He is a papillion (mix?), I am looking forward to seeing if his hair grows. He has funny little tufts by his ears and is cute as the dickens.

Once we unloaded, the bottle kitten hopped on the transport and went on home to her foster. Once she is weaned she will move onto her forever home who is anxiously awaiting her arrival!

WHEW!! I was ready for bed at about 7.30pm that night. I slept until 6am the next morning...Can't imagine why!!!

Thanks to our expert Transport Driver Denise for helping to get all of our new guests here safe and sound.

Adoption Update: Oliver!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Sarah!-

Well Mr.Oliver graduated from basic obedience with honors…he was the best behavedpooch there!! The trainer suggested he enroll in Agility instead of thenext level of obedience, Ollie is thinking about it.

He isfinally coming out of his shell, and playing with Archie and Maggie, but thisweekend when a stray Donkey wondered into our yard, he let him have it!!

Since I callhim “my pumpkin” I felt it was only appropriate for him to be a pumpkin forHalloween.

Just want tojot you a note to say thanks again and let you know how my pumpkin was doing!!

Megan

Photo Op: Marley

2011-10-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

Sarah:

I thoughtyou might enjoy this photo. Riding in the Spitfire is Marley’s favoritething. But don’t worry, he is wearing a dog harness and is more securelybuckled in that I am. Marley likes to nap in the Spitfire in the garage. He thinks it is his car.

Jeff

NOVA | The Meaning of Dog Barks

2011-10-23T19:35:00.000-04:00

NOVA | The Meaning of Dog Barks:

"Can you tell the difference between a dog bark that says "I'm lonely, don't leave me!" and one that warns "Don't get close, I might bite!"? Researchers in Hungary have found that we humans have a remarkable ability to categorize various types of dog vocalizations and understand their emotional content—in effect, to "speak canine." Click through to try it yourself, and learn what this inter-species communication might mean about the evolution of dogs."

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Cookies for Puppies Oh MY!

2011-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

A foster-mom came with her pup to visit during Yappy Hour. And she brought presents! We love presents!!

The Mr Clean and the tennis balls are fab (and truly appreciated), but you must all see the amazing cookies she baked for the pups. Love them!! And, so do the dogs! Taste tested, rescue dog approved! By the way, the color in the first photo is more accurate...they are pumpkin cookies! Chrisy developed this recipe over years of testing (do you think the dogs minded??) and sells freshly baked cookies to her dog-minded friends. She also bakes cheese steak flavoured cookies! Chrisy has generously offered to make a donation if people would like to order cookies from her. If you are interested, contact me and I'll hook you up with her. Thanks Chrisy!

Mid-Atlantic Border CAT Rescue

2011-10-21T19:53:00.000-04:00

Got an email the other day from someone that need a cat rescue. Specifically for an orphaned kitten that was still on a bottle. I can never quite figure out what people are thinking when they contact us for animals that are not border collies, but they do (today it was to adopt a Boston Terrier??).

Anyway, this time I bit. I mean, who could resist this face?

Having never bottle fed a kitten before, I was in for a real treat. This little girl is feisty, and she wants it her way, so we argue a bit about who is holding the bottle, and how it is being held before she actually settles in and chugs down the formula.

When things are all said and done, she does have a messy face. Cute, but messy. And my oh my, you should see what she does with a bowl of food. Good thing she is already into cleaning herself!

And here she is meeting Mama Cass. I had really hoped Cass would take to her as she is a good cleaner, she throws Gin-cat down on occasion and cleans her up nicely.

Tomorrow my adventure ends when little girl goes into foster, and then eventually on to her forever home. Yes, little girl already has a permanent home and will move there once she is weaned, has been socialised well with the resident cats and has been vetted.

Next time you are thinking of adopting a cat...think of us. Mid-Atlantic Border CAT Rescue.

In Memoriam: Bandit Guttag

2011-10-21T17:02:00.001-04:00

I am embarrassed to say that I cannot remember how Bandit came to rescue. What I do know is that he was a lovely, big boofy boy who was sweet, gentle and kind. And that he brought together two of my favorite MABCR peeps, Kris Guttag and Erika Leckington.

