PITBULLS (The Truth)...

This post is dedicated to Teoh Dogs (Ning and Li)... Om Mani Padme Hum.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20110112-257807.html
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20110110-257307.html



 
The American Pit Bull Terrier was the most popular family dog in the beginning of the 20th century. What happened? How did this breed become so maligned and misunderstood?

ref from www.realpittbull.com and http://www.dontbullymybreed.org/

The term “Pit Bull” as used in these pages, is meant to refer to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) breed ONLY. This is a purebred recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). However, the media, legislators and others use this same term incorrectly to describe a certain group of dogs that actually includes several breeds and types. 

Included in this group are:American Pit Bull Terriers /American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, sometimes Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs, mixes with percentage of blood of any one of these breeds and dogs that simply look like these breeds. 

Understandably, many people are confused about what a “Pit Bull” actually is.

This is Buddie (pic care
of Donna Dailey of Faith's Pit Bull Rescue), with a more accurate portrayal of Pit Bull

Temperament  

If there was a manual describing ideal Pit Bull temperament, it would probably read something like this: "The Pit Bull is goofily friendly towards people - family, friends, and strangers alike. Known for its sound character, strong nerve, and great intelligence, the breed makes an ideal companion for households with children, while remaining strong and vigilant enough to protect its loved ones if need be. It is never necessary to embark on guard or attack training with this breed, as they are
naturally attuned to their environment and intuitive about real threats. 

Although never aggression towards people without real need, the Pit Bull may show dog-directed aggression, but sensitivity to other dogs will vary from dog to dog. The properly socialized and trained Pit Bull should not be an instigator, yet it is unlikely for the breed to shy away from a challenge. 

The breed is known for its high prey drive, and so due caution should be exercised when cats, rabbits, domestic fowl, and other such animals are present. Dog-sensitivity and high prey drive should not be viewed as a fault, although excessive, uncontrollable aggression is neither desired  nor correct. Aggression towards humans should be viewed as a serious fault."

Petey of the Little Rascals was a Pit Bull

As our "ideal temperament manual" states above, the Pit Bull is a very friendly, stable breed. Although in recent years some individuals have misused the breed and the media have misrepresented it, aggression towards humans never was and still isn't what the Pit Bull is about. 

 
Aggression directed at humans is a serious matter, and not something
that should be taken lightly.
 
****Human aggression (i.e. biting/attempt to bite) in this breed
is *not* the norm. Growling (i.e. over toys, food, when moved off the sofa,bed, etc.) should be considered a warning, and possibly a precursor to human-aggressive behavior. It is imperative that guardians seek professional help if their dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors.****

Because the Pit Bull is such a people-friendly breed, they make poor guards of property. Many members of the breed will allow strangers to enter the home or yard without a fuss, whether the guardian is present or not. When it comes to physical harm to his person, the breed is credited with having exceptional judgment and will react only to real threats.

Because the Pit Bull is not a guard or ‘attack breed’, it is best to stay away from any sort of guard or protection dog training. A good dog can be ruined quite easily when this sort of training is undertaken improperly, making for a wary, untrusting dog that may become a danger to humans. Do not try to make the Pit Bull into something he is not. If a serious guard or attack dog is what you desire, it is best to look to one of the breeds that have been specifically created for that type of work.


This breed is known to keep its guardians laughing. They are silly, almost
to the point of being ridiculous. Flailing around upside down on their backs, laying with their heads draped off the side of the couch, engaging in rambunctious sprints around the living room (we call ‘em "pit fits"), these dogs are always clowning around. They are active and energetic; too much dog for some to handle, just the right amount for others.


Pit Bulls are known to have a tendency towards showing dog-directed aggression, although this will vary from dog to dog. It is therefore necessary for the Pit Bull guardian to take certain precautions in the housing, training, and socialization of the breed. Pit Bulls also tend to have a very strong prey drive. Small animals such as birds, squirrels and cats are often viewed as "hunting targets” (this is the terrier blood in them). And let’s not forget that Pit Bulls are bred down from dogs that were used to bait large animals such as bulls and bears – Pit Bulls can therefore show a strong desire to chase/hold down horses and other
farmyard animals. This is a tendency of which guardians MUST be aware.


