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The Senior Dogs Project "Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog." |
| News.... March/April 2004 |
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Issues & Announcements
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More about One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter
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 In our last newsletter, we announced the publication of One at a Time, a book about the tragedy of our country's shelter system. In case you missed the announcement and our glowing review of the book, and because it deserves continuing accolades and attention, we're mentioning it again. The book is absolutely wonderful.
The following excerpt will give you an idea of the quality of the writing. The excerpt is from the case of "Sadi," who was returned to the shelter shortly after being adopted. The surrender intake note reads: "Adopted two weeks ago. Runs away." Here's the excerpt: "Many people are surprised by the adjustment period an adopted animal can need. Caught up in the joy of welcoming a new member to the family, expectations run high and it is easy to forget that, for the animal, a new home can be a difficult life change. Being in the shelter is already an experience that leaves many animals shaken and confused. They may also be grieving for the people who, to them, are inexplicably gone from their lives -- animals remember, even years later, people they've known. . . . "Five days after Sadi returned, a staffer noted, 'Sadi is very depressed, not looking good emotionally.' . . . The reader will be glad to know that there is a happy ending to Sadi's story. A young couple adopted her, understanding that they would have to work to help Sadi make the adjustment to her new life with them and their other dog:
But most of the endings are not happy. As the book points out, more than half of the animals taken into shelters in the United States never make it out alive. While some shelters are more successful than others in placing a higher percentage of their intake animals for adoption, in the nation as a whole, there are simply more animals needing homes than there are homes available to them. The book states, "In the past, animal shelters have downplayed the euthanasia they perform, knowing that most people do not want to hear about it . . .indeed, some members of their communities are angered and offended by the information. As they should be -- using euthanasia as a solution to the homeless animal problem is abhorrent." Shelters try desperately to do their best, the book says, struggling to ". . . get the word out that their facilities are filled to overflowing with beautiful, loving dogs and cats. ... Most do everything they can to promote adoptions and put their animals in the public eye." But we, as individuals and communities, can and must do more, because the reality is that, even with all this effort, our country is still euthanizing more than half of the animals taken into its shelters. The book sets forth many excellent ideas for action and attitude change that it is hoped will ultimately solve this problem. To order the book, visit www.NoVoiceUnheard.org. There is a "giving package," which offers a discount of 40% on five books ($50 plus shipping). You can give the books to friends, libraries, community centers, schools, celebrities -- anyone you think might be able to benefit from the message of the book and who might be in a position to impart it more widely to others. You might even consider organizing an event at your local school or library, using the book as a source for "talking points." Each one of us can help to change the terrible statistic of six to eight million annual euthanasias in America's shelters. |
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Las Vegas, NV, April 23-25 -- No More Homeless Pets Conference
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| Best Friends will be presenting another fabulous "No More Homeless Pets Conference" in Las Vegas, April 23 - 25. Their brochure points out that, "Whether you're an animal welfare professional or an individual who cares about animals, you'll get practical information, inspiration, and advice from the people around the country who are creating life-saving change for the anmals." There is an optional tour of Best Friends sanctuary April 25-27. You can get more information and register online. | |
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Planning for the Future -- Legal issues to consider should your dog (or other companion animals) outlive you
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| We all know that there is never any guarantee about length of life, either for our dogs or ourselves. From the side of rescue, we have become aware of many heartbreaking cases of dogs who are left behind when their guardian dies, only to be turned over to a shelter where they have an excellent chance of being euthanized. There is now a website with informative articles and links to other sites on the topic of estate planning and wills to cover the care of pets who outlive you. We encourage you to visit it.