MABCR adopted Bandit to Kris and her husband in 2002. Not long afterwards, I learned that Steve referred to me as the Cult Leader, so I became the Supreme Leader of the Divine Church of the Border Collie, and Kris became my friend.

I have been privileged to become a part of Kris's life. Kris has volunteered with MABCR since shortly after Bandit's adoption. She has enriched my life, I am happy when she visits, and even happier when she cooks. Her son Gary has played with every moving thing on the farm (that he can convince to be still enough to touch) and I know that Bandit was instrumental in teaching Gary how to appreciate and to be kind to animals.

This morning Bandit went peacefully with Kris by his side.

I am ever so grateful to Bandit for bringing Kris and her family into my life, and even more so to the Guttags for giving Bandit the loving forever home that he so well deserved.

Rest easy buddy. See you at the Bridge.

Pet Industry Statistics and Trends for 2010

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Pet Industry Statistics and Trends for 2010: "Surprise, surprise – the impact of the recession on consumer spending and attitudes will continue to dominate economics for pet-related small businesses in 2010. It has long been thought that pet-related spending is recession proof and 2009 certainly tested that theory. "

Sarah Wilson shared this article earlier in the week. I find it fascinating and wonder what are your thoughts?

Click through to read the rest of the article...

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Safe, Secure and Smart (and Free) Ways to Give

2011-10-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Why We Trust (and LOVE) iGive.com:

Established in 1997, iGive is the first online shopping mall where a portion of each purchase benefits the shopper's favorite cause. iGive members have raised over $5 million for charities across the U.S. and Canada, and this small army of caring shoppers have become an influential force in the internet marketplace. Over 900 of the web's best stores have come to recognize the value of iGive shoppers, and this allows iGive to negotiate some of the best donation rates and exclusive coupons for its members. As an added bonus, when you shop through iGive you always have the extra support of their highly responsive customer service team, just in case something goes amiss.

An iGive member cause since August 2005, iGive searches and purchases have raised nearly $1500 for MABCR. Interestingly, the majority of this income has happened because of only a few dedicated iGive users. I can't imagine the income that would be generated if more of our supporters used the iGive service. Remember, it isn't the shopper making the donation, it is the webstore that gives a portion of each purchase...a win/win!!

Create your free iGive account. After that, all you need do is shop through the iGive.com website, newsletters, or install the optional iGive Button* to make sure you never miss an opportunity to raise money when you shop online. It’s all automatic, and it's all free of charge. iGive lets you control your membership information with a private password. You can review your store visits and purchase/donation history, and confirm the total amount raised and distributed to your cause. iGive values your privacy and will never release shopper information without consent. And there are no hidden fees or extra costs when you shop through iGive.

Start iGiving at: www.iGive.com/MABCR

*The iGive Button is an optional feature. You can use iGive without installing the Button - just remember to go through the iGive website or e-mail newsletters to get credit for your donation. To learn more, visit: http://www.igive.com/button

And Her Name Is....

2011-10-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who made name suggestions. The name game is fun to play and I have noted some great new names to add to our list.

Little girl now has a name, but not one of the suggested names. Yesterday I noticed that she is wearing a necklace. Yes, I know lots of border collies have a collar, but this one is thin, extremely symmetrical and circles her neck very evenly (you can see it in the photo below)...she also has a little diamond shape spot on her neck over the 'necklace'...so, her name is Holly, as in Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I think it suits.

Sheepdogs on Sesame Street!

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sesame Street-Sheepdog.AVI - YouTube:

Laddie the sheepdog on Sesame Street in the early 70s. Click through to watch. Fun little piece!

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Keeping A Close Eye On The Herd

2011-10-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

It is really great to see a rescued border collie doing what it was meant to do! Click through for more photos and the rest of the story...

PHOTOS: Keeping A Close Eye On The Herd - Stonington-Mystic, CT Patch:

"Border collies are often credited as being the the most intelligent and hard-working breed and Tess was no exception. Owner Sylvia Murray of Alder Brook Farm in Norwich said that Tess was a rescue dog and when she brought her to the farm, the dog learned her new job in short order. "

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Feature Foster: Aggie

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Aggie is one of those dogs. You know...THOSE dogs. She is my ever constant companion, she makes me laugh and she makes me happy.