The Pit Bull should be socialized from early on in a structured, controlled
way with other dogs. Basic early manners training is a must. However,
you cannot socialize or train away temperament traits. Since most Pit Bulls have a tendency to be what we call ‘dog-sensitive’, socialization and training combined with management are musts. These things won’t eliminate the tendency but will help you control or circumvent any
problems.

What are some specifics you need to know about Pit Bulls and other dogs?

Pit Bulls are not necessarily looking to show dominance or obtain rank when they aggress. In fact, most aggression has to do with defense (this is true of all dogs). Even dogs labeled ‘submissive’ cannot be trusted to “never fight”. Allowing a Pit Bull to "work out rank" with other dogs is dangerous and may very well result in injuries. Although neutering can definitely help in some cases (particularly with young males), do not count on the operation eliminating aggression completely. Same-sex aggression is a problem, with two bitches sometimes being more problematic than two males.  Regardless of the sexes involved, in general same-sex households are not a good idea, particularly for the novice guardian.


Pit Bulls are slow to mature. A dog may not show his true temperament until he is 2 or 3 or even 4 years old. Dog-sensitivity levels tend to rise as a Pit Bull matures.

Just because your puppy has reached a year of age without having shown dog-directed aggression does not mean he will never trigger.

Pit Bulls can and do interact peacefully with other dogs and animals.
Individual dog temperament, early training and socializing, and good management skills on the part of the guardian all play an important role in whether or not a Pit Bull is capable of getting along with other dogs. Many people successfully keep multiple Pit Bulls and other dogs in the same household. Success is based on careful supervision, proper management and training, and the individual dogs involved.

Pit Bull Heroes

She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat
during a flood in Southern California.

Weela, Ken-L Ration's Dog Hero of the Year (1993)

This story is from the Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier by Jacqueline O'Neil. There's also an excellent story about Weela in Jillian Cline's new book The American Pit Bull Terrier Speaks...Good Dog!. Weela was also featured in the October, 1996 Outside magazine as an example of the kind of dog one would like to have in a life-threatening situation.

Gary Watkins, eleven years old, was absorbed in chasing lizards when Weela, the family Pit Bull, plowed into him with a body slam that sent him sprawling. Gary's mother, Lori, saw the whole incident and remembers being surprised at first, because Weela always played kindly with children. But her surprise quickly turned to horror when she saw a rattlesnake sink its fangs into Weela's face. Somehow Weela had sensed the snake's presence from across the yard and rushed to push Gary out of striking range.

 

Luckily for thirty people, twenty-nine dogs, thirteen horses and a cat, Weela recovered from the snake's venom. Luckily, because that's how many lives she saved a few years later. For her heroism, Weela was named Ken-L Ration's Dog Hero of the Year in 1993. 

The press release read in part:

In January 1993, heavy rains caused a dam to break miles upstream on the Tijuana River, normally a narrow, three-foot wide river. Weela's rescue efforts began at a ranch that belonged to a friend of her owners, Lori and Daniel Watkins. Weela and the Watkinses worked for six hours battling heavy rains, strong currents and floating debris to reach the ranch and rescue their friend's twelve dogs.

From that experience, the Watkinses recognized Weela's extraordinary ability to sense quicksand, dangerous drop-offs and mud bogs. "She was constantly willing to put herself in dangerous situations," says Lori Watkins. "She always took the lead except to circle back if someone needed help."

Periodically, over a month's time, sixty-five pound Weela crossed the flooded river to bring food to seventeen dogs and puppies and one cat, all stranded on an island. Each trip she pulled thirty to fifty pounds of dog food that had been loaded into a harnessed backpack. The animals were finally evacuated on Valentine's Day.

 

On another occasion, Weela led a rescue team to thirteen horses stranded on a large manure pile completely surrounded by floodwaters. The rescue team successfully brought the horses to safe ground.