Two books on the topic may also be interesting: Estate Planning for Non-Human Family Members by Gerry W. Beyer, Professor of Law, St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas; All My Children Wear Fur Coats -- How To Leave A Legacy For Your Pet, by Peggy R. Hoyt, J.D., M.B.A. |
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Planning for the Future -- a retirement home for pets who outlive their guardians
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Although it may not be within the financial reach of most of us, those who can afford it can provide for lifetime care at a sanctuary called Pet Estates in Melrose, NY (when last we checked fees ranged from $20 to $45 per day). They state: "Unlike other pet retirement facilities that use a large, impersonal dormitory-style housing numerous pets under one roof, Pet Estates provides private and shared lakeside condos for your pets. Living arrangements are all custom-designed to enhance the lifestyle of your pets. Owner Don Gagnon, who lives on the premises, personally designed and constructed the buildings at The Estates, providing a casual and open space, within a confident and protected environment." There will be an Open House at Pet Estates in June 2004, or you can set up an appointment for a tour by calling the owners, Mary Lynn or Don, at 518-663-5732. Address is: 250 North Pole Road, Melrose, NY 12121 |
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Animal Law -- coverage of important issues by Michigan State University
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There's lots more about animal law, animal welfare, and animal rights on the Michigan State University Animal Legal and Historical Center website. It is worth a visit.
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False Advertising by Egg Producers
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 In an effort to answer the demands of consumers for eggs that are produced under humane conditions, United Egg Producers gave their members a chance to attach to their cartons a logo "guaranteeing" their eggs to be "Animal Care Certified." Using the logo on their egg cartons was meant to indicate that the producers kept their chickens under humane conditions while producing eggs. However, the Better Business Bureau was made aware of the false advertising behind the logo when an animal rights group proved that the egg producers using the logo were cramming their hens into cages so small they could never flap their wings during their entire lifespan, and that they were also shearing off the hens' beaks so that they wouldn't peck each other (which is what they do out of frustration with the inhumane conditions under which they are forced to live). While we don't have any fondness for eating eggs ourselves, our senior dogs often find them enjoyable. We've decided, though, that we'd rather not support an industry that engages in false advertising. |
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Senior Dog Health
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Some Reminders about Fitness and Weight Control
Due to the severe winter that has invaded much of the US this year, many of us did not get to go outside with our dogs for our usual walks and excursions. If you haven't weighed your dog over the winter, be sure to do it soon. Lack of exercise can make those pounds pile on fast! According to Healthy Pet magazine (Winter 2003-2004 issue, p. 10), "Long-term studies show that slim dogs live up to two years longer than overweight dogs." Some quick tips for weight reduction:
For more information on fitness and nutrition, see the Care page on the srdogs.com site. |
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Product Reviews
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Dogs Can Dance -- a Canine Fitness Program
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Our thanks to the author of Dogs Can Dance for the opportunity to review her multi-media program for using dance (also known as Canine Freestyle) as a way to keep your senior dog fit. You can see an advanced example of Canine Freestyle, which is quite amazing and enjoyable (be patient; it will take a few minutes for the video to load). The trainer in the video is Carolyn Scott and her dog is Rookie.
The author covers a lot of ground in the materials and earnestly instructs and engages the viewer. While we loved the concept behind this program, we did note that the quality of the videotape left a lot to be desired. You need to be aware, as well, that your dog would need a good grounding in obedience before being able to follow commands enough to benefit from this form of exercise. The home study program costs $45 and can be ordered online. However, you might want to consider taking some classes in person instead of or in addition to the home study program. You can sign up for one of the author's classes, which are held in northern California. If you're located in another area, check the Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF) website for classes in other parts of the country. The CFF encourages dogs (and handlers) of all ages to participate. |
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Lift'N'Aid -- to Help Dogs with Mobility Problems
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 As many of us with older dogs know, getting up and down stairs -- and, for that matter, just getting up -- can present a challenge. We were given the opportunity to try out a new product called Lift'N'Aid, which is a kind of sling/harness that is meant to enable you to assist a mobility-challenged dog to climb up or down the stairs, to get into or out of a car, or to rise from a lying position -- all without injuring your own back. The one major drawback we noted with this product was the confusion surrounding the several buckles that needed to be attached. We reported to the inventor that we thought colored-coded buckles would make this job a lot easier and have been told that the manufacturer (PetZone) plans to implement the color-coded system. Our handlers also noted that not all dogs will initially tolerate being assisted with any type of harness, although they would probably get accustomed to it with enough positive reinforcement. In addition, with some older dogs, when they need to go, they need to go! In the time it takes to put on a harness, it might be too late to avoid having an "accident" in the house. That said, we still think it's a great idea to have some safe way to assist a mobility-challenged dog, and the Lift'N'Aid might be the one that works for your dog. See the website for more information. Other types of assistive devices are described on the srdogs.com site's "Care" page. |
