Bella and Buddy, injured bait puppies found on Long Island, at one year old after months of illness, post traumatic stress disorder, many vet visits, research, probiotics, fish oil, vitamind D and E, a long haul but worth it

Here they are with Dad being micro-chipped at Pet Supplies Plus in Nassau County, NY. Pet Supplies Plus has a very friendly price for those concerned with their dogs being lost or stolen. Chipped for only $10 per dog!

Birthday portrait of bait puppies now healing and one year old

Lovely Bella, what a charmer, a celebrity already as her fans cheer her on her walk, A recovering bait puppy found on Long Island, hit by a car, blind in her right eye, bitten, terrible wound on her back side leaking feces for weeks. She was 8 weeks old and weighed 8 lbs. The cure for her fractured skull? Vets said make her grow as fast as possible to stop the leaking spinal fluid from seeping between her skin and her skull...that's what began this pursuit of looking into nutrition. Bella gained 14 pounds in 30 days and while her skull is deformed, she's normal though both Buddy and Bella have the scars of abuse from being bait puppies for dog fighting dogs in training. REPORT DOG FIGHTING...where you find torn up puppies, there is a dog fighting ring in the area.

Beautiful Buddy today at one yr old. Bait puppy weight 2 lbs taken away from his mother at 2 weeks old and used as bait then discarded in the streets as many bait puppies are and some in some very affluent neighborhoods. He was found near death, 2 weeks old, starving, bitten with deep puncture wounds and neck...the scars are still there physically and emotionally. He was bottle fed and today he is a clumsy, goofy, funny, enthusiastic lab pit mix weighing nearly 70 lbs

holistic vet care vs traditional vet care...shocking! Read Dr. Karen Becker's article about the dymanics in a vet pratice and take note from Dr. Mercola's site

A Real-Life Vet Conflict with Vital Implications for Your Pet's Care October 30, 2013 |13,039views by Dr. Becker Recently, I came across a rare article in a veterinary industry journal that provides a real-life example of the sometimes wildly different methods used by traditional vs. holistic veterinarians when it comes to patient care. The title of the article: "Holistic vs. FDA-approved: Two veterinarians take divergent approaches." The article tells the story of two vets, one with a conventional approach to treating patients (let’s call him Dr. T), and the other, more holistically oriented (we’ll call him Dr. H). Apparently, Dr. H filled in for Dr. T while he was on vacation, which is where the story gets interesting. Dr. H Steps in to Care for One of Dr. T's Patients in His Absence Dr. T has been practicing veterinary medicine for 31 years. He owned his practice until about five years ago when a corporation purchased his clinic. These days, Dr. T works as part of a team of DVMs at the clinic. One of Dr. T’s patients is a 10 year-old Golden Retriever he has been seeing since the dog was a pup. The dog, we’ll call him Buddy, came in for his yearly checkup the day before Dr. T was leaving for vacation. Dr. T ran a senior blood profile and ordered x-rays of the dog’s pelvis and spine. Buddy’s owners are committed to staying one step ahead of any health problems their beloved senior pet might be developing. Since Dr. T was leaving for vacation the next day, he told Buddy’s owners that one of the other vets at the clinic would contact them with their dog’s test results. As it turned out, Buddy’s blood test results showed elevated liver enzymes. In addition, his urinalysis showed that his urine was on the alkaline side with scattered struvite crystals, and his x-rays suggested some mild degenerative joint disease in both hips and early lumbar spondylosis (arthritis of the spine). Based on the test results, in Dr. T’s absence Dr. H called Buddy’s owners and said that while the dog’s issues were fairly common in older large breeds, they should be addressed. He recommended what he considered a safe, holistic approach to addressing Buddy’s situation. Dr. H recommended glucosamine for the arthritis, cranberry extract to acidify the urine and manage the struvite crystals, and SAM-e for the elevated liver enzymes. Buddy’s owners picked up the supplements and started their dog on Dr. H’s holistic protocol. Dr. T Returns from Vacation and Is Incensed at Dr. H’s Treatment Protocol for Buddy When Dr. T returned from vacation, he reviewed Buddy’s test results and Dr. H’s recommended treatment plan, and he was infuriated. This was not the way he would have approached Buddy’s health challenges, and he was very much against “untested and unapproved holistic medications.” Dr. T only prescribed medications that were FDA-approved. Dr. T dressed down Dr. H for treating his patient in a “reckless” manner, and he called Buddy’s owners to tell them he wanted to modify their dog’s protocol. Since the owners were long-time clients of Dr. T, they honored his wishes but also told him that they felt Buddy was doing very well on Dr. H’s natural protocol. The two veterinarians then met to clear the air. Dr. T, while appreciative that Dr. H pitched in with Buddy while he was away on vacation, was nonetheless adamant that his patients should not receive holistic treatments for medical issues. Dr. H, of course, did not agree and felt that as long as he discloses to clients the “untested” yet anecdotal success of the use of holistic remedies, he is within his ethical and professional boundaries. Dr. T decided they would have to agree to disagree, and he let Dr. H know he no longer wanted his help with his patients in his absence. Despite Dr. T’s Disapproval, Dr. H Was Well Within His Professional and Ethical Boundaries in His Treatment of Dr. T’s Patient According to Dr. Marc Rosenberg writing for dvm360, Dr. H: “… was well within his rights as a licensed practitioner to prescribe holistic medications for [Buddy], as long as he also informed the pet owners that these were not FDA-approved products. This is not to say that they would not work but rather that they had not been subjected to the FDA scrutiny required to achieve approved status.” Dr. Rosenberg goes on to say that he uses both mainstream and holistic medications in his own practice. He talks with pet owners about the differences between the two types of medications and they make the decision together as to the best way to proceed. Needless to say, my approach in this case would be similar to Dr. H’s. His suggestions were excellent. I would also recommend physical therapy and perhaps acupuncture or chiropractic to help with Buddy’s arthritic hips and spine. Why I Almost Always Start with Natural Healing Therapies, and View Prescription Drugs as an Option of Last Resort Since Buddy’s health problems were relatively mild and certainly not life threatening, I would recommend natural remedies and therapies first and continue to closely monitor the dog’s liver enzymes and urine pH, along with his mobility and quality of life. If Buddy’s liver enzymes were headed in the right direction on his follow-up blood tests, if his urine pH also dropped into a healthy range, and if his arthritis was being well managed, I would consider his natural healing protocol a success. Then I would continue to routinely monitor his progress and overall health. If, on the other hand, part or all of my recommended protocol was not having the desired effect, I would try other combinations of natural remedies and possibly further diagnostics, if warranted. Sometimes it takes several different combinations of therapies and protocols before healers find the combination that unlocks the body’s innate healing mechanisms. As long as Buddy’s health remained stable and he was comfortable, I would only move to traditional “FDA-approved” drugs if all my efforts failed or Buddy’s condition seemed to suddenly worsen or his quality of life plummeted. In my experience, it’s very rare for an animal with Buddy’s mild, age-related health issues to be completely unresponsive to natural therapies. If a health condition can be resolved or well-managed with natural treatments that have no known side effects, why take risks with synthetic pharmaceuticals that almost certainly come with side effects? One of the tremendous benefits of Dr. H’s approach, and mine, is that if we can reverse or manage a disease process with safe, natural treatments, we are able to avoid the inevitable, often significant side effects of those FDA-approved medications Dr. T swears by. Most importantly, many holistic modalities treat the root causes of disease, not just the symptoms, which are most commonly addressed with traditional drug protocols. From my point of view, traveling the safer, more natural route first is the essence of this statement from the Hippocratic Oath: "I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous". First, do no harm.