Finally, during one of Weela's trips back from delivering food to stranded animals, she came upon a group of thirty people who were attempting to cross the floodwaters. Weela, by barking and running back and forth, refused to allow them to cross at that point where the waters ran deep and fast. She then led the group to a shallower crossing upstream, where they safely crossed to the other side.

 

Strong, gentle intelligent and brave, Weela,CGC,TT, is the ultimate American Pit Bull terrier, epitomizing the best that the breed has to offer. But her story also highlights an important yet often misunderstood fact about the breed. The Pit Bull is a dog that loves to please its owner and tries to become whatever kind of dog its owner desires. Weela has had two owners.

 

The first owner dumped her in an alley to die when she was less than four weeks old. Her present owner, Lori Watkins, found five starving Pit Bull puppies whimpering in an alley, took them home and raised them. later, the Watkins family placed four of the puppies in loving homes and kept the little female they named Weela. They believed Weela was special, and she proved them right. Most Pit Bull puppies grow up to become a reflection of both their owners' personality and the care and training they receive. One can only imagine what a different dog Weela would have become if her original owner had raised her, and she had done her best to please him.

An abused, dying pup becomes a drug-sniffing superdog

From People Weekly Magazine Edition April 26, 1999 The "Animal" chronicle, Page 117

KOOL K-9 Popsicle

"He's a little ball of fire" says U.S. Customs officer J.J. Trevino of Popsicle (Receiving a significant Seizure medal in March)

During an arrest two years ago, Buffalo policeman Ron Clark, Jr. opened an abandoned freezer on a known drug dealer's back porch and found a bulging black garbage bag. "I poked my flashlight at it," he recalls, "and it started moving. My worst fear was that it was a baby."
In fact, it was a puppy, a pit bull who would be known as Popsicle and -- in a lovely ironic twist-- would gain fame for sniffing out the kind of bad guy that nearly killed him.

One year ago, Popsicle helped the feds seize 3,075 pounds of cocaine from a pineapple-laden truck at the Mexican border-the biggest drug bust ever at the Hidalgo, Texas, port of entry. "It's astounding the obstacles this dog has overcome," says US Customs Service Commissioner Raymond W. Kelley.

When Officer Clark found the wounded, blood-caked animal who had apparently been used in pit bull fights, he was undernourished, hypothermic and near death."He was in bad shape, but I was drawn to him," says SPCA adoption counselor Shannon Willie, who name the pup Popsicle. Alas, people who visited the shelter looking to adopt a puppy were put off by his breed's reputation. They would take one look at the pit bull and walk away.

When Popsicle regained his strength, the shelter contacted US Customs canine-enforcement officer Sally Barr. It was a long shot, but maybe he would qualify for the dog training school in Front Royal, VA.Of 500 dogs Barr has tested in the last three years, only 4 have made the cut. "You want a dog that plays a terrific tug-of-war," says Barr. Popsicle did, and in February 1998 he graduated at the top of his class and became a celebrated alumnus two months later by detecting the record contraband cache under a tractor-trailer. 

"You have to imagine him," says US Customs canine handler J.J. Trevino ,"on his hind legs, barking, trying to reach up to the bottom of the truck." Back in Buffalo, where the bad guy eventually got off with probation for animal cruelty, Ron Clark remains awed by Popsicle's comeback. "I still don't know why I opened that refrigerator," says Clark. "But it feel like it was meant to be.

Spaying and Neutering (What u need to know)

Spaying / Neutering

(article ref:-   http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/caring-for-your-pet/spaying-neutering.html and http://www.lbah.com/canine/dog_neuter.html)

Spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is often used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal incapable of reproducing. Here are answers to some questions you may have about this beneficial procedure.

When can I have this procedure done?

Both procedures can safely be performed at as early as 8 weeks of age. American Humane Association is a strong proponent of juvenile or pediatric spay/neuter since it is both healthy for pets and effectively reduces pet overpopulation.

Why should I have my pet neutered?

Animal shelters, both public and private, are faced with an incredible burden: What to do with the overpopulation of dogs and cats that they cannot find homes for? Approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough willing adopters. Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you will not be adding to this tremendous burden.

What are some of the health and behavioral benefits?