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Rescue & Adoption News
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Frida Was Not Quite "As Advertised"
 From an E-mail received in early January 2004: "I got a dog from the Dewey Animal Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have always wanted a female standard Poodle, so when I saw one advertised on Petfinder.com, I got my name on the list for her. Even though someone else was first on the list and I was second, I was fortunate that the person ahead of me didn't show up, and the shelter decided that the dog could be mine. My fiance Matthew and I drove 16 hours to Las Vegas to get her. We really wanted that dog! The description on thePetfinder.com site was 'a female two-year-old black standard Poodle.' We were taken to meet her and found her in a small space with two other black dogs -- one was very agressive (barking, snarling, growling), and there she was, shaking and shivering and looked terrified -- not to mention starved and dirty. Finally, someone came to take her out of the kennel for us. At that point we realized that she was definitely not two years old, as advertised. We could see the cataracts in her eyes. But it didn't matter. I was already in love with her and so was Matthew. The paperwork we eventually got to sign said she was six years old. I mentioned to one of the staff that the dog's Petfinder.com file said she was two years old. She answered, 'Oh, a volunteer puts pets on the site for us, and she messes up a lot.' But once again, it didn't matter....that big silly girl was ours now, and we wanted to give her a new and loving home! I took our new girl to our vet as soon as we got home, and here are the facts about her: she's about 8 years old, she has advanced cataracts, she has a slow heartbeat, she has bad back legs and wobbles a bit, the abscess we initially noticed was the result of a bite from another dog (but she had had her rabies vaccine and the abscess will heal), and she is a bit hard of hearing, but responds to clapping really well. And she is an angel! We have named her Frida, after Frida Kahlo, one of the most stunning and powerful female artists of all time. So now Frida is a part of our lives. She will be loved." Update -- February 25, 2004: "Frida is doing great! She takes a good liquid multivitamin daily, and I give her a dose of oils (in one pill -- borage, fish, and flax) daily for her skin and coat. Her skin is a little dry, but getting better. We've finally figured out her bathroom schedule. We had some accidents for a while, but everyone was very patient. She got a nice new cedar stuffed fleece dog bed the other day, so now at night I place her on her bed by my head and she sleeps like a log...and snores! The vitamins have made her a new dog. When I take her to the park, she runs with me, and we have discovered that she likes to chase birds just like our black mini-Poodle Meelo does! The vet also had some good news -- no heartworm, healthy kidneys and liver, great teeth, no Addison's disease. Frida eats like a pig now, and she's gaining some weight. The abscess is all cleaned up and gone. She no longer sleeps all the time or hangs her head or keeps her tail between her legs. In fact, she gets up to greet us at the door with her tail wagging, follows me around the house, loves Meelo (he has grown to love her too!), comes to the kitchen when I'm cooking, and RUNS and walks with her head up high! We are so happy to have her!" Contributed by Vicky, Roseburg, OR. |
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Can You Post a Senior Dogs Project Flyer?
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We continue to ask your help in educating people about the joys and benefits of adopting an adult dog by posting a Senior Dogs Project flyer.......
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Some Thoughts to Consider
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| "The hope for the animals of tomorrow is to be found in a human culture which learns to feel beyond itself. We must learn empathy, we must learn to see into the eyes of an animal and feel that its life has value because it is alive. Nothing less will do." -- Kenneth White
"Kindness and compassion toward all living things is the mark of a civilized society....Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and rodeos are cut from the same fabric: violence." -- Cesar Chavez "We owe it to ourselves and the animal world as well to create, not merely a body of rules and regulations to govern our conduct, but a level of sensibility that makes us care, deeply and constructively, about the entire planet and all of its varied inhabitants. If we can accomplish this, then perhaps, some far-off day, those who follow us down the track of the generations will be able to dwell in relative harmony with all of the creatures of the earth, human and non-human." -- William Kunstler |
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Want to read the ....... January/February 2004 Newsletter?
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"They brought their other dog, a ten year old black retriever mix, to meet Sadi. In the shelter courtyard, the new pack -- white dog, black dog, two humans -- was formed, their bond already growing. . . . In the car, Sadi looked uncertain, but she didn't know yet that she finally had a stable and happy future ahead of her." (That's Sadi peering out of the car window, in the photo at the right.) 