Daddy's boy...he tried to steal the bracelet too

the bracelet caper...Bella and her instatiable urge for JEWELRY

Bella wanted this bracelet so badly. She was pulling it off my wrist. I hid it in my bra...she still wanted it and was pulling on my clothes, by this time I am hysterical laughing saying (while laughing so of course, she's super obedient), "BELLA NO" BELLA STOP"...she wouldn't give up so I figured let me try and capture this on film..and here it is. We are going to Tiffany's next week. Buddy and Bella are always so nosey and I call them the purse snatchers because the love the smell of peppermint gum I keep in my purse, it drives them wild and they want some...lol Picture 2

Picture 3 SUCCESS! The heist is complete:

My son lives just off the beach on the North Shore and here's pictures we took of Buddy and Bella's trip to the beach....Buddy tried to bite the incoming waves and Bella was bobbing for seaweed

AVOID GETTING YOUR DOG CAUGHT IN THIS PROFIT MACHINE: DOGS NATURALLY

Here’s a great business model (but a good one to not be a part of!): 1. Sell a product, in fact, better yet, give it away in the package plan you sell so it looks like an amazing bargain. Brand the plan with the word “Wellness.” 2. Tie into a profession that’s widely looked up to as purveyors of animal health who fully buy in to this product. So much so, that they push it as well, and make their living by pushing it. 3. When that product creates long term health problems in those who partake, sell a specialized product that addresses them. Make it expensive, “scientific” and high tech, and have a line of that product sold by the animal health profession itself. Add to their bottom line. See #2. 4. Claim product #1 has nothing to do with creating disease, (and have the profession widely decry the very idea of it — “It prevents disease!”) but explain how #3 will cure the disease (that it’s created). 5. Smile all the way to the bank. You’ve made money creating a problem and “fixing” the same problem! Variations of this business model live and thrive in many circles of society now, but one that affects you, dear pet owner, is purveyed by the Mars company. It sunk in over the past week, since I posted about their “fix” of selling chicken feathers as protein in their version of the best dog food: Royal Canin. Oh, and product #1? Vaccinations. For everything imaginable. Unraveling the Scheme So, who’s the Mars Company? Purveyors of diabetes and cavities, through their Milky Way, Skittles, M & M’s and such. Yes, they are a candy company, at least that’s where they got their start. One famous for their secrecy. Mars branched out in 2007 to own Banfield, The Pet Hospital. Who sells a “Wellness Plan” that includes “free vaccinations!” when you sign up. Often twice a year. Ahem. You know that frequency of vaccination is excessive, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past twenty years. And, you know it’s risky. But that the profession here, conventional veterinary medicine, runs on its profits and Dr. WhiteCoat isn’t going to stop pushing vaccinations if he has any say in the matter. Which he does. He can do anything he wishes in the name of “professional judgment.” And Banfield is a collection of corporate Dr. WhiteCoats, who vaccinate repeatedly in the name of “wellness.” Now, through Mars’ subsidiary, Royal Canin, they’ll sell you a high end, laboratory made diet with this “novel protein” source: chicken feathers. To cure the allergies they’ve created by repeatedly vaccinating every animal that comes through the doors of the Banfield machine. Is your head starting to hurt, yet? Drop Out, Quick! You are the only one calling the shots (sorry, bad metaphor. Wait: maybe not) for your animal’s health. They don’t vote. They eat what you offer, go to the vet when you say they’re going, and take whatever you agree to in the name of “prevention” or treatment. I submit that, unless you are keeping your eyes open and are willing to think outside the medicine box, your animals will become health statistics. If you follow this brand of “prevention,” it’s not a matter of “if my animals get sick” but rather, “when.” I’d hate to see you visiting your vet because you’ve got an allergic pet, one of the top three reasons the average consumer brought their animal for veterinary services in 2012. Because that’s a long, suffering road, with no cure in sight, if you stick to what Dr. WhiteCoat recommends. [There are better options, if you get stuck in this machine.] Be smarter than that. Choose your natural path carefully, eyes wide open, ears wide open, and learning all you can before making health decisions for your animals. Some Brilliant Words for Dr. WhiteCoat When you are in for an exam, and something is recommended to you, especially more vaccinations in one already vaccinated, try these words out: “Doctor, let me get back to you on that. I need to do my research before I decide.” Wow. Did you see how you just took control of that situation? Powerful stuff. This is the intellectual property of DOGS NATURALLY Magazine, please subscribe to it? Much is changing in pet care...get the jump on it with wonderful articles like the above!