Through neutering, you can help your dog or cat live a happier, healthier, longer life. Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing of a female cat in heat. Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.

Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.

A long-term benefit of spaying and neutering is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors.

Isn't it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce?

No, it’s wrong to allow these animals to reproduce millions of unwanted offspring that are eventually killed because there aren’t enough responsible homes.

If I find homes for my pet's litters, then I won't contribute to the problem, right?

Wrong. Only a finite number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet’s offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.

Shouldn't every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed?

No. In fact, your pet will be healthier if she never sexually matures.

Shouldn't children experience the miracle of birth?

No. A more important lesson to teach your children would be responsible pet ownership and concern for life by explaining why their pet should not have babies.

Doesn't neutering alter an animal's personality?

No. Personality changes that may result from neutering are for the better. Not being distracted by the instinctual need to find a mate helps your pet stop roaming and decreases aggressive tendencies.

Won't animal shelters take care of the surplus animals?

No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes, but the number of homeless animals far exceeds the number of willing adopters. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma. Only spaying and neutering can end the overpopulation problem.

Surgery

This page shows the surgical procedures...

The following area contains graphic pictures of an actual surgical procedure performed at the hospital.

The dog being neutered in this picture has only one testicle in the scrotum, called a cryptorchid or retained testicle. This happens in only a small percentage of the animals we neuter. The other testicle can be in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal (inner thigh region). In this dog's case it is in the inguinal canal, as evidenced by the bulge (arrow). It is important to remove the retained testicle because it can become cancerous later in life.

First we will remove the normal testicle without the laser. The procedure begins with an incision in the skin. We prefer to make our incision in front of the scrotum and not actually on the scrotum. This tends to minimize post operative licking and aids the healing process.

The testicle is gently squeezed forward and the incision over the testicle is made just big enough to gently squeeze it out. Smaller incisions heal faster, require less anesthetic time and there is less chance for complications.

The testicle bulges out of the incision cover by its internal layers called tunics. These tunics are carefully incised to expose the testicle and all its associated structures. In the picture on the right you can see 3 main testicular structures now that the covering is off. The vertically running dark blood vessels on the left are called the pampiniform plexus. They are a group of blood vessels that supply nutrients to the testicle, keep the testicle at an optimum temperature for viable spermatozoa, and distribute testosteron from the testicle into the general bloodstream. The structure just to the right of the pampiniform plexus, and partially surrounding the testicle, is the epididymus, the storage area of spermatozoa already produced by the testicle. The round structure to the right is the testicle itself.

The blood supply to the testicle is brought out and two sutures are placed around it. After the testicle is cut the sutured tissue is placed back through the incision.

Two layers of sutures are used to close the incision. The first is called the subcutaneous layer, because it is the layer of tissue under the skin. Sealing this layer gives an added margin of safety, especially if the dog licks the area excessively.

The skin layer is frequently closed in a suture pattern called subcuticular. 

This layer is the underside of the skin. This technique gives a cosmetic appearance and makes it difficult for a dog to chew its stitches out.

Caring For Orphan Puppies

Raising Orphan Puppies

So you've got orphan puppies. You might have discovered a litter of puppies or for some reason or other, the mother of the puppies is unable to care for the puppies (some bitches are unable to produce milk on their own, others aren't good mothers and have decided to abandon the pups). What do you do now?

For a start, it's not easy raising orphan puppies - it's demanding time wise and not for the faint hearted. You need to be clear about their nutrition, toileting, socialisation of puppies, possible diseases and the general housing requirements. Healthy happy puppies are cute little bundles of plump fluff, are generally quiet and warm to touch. In contrast, puppies who are less than healthy will be crying a lot (generally from hunger), and have poor muscle tone. 

General den environment required for orphan puppies

Most owners will keep puppies in a box or container large enough and line it with old towels or sheets. Puppies don't maintain their body temperature well, so you will need to ensure that the surrounding temperature is maintained to keep them warm. This can be achieved as simply as providing a 25-watt light bulb over the box in which you are housing the puppies. I would keep a thermometer in the box just to make sure that you're not overheating them. Puppies under 2 weeks are kept at 90ºF, 2-3 week olds can be kept at 85ºF, 3-4 week olds 80ºF and then 4-5 week olds at 75ºF. After 5 weeks, you can have them at normal room temperature - this again depends if you have the house centrally heated or not. If you find at any time that the puppies are crying and trying to pile on top of each other, then obviously they aren't warm enough and you need to do something about it.