The Dogs Can Dance program includes a manual, a videotape and an audiotape of music to be used for the various dance exercises. It was a joy to watch the author work with her dog Bella in the demos on the video (that's Bella in the photo at the left), and to see two other dogs and their handlers in action, as well. Clearly, working with your dog in these exercises will build not only fitness but a wonderful, warm, loving relationship. From watching her work, you would never know that Bella had severe physical limitations before she began the Dogs Can Dance program. According to the author, "At eight months old, Bella had the better of her two hips replaced. At 6-1/2 years old, and over weight, Bella began a diet and light daily exercise. . . . Bella successfully lost 1.5 pounds per week for a total of over 20 pounds. Despite the weight loss, her skin sagged and she needed toning and strengthening. At 7 1/2 Belle developed painful arthritis in her foreleg, causing a limp. She has also undergone two major surgeries, and in both cases, the surgeons had absolutely no reserve about doing the operation because Bella was in such good condition both physically and mentally. Next week she turns 11 and continues to teach with me four days a week!"
So many good dogs who are over the age of five are euthanized simply because of their age and the bias most people have toward adopting puppies. Our flyer explains why adopting an older dog is such a good idea. We can e-mail a copy of the flyer to you (request Word or PDF format, and you can print it out from your computer). Just send an e-mail to: flyer @ srdogs.com (remove spaces in the address before sending) with the word "Flyer Word" or "Flyer PDF" in the subject line. We've heard from supporters that they've posted the flyer in supermarkets, shelters, churches, veterinary offices, doggie daycare centers, dog trainers' offices, parks where people walk their dogs, and community bulletin boards. So, if you have time and opportunity, we'd appreciate your printing out a copy and posting it. Thank you!|
News Bulletin.... March 19, 2004 |
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Death on the Iditarod Trail
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The headline we saw in the paper on March 18 read: "Dog on lead sled dies in Iditarod." In fact, two dogs died in the race this year. Why are we not surprised? In our February 2002 newsletter, we quoted statistics from the Humane Society of the United States: "At least 117 dogs have been run to death or have died from other causes in the Iditarod. There is no official count of dog deaths available for the race's early years." We also pointed out that the website of the Sled Dog Action Coalition states: "The Iditarod is described by the Iditarod Trail Committee and by the Alaskan media as an exciting contest of man against nature. What the descriptions do not tell us is the untold suffering of the dogs that often give their lives in this race. Dog deaths and injuries are common in the Iditarod, and when they are not racing, the dogs live under inhumane conditions." |
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How many dogs must die before this event is stopped? Surely that depends on all the vested interests that would need to be satisfied. According to Jon Saraceno, writing for USA Today, "The economic impact to Anchorage, site of the ceremonial start, is estimated at more than $5 million. Organizers increased the size of this year's purse by more than $100,000. The winner gets $69,000 plus a new Dodge pickup. It doesn't require much to buy some folks, even at the expense of living creatures who cannot defend themselves, like poor, old Wolf. The dogs, of course, get their usual take. More suffering." What can we do to help stop this suffering and cruelty? To find out, go to http://www.helpsleddogs.org/help.htm |
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Counterfeit Veterinary Drugs
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The EPA issued a warning March 5 that counterfeit versions of pesticides Advantage and Frontline, produced by Bayer Animal Health and Merial respectively, for dogs and cats, are being sold in retail stores. Branded boxes that contain counterfeit product have been identified at the distribution and retail levels in several states, said David Deegan, EPA spokesperson. The counterfeit pesticides appear to have been unlawfully imported and packaged in retail cartons designed to look like legitimately registered pesticides sold in the United States. Inside cartons, applicators are labeled and packaged for overseas markets, according to EPA materials. Deegan said the investigation is ongoing and that the EPA "hopes for enforcement action." In the meantime, to help ensure that clients purchase branded products, the EPA and manufacturers have provided lists of tell-tale signs to identify counterfeit pesticides and ways to dispose of them. Clients should be warned that counterfeit products may resemble the branded, registered pesticides but may not have proper dosages. Instruction leaflets and child-resistant packaging may also be missing from the packages.
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