ANTIBIOTICS & YOUR DOG: please read DOGS NATURALLY Magazine for some great articles about a more holistic and less traditional approach to pet care

Most pet owners know that antibiotics kill off both the harmful and the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Those beneficial bacteria are a crucial part of the immune system, protecting our pets against viruses, bacterial and fungal infections, as well as parasites. Intestinal bacteria also manufacture essential vitamins (including vitamin K as well as several B vitamins) and a great many other compounds scientists are only just beginning to recognize. Because we want to restore those good bugs after antibiotic use it’s common to follow a course of antibiotics with a round of probiotics to restore the colony of beneficial bacteria and bring the body back to balance. What if this didn’t happen? Recent research shows this is just the case. Martin Blaser of New York University’s Langone Medical Center argues that antibiotics’ impact on gut bacteria is permanent and so serious in their long term consequences that medicine should consider whether to restrict antibiotic prescribing to pregnant women and young children. Early evidence from my lab and others hints that, sometimes, our friendly flora never fully recover. These long-term changes to the beneficial bacteria within people’s bodies may even increase our susceptibility to infections and disease. Overuse of antibiotics could be fuelling the dramatic increase in conditions such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and asthma, which have more than doubled in many populations. Like their human counterparts, dogs are often subjected to more than a few rounds of antibiotics in their lives. Now that researchers are actively investigating antibiotics and understanding their long term impact not just on the intestinal flora, but in creating antibiotic resistant superbugs, it’s a good time to look back to more natural antibacterial solutions that are kinder to the beneficial bacteria. Here are five natural antibiotics you can consider for your dog: Goldenseal Native Americans used this herb for centuries for infections, venereal disease, and ulcers. That’s probably because goldenseal prevents bacteria from adhering to cell walls so it can’t grow. It works particularly well for diarrhea and respiratory infections. Garlic A natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral agent, garlic is best known for its sulphur compounds, particularly allicin. These are the main phytochemicals that boost immunity and act as natural antibiotics. Oregano Oil Researcher Paul Belaiche conducted exhaustive studies of aromatherapy oils in his three volume work, “Treatise on Phytotherapy and Aromatherapy”. He reported that oregano oil killed 96% of all pneumococcus bacteria. Oregano oil was also shown to eliminate 83% of streptococcus, which is linked with strep throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, toxic shock syndrome, cystitis, and wound infections. Oregano oil has also been successfully used to replace antibiotics for poultry producers. Olive Leaf Extract Professors at the Department of Biomedical Science at CHA University in Korea found that olive leaf extract was potent against various bacterial microbes. Bonus: Their research showed olive leaf exhibited free radical scavenging abilities. Free radicals are linked with aging and disease. Honey In third world countries, wild honey is spread over wounds and burns. These heal with minimal scarring and few infections. Tea with lemon and honey is a time honored drink when a human cold or the flu has hit. Munaka honey sold in health food stores, has a higher concentration of antibiotics than other honeys. There are many more natural antibiotics, including Oregon grape and coconut oil. What you feed your dog is also crucial to his intestinal health and bacterial balance. The processed, heated and extruded foods we feed our dogs are devoid not just of harmful bacteria, but also those good bugs the body needs to stay in healthy balance. The big problem with the Western diet,’ Stephen O’Keefe, a gastroenterologist at the University of Pittsburgh, told me, ‘is that it doesn’t feed the gut, only the upper GI [gastrointestinal tract]. All the food has been processed to be readily absorbed, leaving nothing for the lower GI. The beneficial bacteria found in foods (especially fermented foods like kefir), have been shown to calm the immune system and reduce inflammation, shorten the duration and severity of colds, relieve diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, reduce allergic responses, stimulate the immune response, possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers; and improve the health and function of the gut. Sometimes antibiotics can’t be avoided and they can absolutely save lives. Given recent research, it might be best to save them as a last resort, rather than a first line of attack. Better yet, their use can often be avoided altogether with a fresh, whole food diet and natural herbs and foods. the above is the property of DOGS NATURALLY MAGAZINE, please subscribe to this wonderful publication.