Aggie latched onto me day one and has not let go. She is a ready little dog, prepared to suck in whatever it is I want tot each her. She has been to events, to Yappy Hour, traveled with me and has always been a delight. She has gone downtown to have coffee, has visited with friends, and has always been a little lady, turning on the spark when needed.

Aggie can be a handful, she has some attitude and spunk, but just the right amount to make her loads of fun to be around and to train.

Aggie is crate trained, housebroken, walks well on leash, and is (reasonably good with cats) good with kids, and dogs.

Aggie will do best in a very active home where training is part of the program. She would excel at agility or rally, perhaps even obedience, although she would want to do it loud and proud!

New Arrivals...

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dogs come to us in all sorts of ways. Sometimes it is well planned, a transport set up weeks in advance, dog fully vetted, the dog arrives virtually ready to go into a new home.

Other times dogs come to us in a scramble. This little girl was found stray running by a good samaritan. The finder posted signs, called shelters and such to try and find the dog's owner with out success. They contacted one of our volunteers in the area, who in turn contacted me, and four days later the dog arrived riding in style in a crate wearing a bright pink collar.

This little one is pretty afraid. She has not been well socialised and is now decompressing in her crate, but seems to have a nice temperament and will be a super nice girl once she gets past being afraid. I'd love to get her into foster, so if you think you can handle some good, solid socialisation, let me know.

Special thanks go out the the generous volunteers who arranged to bring the pup here, then donated the funds for spay and vaccinations. We can't do our job without help like that and we truly appreciate the positive affirmations, the physical and financial assistance.

Little girl needs a name. She is about 7 months old, is shy, smooth coated, and not a big girl, I can tote her under my arm (30 pounds??). If you have a suggestion for her name, please leave it in the comments below.

August Eight

2011-10-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

I am sad to let you all know that our little fighter Riggs lost his battle.

Not long after my last update on Riggs and the August Eight, we learned that the litter had suffered from distemper. Distemper is one of those easily prevented diseases that we don't see anymore in our area. Sadly, in poor areas dogs are not inoculated properly and so are able to contract and carry diseases. The August Eight contracted distemper somewhere in their journey to MABCR and once a young dog has contracted the disease there is little chance of survival.

Our vet helped little Riggs pass quietly after he had several seizures. Riggs, along with the rest of the pups, were loved and cared for in their short lives, and for this we are grateful.

Thank you so much for all of your kind notes, and financial support. Special thanks to the veterinarians that gave their time and experience and to the volunteers that helped care for the pups, most especially to Rigg's foster and her family who provided her with the emotional support she needed to work through this difficult experience.

My Smart Puppy: Managing Your Mood: Watch Your Mouth!

2011-10-14T08:18:00.000-04:00

My Smart Puppy: Managing Your Mood: Watch Your Mouth!:

"In our work as dog professionals, our mood can significantly impact our effectiveness with both dogs and people. This series of articles is to help us all do the best we can by developing our inner "toolbox." We spend a lot of time focused on our "toolbox" for our canine clients, let's spend some time on ourselves. Afterall, when we aren't at our best, our work suffers - no matter how wonderful our canine skillset is.

Let's start here: We all get into to habits of speaking that can go unexamined for years. The really old habits can be hard to see since we wear them like a spiritual skin; they can feel like a part of who we are. They usually are not. Usually they are just habits formed without awareness or choice in a time when we had to do something or were learning by example.

This article reviews three common ways we speak to ourselves and how we can do better. "

Excellent article, and important as how we speak to our dogs affects how they behave. Click through to read the rest of the article...

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The Uprising on Vimeo

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Uprising on Vimeo:

Another little video from my friend Michelle. The sheep at this trial were tougher, hence the musical choice!

The Uprising from Michelle Dobbs on Vimeo.