Puppy Nutrition


If you are in the position to do so, encourage newborn pups (less than a day old) to nurse from the bitch because in the first 12 hours post labor, the bitch will be producing colostrum (which contains antibodies that are essential in protecting the puppies from bugs). Once past this critical stage (ie first 24 hours), this benefit to the puppies is 'lost' and no more colostrum is produced and the puppies will have to fend off infections on their own.

There are basically 2 methods of feeding puppies - tube feeding and bottle feeding. Unless you have the experience to do so, tube feeding isn't something that you will be doing. If however you find that the orphan puppies you have inherited aren't feeding well off the bottle, then you may have to visit your local vet to have a tube inserted for that particular puppy. Puppies are NOT babies, they don't nurse upside down, so when you are feeding an orphan puppy, feed it whilst it's lying on its tummy, not on its back. 

What to use as puppy milk substitutes for orphan puppies

There are commercially available puppy milk formulations which have been developed to provide optimum nutrition for the puppies so I would recommend you use these formulations to feed your orphan puppies eg Puppylac. However, if you are stuck and unable to purchase these, then you can make your own homemade puppy milk - but really only for emergencies and only on a temporary basis because these formulations aren't nutritionally complete and feeding puppies on these long term isn't ideal. To make your own puppy milk at home, take 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 3 egg yolks (take out the whites), 1 cup of full cream cow's milk and whisk it all together. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of liquid vitamins (if you have this available).

How to feed orphan puppies

Wash all bottles, teats thoroughly in between feeds and ensure that they are dry before use. Whilst it is tempting to make a big batch of it and keeping it in the fridge, it's best to just make enough for the day keep that in the fridge. When it is feeding time, warm the milk up so that it's lukewarm (usually best to do this in a pan of water) before feeding. After feeding, hold puppies upright over your shoulders to encourage burping.

How to often to feed orphan puppies
I guess this is the time consuming part. Puppies that are under 3 days old should be fed every 2 hours, thereafter until they are 1 week old, they are fed every 3 hours in the day and twice at night with a 4 hour gap in between. 1-2 week old pups are fed every 4 hours in the day and once at night (6 hours between last feed). When they are 3 weeks old, you can start solids with puppy starter food (gruel consistency - you can do this by mixing dry puppy food with the milk replacer and hot water in a blender) 3 times daily and continue with the bottle feeding. Gradually increase the frequency of mush foods to 4-5 times a day and reduce the amount of bottle feeding so that they can be weaned completely onto solid food by 6 weeks. It doesn't matter if you depart from this schedule by a day or 2 or even a week, it's just a guide. As long as the puppies are putting on weight and growing, that tells you that you're doing it 'right'. Regular weighings of puppies (every couple of days) to ensure they are putting on weight is the best guide.

Puppy Poops and Pees
This isn't the most enjoyable part of raising orphan puppies but it is essential. Whilst it sounds bizarre that something as 'natural' as peeing and pooping doesn't happen on its own, a newborn puppy is unable to properly coordinate its muscles to actually perform the deed, so a puppy needs to be 'stimulated' to poop and pee. You can do this by either using cotton wool or a soft old towel or cloth. Make sure it's moist and then gently rub the puppy's genital area. Do this after every feed until puppies are about 3 weeks old. It's also a good gauge as to the puppy's general health and wellbeing. Healthy puppy urine should be pale yellow or clear, if it's dark and orange, then the puppy is dehydrated and should be fed more often. Poop that is green or overly firm is another indication that all is not well. Overly firm stools is another indication that the puppy isn't getting enough fluids so feed more often. DON'T however start to feed the puppy more at the next feed, just feed it the same amount but increase the frequency of feeds.