this is Amber, a special needs cat found on Craigs List offered by the rescue Kitty Shock Wave in Brooklyn....Amber has C hyperplasia but she's perfect for us, she loved Bella, she cannot jump ion counters so we provided a step ladder to help her teach herself better balnce...a wonderful pet, rescued right before Christmas at 1 day old

C. hyperplasia cat with no limitations to a good life. Kitty Shock Wave bestowed Amber to us on the spot after visiting my son and myself. We had never owned a C hyperplasia cat before....Amber is a treasure. Don't shy away from this kind of neurologically impaired cat...they are perfect in many ways and there are no draw backs except the little wobble they have which grows more intense when stressed...she can run, jump, do tricks and is a very fun girl. WE LOVE HER! Meet Amber: a cuddle bug!

Meet our special needs dogs...a gift from God for sure...both rescued from certain death right before Hurricane Sandy and right after Bella, blind in one eye from being a bait dog (see below for posts about her condition)...poses no challenge to her as she's a super star. She's been seen by a specialist and she's fine...a loving dog, knows loyalty and love and is a mush ball. She is officially my tiny weeny 47 lb lap dog! Want to make Bella happy? Let her run laps with her friend Meeka also a put bull. Bella is faster than a speeding bullet!

Here's Buddy, taken away from his Mom at 3 weeks old....taking time to help him feel safe, but, what a wonderful fellow, a great support and so loving. He loves to lay in my lap. He's a lab pit mix

our thanks to Dr. Jack Biederman, the Blue Pearl, Vet's Choice, Pet Lovers USA and all the people who helped, prayed, gave advice and support to make this miracle happen including CJL, a dear friend, 106 St Tire Jessica Pickens, Elizabeth Lehman, NuVet, and many others

those bashing craigslist on FB...it is NOT CRAIGSLIST...it's that people do not understand how to use Craigslist to ascertain a legitimately good homefor their dog or cat from predators and predators are everywhere, bait animals on Craigslist, adopting from Craigslist how tos, Craigslist no free animals allowed, Craigslist adoption how tos, save guard your pet on Craigslist

Re: Craigslist and banning free pets… from the NJ Humane Society! Shortly after we found Bella and Buddy, I had a conversation with the above about Craigslist. The Humane Society had developed a list of SHOULD DOs for posting any animal on Craigslist to deter or eliminate predators searching for bait or other horrible things: 1) no animal should be given away free but don’t be fooled as people using animals (kittens, rabbits, dogs, cats, hamsters, rats, whatever) as bait who are willing to pay a substantial amount of money for your pet. Dog fighting is very lucrative and a puppy from a good fighting dog can cost $20,000 OR MORE so its unlikely that giving you $50 for your animal is going to bring about a good home. Money cannot be the criteria for a good home. What to do? Make the adoption difficult! 2) get the name, home address, work address, phone numbers (check them all, too), photo ID like a copy of a driver’s license from the would be adopter 3) check references, (get a work reference or two, personal references, etc) and especially a vet reference and CALL EVERY SINGLE ONE and tell them why you are calling. 4) do an in-home check before the animal is surrendered 5) make sure you have the right to visit your pet after adoption 6) make it difficult to adopt you furbaby and those who are not sincere or who have unscrupulous motives will simply find someone else who is an ease mark 7) post the above on in the PETS SECTION on every Craigslist across the country so people know. Raise people’s consciousness about what’s involved and WHY. Thanks and please share? Meet Craig Newmark of Craigslist at http://starlightnetworknews.com/craig.htm Contact Craig on FB Craig Newmark...he's a very warm, kind, caring man. I interviewed him in 2005 see the link about

your dog's gut...what you need to know:

I have been told that what goes on in the gut of a mammal, ourselves included, effects health tremendously. Bella was constantly bothered by ear infections and skin issues and my research demonstrated that its a well established fact that if there is an allergy (many affected by immunity, immunity is compromised in the gut, mange is an immunity issue which leads back to the gut which is where 70% is health issues start...PEOPLE TOO?) I bet so, but, animal folk...I am not an MD not a DVM, I am a frustrated owner like you trying different things since my dog, unlike the people I know, only eats what I give her. When the summer started Bella and Buddy had a fascination with our garden....particularly parsley but they also loved raw pepper, carrot, spaghetti and clam sauce, ooops, sorry, that's not a health food unless its Barilla high fiber pasta-it was-or you are Italian. I am. The parsley thing was really a mind blower as my parakeet was more likely to go in pursuit of parsley but Bella and Buddy loved it. Recently, reading Dr. Mercola's site (he has Dr. Becker, a vet writing for him as well) there was talk about our guts and Dr. Becker likewise was talking doggie guts. She said there were ways to help boost immunity from the gut. Our pups were on a great vitamin but it wasn't enough for Bella. Then Bella got yet another ear infection...... I stopped, I thought.......I read and reread. Hmmm, something else was going on here. She had been treated a number of times with antibiotics and I figured out that this was not a germ we were fighting this HAD TO BE YEAST. So I called around and found out where I could get cytology on Bella's ears. I found it...they found it. YEAST! I KNEW IT, had to be...all that medication destroying the normal flora. Bella had been on probiotics for about a month already but the thing is how to get the yeast out of her ears. We switched the approach. We cleaned her face and ears with an RX antimicrobial wash...we dabbed her chin, wiped her ears and chest. VIOLA` suddenly things got better for Bella in days. We are giving her acidophilus in between her probiotic mix from Mercola and its been miraculous. Well, I continued to read the Mercola site to find the doctors there recommending quercetin as something to help with immunity and the gut.........GUESS WHAT? It's found in parsley! Bella without reading the Mercola site and running on instinct knew what she needed while granny is here saying DUH........... Remember, the topics we are writing about pertain to my dog and are based on vet advice. Anything written here is NOT meant to be, NOR IS IT a replacement for licensed vet care. My vet, Jack Biederman, DVM is very open to adjuncts and alternatives and helped Buddy recover from the mange in a flash by answering my question, "Dr. Jack, is there anything else I can do to help Buddy get well?" Dr. Jack suggested that anecdotally there was evidence that fish oil helps. He was right...of course he was right, he's a professional and all health matters for people and animals belong in the hands of a professional. However, today, most mainstream healthcare professionals are very conversant in things like the above...ask the question...do some research and be able to ask a more intelligent question. And while on this topic, folks, you can do the dame with your medical doctor. I was vitamins D deficient and if I had not asked my doctor to run the test, he would have never known what was wrong with me. Communication with professionals is essential for wellness. Ask the questions, you will be surprised at how receptive your doggie doctor and your MD are ;o) So Bella created her own break through and I just happened to catch up with her in this past week. xox i

Bella, Bella, Bella...any living thing that feels better when I SING has got to be madly in love with me...my voice could shatter glass - lol

yesterday I visited Bella as I do at least once a week....she's always so delighted to see me...now at 45 pounds she still thinks she's a little puppy, the puppy I rocked and sang to, the puppy I hand fed, the baby I thought would die, the pup I held close for 30 minutes 5 or 6 times a day..... she lived as I gave her everything I had emotionally and physically. We had a wonderful visit as always with her on my lap most of the time licking me...she's happy where she is, she has my son and Buddy and yet she misses me as I do her. Sadly, she lived in this apt with me (against the rules here) when Hurricane Sandy left my son flooded and no place for Bella while she was healing. Now, she's back with him with a yard, has a playmate, etc. But, yesterday when I was leaving to come home I said "bye Bella" and hugged her and petted her...I could see her deflate with sadness. It made me cry especially when I think of all the dogs and cats that go through this and people don't think it matters to the animal. I know it does. Please folks, adopt a shelter animal. Love matters to an animal. DON'T BUY...ADOPT, the life you save may be your own!

common cat illnesses you can work at avoiding?

The vets say that the prevalent diseases among cats are: urinary tract issues This can help: mix a little water in to canned food, canned food is a better bet to avoid the bladder issues and avoid the gum and teeth issues of dry food, How to get going? Got a new kitten? A litter of new kittens? Start them on canned food with a teaspoon of warm water mixed in...gradually increase water as the cat grows. Water is a big help in avoiding bladder issues. Use broths for older cats. Gums and teeth: Kind of tied into the above....get your cat used to drinking more. When the cat chews dry food, particles of the dry food can get caught up in between teeth. You can try and teach a new kitten to allow you to brush their teeth ... however, that might be quite a daunting task for adult cats....leaving you with a new nick name, Stubby. Use chicken broth, beef broth, or whatever is HEALTHY and is mostly water. Also cats love to drink from the table top fountains...and its great feng schui for other 2 legged members of the household as well. Dry food can be used but do not give a lot. Thyroid issues NO FISH TALES...avoid feeding your cat any fish as the iodine is not good for them. Also, please, avoid meat by products and LIVER...liver is an internal organ charged with cleaning toxins out of the blood of mammals. Your cat is a mammal...do you want to feed your mammal other mammals toxins? Just some ideas....please ALWAYS consult your licensed vet for proper vet care. This information comes from K. Becker DVM on Dr. Mercola's site. We are using his products for both Buddy and Bella. Take the advice of the pros and look into you pets gut...70% of the issues lies there according to the professionals. Meow...Bella loves cats.