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Study confirms puppy mills leave long term scars on dogs | Philly Dawg | 10/12/2011

2011-10-13T19:35:00.000-04:00

Study confirms puppy mills leave long term scars on dogs | Philly Dawg | 10/12/2011: "They have as much as eight times the amount of fear as an average dog. They spin in tight circles. They are highly sensitive to being touched.

All common traits exibited by adult breeding dogs who have been removed from puppy mills.

Researchers have now confirmed what anyone who works with dogs rescued from puppy mills knows: that they suffer psychological damage from their years of confinement and that after they leave they exhibit the effects years later."

please click through to read the rest of this story...

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Foster Update: Toby

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Sarah,

I thought I would send an update on Toby.

He's doing very well and as you can see from the photos is doing well with new people. When my neighbors stop by he barks a little, but nothing terrible. I think he definitely takes his lead from me and the other dogs - he starts to bark but when he realizes that no one else cares about the new people then he is fine with them.

Now that he feels like he's part of the family, his "wild" side has come out! I have to separate him from Ember when they're inside or I wouldn't have any house left from the two of them and their crazy games. You'll notice in the photo that I have to put a snood on Ember when they play. He chases her and grabs her by the ears, which doesn't work out well for a show dog that's growing coat! He doesn't bother Brewster at all, which is kind of funny. I think that the little dog rules! He loves the cat and they actually play together a lot.

He comes immediately when called, which is nice. He still pulls on the leash when we walk, but we're working on that. He is learning self control and has to wait to be released before going in or out of his crate.

He definitely needs a home with someone who can handle a high energy adolescent. He is great with other dogs and definitely takes his cue from them, but he would have to live with the right dog since I could see him being annoying to some dogs (even Ember gets tired of him at times). I did find that he's terrifed of the car. I went to take him with me once and as soon as we got within a few feet of the car he just hit the ground in terror and tried to run back to the house. I don't want to make it scarier than it already is, so we have been using Ember (who LOVES the car) and lots of treats. I walk him over to the car with her and she jumps in and out while I click and treat him for even being close. Hopefully we'll make some progress there.

Everyone who sees him thinks he's cute. Hopefully someone will fall in love with him!

Adoption Updates

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I asked for sponsorship help for two young dogs we needed to transport from Kentucky.

And you came through. Some generous benefactors gave so that we could pull and pay for medicals for these young dogs, and another volunteer retrieved them from the transport, while yet another took them as a short term foster while I was caring for the sick pups.

Both young dogs are lovely, and last week were both placed into their forever homes.

Thank you yet again for your kind and generous support. And thank you to those that give their time, and their hearts so our dogs can find great homes.

Rabies Vaccination and The Law - Whole Dog Journal Blog Article

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Rabies Vaccination and The Law - Whole Dog Journal Blog Article: "I saw a news item over the weekend announcing that my state’s governor (California’s Jerry Brown) signed “Molly’s Bill” (AB 258), exempting certain dogs from the rabies vaccine requirement. Dogs whose lives would be endangered by the vaccination “due to disease or other considerations that a veterinarian can verify and document” -- as determined by a licensed veterinarian on an annual basis – now have a legal means of avoiding vaccination against rabies. California is the 14th state to sign such a bill into law.

This is great news for dogs who have suffered adverse reactions to rabies vaccines, and for debilitated senior dogs (who have perhaps the longest history or previous vaccinations, the least risk of coming into contact with rabid animals, AND the most risk of suffering side effects of the rabies vaccine). However, it’s NOT a tool that should be used to justify the failure to vaccinate just ANY dog against rabies, for a number of reasons:"

Please click through the link to read the rest of this article.

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Educational Resources

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in my note on restraining dogs in vehicles, I referred to the tab on our blog on Educational Resources. I firmly believe that the first job of any rescue or humane agency is to educate. Over the years we have developed short, informational articles to help our adopters and supporters solve some of the issues they have experienced with their canine companions. You will find many of these articles under this tab on our blog. Over time I expect this page to expand and grow, so if you have a specific question or problem you would like help with (not found in the articles), please feel free to contact me directly and I will see what I can do to help.

As always, thank you for your support.