Puppy Diseases
If puppies didn't get the mother's colostrum, they are at a higher risk of developing diseases. Having said that, it's not a given that ALL orphaned puppies will get diseases that their naturally raised cousins won't get. You just need to take extra care. Ensure bottles are washed properly, wash your hands before you handle puppies, keep puppies away from other dogs till they are vaccinated. You might want to consider taking the puppies in to have them vaccinated early - have a chat with your local vet.

Socialization of orphaned puppies
Just like human babies, puppies need mental and physical stimulation to thrive. If you've inherited a litter of pups, they get that socialization with their siblings. You will be providing that socialization with humans as you handle them whilst feeding. By 5-6 weeks, you can start familiarize puppies to things like external noises (vacuum cleaners, toilet flushing), grooming procedures, and other pets eg cats etc. Providing puppies with early positive 'vibes' with these routine things in their environment will ensure that they form a healthy approach to them later on in life.

Whilst it may start off as a daunting and tiring task, caring for orphan puppies is a fulfilling, rewarding experience that you will cherish in years to come.

What do you feed a nursing mother dog to insure full nutrition of her pups?

Continue to feed her a high quality food and she should be fine. You may need to increase the amount you are feeding; especially when the puppies are born and she is nursing. There are prenatal vitamins available for dogs which would not hurt to add to her diet.

 

Why does the mother dog sit on her pups?

Its a way where she can keep her puppies warm when they are cold. Its the only way a mother dog can keep her puppies warm really. Don`t worry she won`t kill her puppies. The mother well actual hold her body up but at the same time keep them warm. Especially if theirs only one puppies but if she as 2 or more the puppies lay in puppies groups to stay warm.

Things to watch out forThe first few weeks in a puppy's life are crucial. Be on the lookout for signs of health problems or discomfort, such as the following:

Constant squeaks or cries - A newborn puppy does not make much noise aside from soft grunts. If a puppy is constantly making squeaking or crying noises, there might be something wrong. This might be as simple as not getting enough milk or are not warm enough, or it might be a sign of a more serious problem.

Poor weight gain - If the newborn puppies are not gaining much weight, the mother might not be producing enough milk. If this is the case, you may need to hand feed the puppies. Newborn puppies must be fed every 2 to 3 hours. By the fourth week this can be spaced out to every 4 hours, and you can begin to add solid food to their diet by mixing some solid food with their milk.

Trouble defecating - If the mother does not lick her puppies' hindquarters, or if the puppies appear to be having trouble expelling, you may need to fill in for the mother and wipe their hindquarters with a damp washcloth. It is a good idea to do this after every mean until they start walking in general, as this will also keep them clean.

Dehydration - Hydration is extremely important and can lead to death if it is not regulated. To check if a puppy is properly hydrated, pinch the skin on the back of its neck. A hydrated puppy's skin goes right back into place. If it remains pinched, the puppy is most likely dehydrated. Treat this right away or you might lose the puppy! Sometimes giving the puppy some Pedialite is enough, but in more severe cases, you need to either rehydrate the puppy yourself, or take it to a vet.
      
If the puppies display any of the aforementioned behaviors, or if you suspect that the puppies or the mother are unwell in any way, contact your veterinarian immediately! Spotting and stopping problems quickly can be a matter of life or death.

http://www.ask-the-vet.com/dogs/21/Raising-Orphan-Puppies---Caring-For-Orphan-Puppies.html http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_do_you_feed_a_nursing_mother_dog_to_insure_full_nutrition_of_her_pups#ixzz1U4yYOjoV
http://www.petplace.com/new-born-puppies.aspx
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_does_the_mother_dog_sit_on_her_pups#ixzz1U4z9Z9ew

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_does_the_mother_dog_sit_on_her_pups#ixzz1U4z1tp7s

Celebrities' Adopted Dogs

HONG KONG DOG RESCUE

Rescuing, Rehabilitating and Rehoming Abandoned Dogs

Sandy & Dizzy

Article and photo from Sally's Blog http://hkdr.wordpress.com/2010/04/28/

The reality of the move is starting to hit home as volunteers were busy packing up the office today.  Twelve dogs were moved out to go to private boarding kennels for a month or so, and hopefully more will be joining them before too long.  Clearing work at the Tai Po site (what will we call it?) continues, and the transformation is quite amazing.  Rachael, Mark, Nana and Dennis are trying to coordinate all of the offers of cars, van, trucks and coaches for the actual move, and someone has to get this all on video!!  I don’t know how it will all work, but somehow it will.