Buddy, bait puppy, rescued will be one year in November

rescued bait puppy, Bella, 2 weeks away from being one!

do you want to live longer, be healthier and save 2 lives? Here's how...go to your local animal shelter and adopt a dog"

what will happen? You will save a homeless dog's life and you will improve your health, be happier, live longer with the beneficial aspects of owning a dog, walk more, not feel lonely, reduce stress, improve your mental health. In fact, owning a dog is a low cost health improvement. Holistically speaking, your body will improve as you walk more, spend more time out doors maybe meet other owners which could mean less boredom and more socializing, commune with nature, celebrate the spiritual bond between you dog and yourself...good, no? For sure, sun shine and fresh air is medicine for your body, mind and soul as is the movement of simply taking a walk. Mentally, by walking accompanied by your furry friend, your body releases endorphins which improve your mood, lowers your blood pressure and helps combat pain, stress, etc. The spiritual benefits of having a dog are many. You're connected to something bigger than yourself...the rescue of homeless dogs (and cats) with millions dying every year. Dogs know loyalty and love, your investment will result in your feeling good about you, you will be joining rescue efforts around the world, you will be a part of something beautiful! You win as a member of an elite club whose compassion and empathy stands tall in a world that cares little about critters....the numbers are growing to combat the breeding of puppies and dogs by adopting and not shopping. There's plenty of material around to help you teach a dog...it's easier than you think...check out the TV shows, the books by Cesar Milan for dogs and Jackson Galaxy on TV. You will find free information all over the net AND you will be in an elite club of famous people like Betty White, Loretta Swit, George Clooney who are standing up and saying "ADOPT DON'T SHOP." Here's the reasons to own a dog to improve your health: An Incredible Benefit of Owning a Dog When Rover happily wags his tail and sloppily licks your hand in greeting when you arrive home, he may do more than make you smile with delight. He may also help you to live longer by improving your heart health, according to the American Heart Association, which has dubbed the effect "Rover Rx." The American Heart Association may call it the "Rover Rx." But we're not naming our dogs Rover. Find out the top 10 most popular names for dogs (and cats). People who own dogs appear to have a lessened risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Why? Your dog will get you walking--even if you don't want to. And walking reaps huge benefits, including lower blood pressure, increased mood-related brain chemicals, lower cholesterol, healthier weight and improved stress response. The AHA reached this conclusion after examining several studies that looked at pet ownership and heart health, including a study of more than 5,200 adults that found that dog owners were more likely to do more walking and get more physical activity than those without dogs. In addition, dog owners were 54 percent more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity. While it can't be proven that owning a pet directly reduces heart disease risk, there does appear to be an association between the two. Dogs not only make you get out and walk no matter the weather, but also provide a loving presence that can lower stress and anxiety, assuage loneliness and increase your sense of well-being and self-esteem. The AHA statement was published online in the journal Circulation ISN'T ALL OF THIS AN INCREDIBLE WAY, AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO SAVE A LIFE and be rewarded by loyalty, affection, compassion and better health?

Buddy's progress with d. mange from May 21-June 29, 2013

Under the care of Jack Biederman, DVM, of Petcare in Flushing Queens, Buddy has had an amazing recovery in about 6 weeks from a nasty case of d. mange. I believe that Buddy got mange because his immune system was compromised at a critical time in his life. As a 6 month old puppy he was hormonal. He received vaccines the day he was neutered and he erupted with d. mange. We use a great dry dog food, he and Bella get a very effective vitamin and we add a home cooked formula (see below for recipe) of high nutrition wet dog food we make. Both dogs get a little less than 1/2 cup of wet food and about 1 cup of dry food a day. Buddy is an amazing eater and that fact alone may be the reason why at 3 weeks old, weighing only 2 lbs and being savagely attached as a bait puppy, Buddy managed to survive without his mother. He does have some emotional issues about abandonment however and time, we hope, will resolve that. He, like Bella, is a highly intelligent animal. We believe judging by his softening coat, longer fur and thicker tail, increasing interest in getting himself into water whether its the garden hose or a bucket of water, we have here a lab pit mix. So here are photographs taken the 3rd week of May, June 13 and June 29th. What you will see is how curable d. mange is, how fast it can resolve and we hope this will re-enforce what everyone says about d. mange and IT IS NON CONTAGIOUS as despite our best efforts, Bella was with him almost all the time. Also, Bella had d. mange and yet Buddy did not catch it either. BTW: Dr. Jack suggested fish oil to help Buddy heal, I researched it and found that vit. E is also suggested as is lysine. Also, a very nice member of my Facebook team added that she uses coconut oil as well and its helped her mange prone dog as well. Please check with your vet about any information given here. What we write here is not to be considered professional advice. Please check with your licensed doctor of vet medicine before using any alternative, complimentary or adjunct therapy. We do appreciate Dr. Jack's advice re: fish oil but please get YOUR VET's opinion before attempting to medicate your pet. This is how the recovery went from May 21-June 29th in photos which were also suggested by Dr. Jack.

Happy Father's Day, Dad....this is Elder Abuse Awareness Day...my father died of elder abuse and elder exploitation and it's on this that my book Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse is based.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 16, 2013. Paradise Costs-A Victim's Daughter Fights Back against Elder Abuse has been reduced in cost and made available as a download at my shop at Etsy. The name of the shop is Kayla Grace Designs. Here's the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/128403276/paradise-costs-a-victims-daughter-fights It's sad to remember that abused children, seniors and animals have something in common...they are unable to fight back, their voice in not heard in Washington and they cannot walk picket lines and have sit ins and, sometimes, their vulnerability beckons the lower forms of life here on earth. My father taught me to rescue animals and never buy them and he was a life long animal rescuer and he saved many and each one rewarded him with life times filled with love. Dad also taught me about nature, growing plants, appreciating a sunset, doing my best and making the earth a better place. Though today is Elder Abuse Awareness day I would like to ask readers and supporters to always keep an eye on A-N-Y living thing that is vulnerable. There are too many predators around walking on 2 legs and, unfortunately, my father was a victim of a group of people who acted in concert to stalk him, the fleece him and do away with him...and they succeeded without punishment. However, in my world, I know, what goes around comes around. Meanwhile, Daddy, Happy Birthday & Happy Father's Day, RIP.

DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED WHEN THERE IS ANY SKIN ISSUE

Buddy went into being neutered with a slight rash the vet tech at Kent Animal Shelter called correctly: D. Mange. Unfortunately, he was vaccinated despite that and the mange exploded. He's doing very well and on Monday 6/17/13 he starts his 4th week of treatment with mega diet and Ivermectin. We're very grateful to his vet Jack Biederman at PetCare in Flushing for suggesting fish oil. We added vit E, zinc, echenasia, lysine and then things really went into full swing! Here's what he looked like about 10 days after he was neutered and vaccinated: As he started his 3rd week of diet changes and medication this is what he looked like: Here he is with Bella...Bella's diet was improved as well to make sure her immunity stood high with Buddy with mange. This is the non contagious form of mange: d. mange. Please never let this stop you from adopting a dog or puppy, it's highly curable but diet changes are needed to speed up recovery so make sure you do that very slowly as well and check with your vet FIRST..always check with your vet first as he or she is your licensed professional. Diet changes are adjuncts only and not a replacement for care. However, you and your vet working together can create miracles! See below for the pictures of Buddy and Bella, 2 toss away puppies that were used for bait. Buddy was only 2 lbs and bitten and only 3 weeks old. Bella had a fractured skull had been bitten and was hit by a car. A lot of work went into saving them but the love and connection you can create with an injured pet is so rewarding and it can create a lasting bond. Love is the most powerful force in the universe and it, along with good vet care, can do incredibly amazing things to heal. here are Bella and Buddy when found:

Buddy & Bella were neutered and spayed last Thursday at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, NY...what a terrific place

Bella and Buddy were spayed and neutered last week at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, NY. What a lovely place filled with warm and loving people in a beautiful peaceful place on Long Island. We prepared the pups, because they were bait pups and have had their share of injuries and infirmities, for this by building them up as much as possible. They have been on a super vitamin for months, have gotten plenty of exercise, we’ve made our own high nutrition food to mix with an excellent dry food. Bella now age 9 months weighs 42 pounds, Buddy now age 7 months weighs 42 pounds. Buddy is going to be a big boy. His paws are massive. I put my holistic principals in place for the surgery as preparation and for immediately after. Bella was very much affected by the anesthesia. We assumed she would be as she’s a very sensitive girl. She had all the side affects vets warn about…she was spaced out for hours and hours after the surgery, she wouldn’t take anything to drink and she vomited. We gave her small amounts of water on our finger tips as it was a very warm day and her mouth was extremely dry on the way home. We pulled off the road several times and just rubbed a little water on her gums, we shielded her from the rays of the hot sun and took it easy on her. Once home the affects of the anesthesia seemed to worsen and her breathing was shallow. She was trembling and it was kind of scary. We used one drop of the homeopathic remedy Rescue Remedy and put on some very soft music, gave her Dr. Doloras Krieger's famous therapeutic touch - please see http://www.therapeutictouch.org/ and let her sleep. An hour later, we swabbed her gums again with warm water, wiped her face and eyes with a warm wash cloth, propped her head up in her E collar and sang her favorite song…she loves music and there’s a certain song that she reacted to when she had a fractured skull that has become Bella’s song. Bottom line…she did not pull out of the anesthetic until the next morning and then it was like nothing happened. Turns out all of the above is normal however we think Bella is very susceptible to anesthesia and we will certainly make that part of her medical record at her regular vet. Buddy? He flew through it as usual. Buddy's spirit soars which we were told is probably due to the fact that he may be part lab which seems to make a dog young forever. Thanks again to a great Long Island resource…Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. They were animal shelter of the year in 2009 and we could see why! And as always, thanks for to the prayer team!