The playground equipment in the big field was moved to Lamma as the terraced garden at Tai Po isn’t suitable for it, although we hope and assume that it will be moved back when we find our permanent home.  My Lamma dogs spent a good half hour inspecting and sniffing every inch of it when it arrived, and gave it a good watering of course.  Now it belongs to them.

We really, really need to get more dogs into homes in the few remaining days, and there were a few adopters today.  I brought puppy Dizzy over from Lamma for a second interview with local celebrity singing star, Sandy Lam, and the adoption was confirmed.  I love it when mongrels go to homes like these because it helps to spread the message about adoption, and that dogs don’t have to be the designer label variety.
In the afternoon I was taken out to the deepest far North New Territories again to look at possible land.  I’m always amazed that wherever you go, and no matter how deep into the countryside you are, there are clusters of new houses being built.  Although we didn’t find anything that looked immediately suitable, I got some very good advice and tips about buying land in the New Territories, something that is so complicated due to the traditional clan ways and laws, that you can easily end up in trouble if you don’t get it right.  So it was a very worthwhile afternoon, even if we’re still no closer to finding our eventual home.

While kennel volunteers were busy with the packing, and moving the dogs, others were finalising details and arrangements for Wednesday’s (now tonight) party at the Coyote bar in Lockhart Road, Wanchai.    What was originally a normal fundraising event as part of the Eclipse Group’s “giving back” scheme, the evening has now become our Farewell to Pokfulam, and I hope that as many volunteers and supporters as possible will come along to share memories of the four years we have been at our kennels, and to drink to the future of HKDR and the dogs.  The event starts at 7pm and will go on until late, and it’s going to be one BIG party!  I really hope to see you all there.


CELEBRITIES' DOGS
SADIE
- This blonde Cocker Spaniel is one of the luckiest in the world with her proud owner, Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey adopted Sadie in Chicago at the PAWS shelter; Sadie joins Winfrey’s brood of pups from previous adoptions. America’s first glimpse of Sadie was of her wearing a Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater while being nuzzled by Winfrey. We can only assume what royal treatment this pooch is in for. Oprah’s previous Cocker Spaniels, Sophie and Soloman, (who both sadly passed away) were left a $30 million dollar inheritance by Winfrey in the case of any unfortunate event.

Samson - Alicia Silverstone may not have found Samson in a shelter per say, but she has built one. Her Rottweiler-Pit Bull-Doberman named Samson was found wandering the streets of LA and she took him home to her seaside estate. It was there that she decided to build Stonehaven, her no-cage, no house-training, no rules mansion for all creatures. Silverstone has over 90 pets living in Stonehaven and they range from dogs to pot-bellied pigs.



Sapphire- A blue-breed racing greyhound was adopted from a greyhound rescue center by J.K. Rowlings. This well-renowned author makes her billions writing novels based on the character “Harry Potter”. She is ranked the twelfth richest woman in Britain and Forbes ranked Rowling as the forty-eighth most powerful celebrity of 2007. Sapphire is the second addition to Rowlings’ pets, and when asked to make a donation on Sapphires behalf, Rowlings gave the shelter $980.00 more than they requested. Coming from a “rags to riches” story herself, I’m sure Rowlings will give this greyhound a “magical” life.

Atticus Finch- Apparently someone in Hollywood is a “To Kill a Mockingbird” fan, and that someone happens to be Jake Gyllenhaal. Atticus was adopted from a shelter in L.A. and is no stranger to the paparazzi, as we frequently see Jake and Atticus walking around town together. Gyllenhaal is known for his role in “Donnie Darko” and the controversial film “Brokeback Mountain”, where he worked with many farm animals. In real life, Gyllenhaal always talks about his love for all animals, including the many animals he owned as a child, stating that his animals help ground him.