Bella and Dad, she's now 8 months old and thriving thanks to lots of love from Vet's Choice dog food, Dr. Jack, her gal pal Meeka the pit bull and of course Daddy and Buddy

Bait puppy no longer, Bella, now 8 months old got help from so many people including many on Facebook who helped us get through a rough time. Bella needed so much care and we had no intention of adopting a dog (or 2!) - it seems to be some higher message about healing, helping animals present. We all love them so. We struggled with bills initially as Bella had a fractured skull, hurricane Sandy was upon us but sure enough help just flowed. We're so grateful to so many. Please pray for this family as prayer really made a difference in Bella's recovery as did music, nutrition, excelled vet care, strangers. Pictures of Bella, Buddy and Meeka on the way ASAP. Meeka lives in Nassau county and Bella and she love each other as they run laps around a one acre yard. Bella sleeps very soundly after a visit with Meeka. Buddy on the other hand, since he knows no one but daddy who nursed his from 2 lbs to 37 pounds, sticks close by.

GOOD NEWS....home was perserved for Ed, Bella and Buddy....it's Bella...she's just magical!

When Bella was very ill and we didn't know whether she would live, I came across someone by accident. This woman proclaimed that she was a working psychic. I asked her, "Will Bella live?" She said, "that's not a dog you have, she's an angel with fur! There's only one thing that can save her: LOVE!" She also said Bella loves music. We were caring for her in her dazed state due to the skull fracture and she rarely interacted but slept all the time. Then one morning, I sang a song I made up for her with her name in it. For the first time, she stood up and wagged her tail. She still reacts to that song...it makes her so happy. And, she absolutely is an angel with fur! Wow, Hurricane Sandy really kicked the North Shore's butt...we hope all of you are okay!

Easter, the ressurection, here's the photos I promised:

Saving Bella and Buddy was gut wrenching, intense, expensive, heart stopping at times as we watched these little babies transform to what they now are. They are not out of the woods. Bella has an ear infection but she's doing well. When she was found, she was 8 weeks old and starving, she was in a stupor from her skull injury and lethargic for weeks. The vet couldn't tell us if she would live. We were able to save her thanks to the good will at FB and a few kind people who chipped in to help. Buddy is growing like a weed. When found, Little Buddy was 3 weeks old and only 2 lbs. Ed went on a vigil to save him using Esbilac, Royal Canin dog food, feeding him finger tip by finger tip of food at times. Buddy needed antibiotic, 2 meds for 2 different parasites, and had a couple of very deep puncture would from being bitten right over the eyes, neck and backside. He couldn't take to the bottle and Ed struggled. I might add that Ed was a total novice in all of this but he did his research and he saved Buddy. Buddy is psychologically damaged as he whines whenever Ed is out of his site. Let no good deed go unpunished...Ed now has no place to go because of the Hurricane and the damage to his place which was flooded. It's been suggested that he give the puppies up, but he refuses. He loves them, he wants them and he needs help. Ed is a gifted craftsman and he is seeking someone who can barter with him. He needs a space for him and the puppies in exchange for new walls, new bathroom, new tile (see his work at www.dukeoftrades.blogspot.com), whatever. He needs an animal lover who, too, was damaged by the storm to help him help them so everyone can help each other. Here are some photographs taken yesterday of 2 very happy, well cared for puppies and their "daddy" who saved them. There is some question in our mind as to whether it was Buddy and Bella who saved Ed. Classic win-wins work like that, everyone comes out a winner. Does some home owner with space need repair, renovations, remodeling, refreshing, painting, ceramic tile, new walls, an additional bathroom and want to come out a winner too? As we've said, Saving Bella will be an e-book so anyone who steps up to the plate will share the glory of animal rescue and create happy news in a world that needs some. In the past Ed has made quite a bit of money in antique car restoring and building, repair and renovation. We are hoping that someone in NJ, CT or, especially, here on Long Island will help us save this family of three. Could you pass the word? Can you think of anyway to help? Is there anyone who needs help that Ed can barter with? Please think about who you know who needs some help but has space. Ed can provide masterful, old world craftsmanship in exchange for a place to stay for a short time. Thank you so much and Happy Easter...shall it be one of resurrection? HERE'S BAIT PUPPY BELLA, found severely injured, starving, now at 40 lbs and almost 8 months old! HERE'S BAIT PUPPY BUDDY found at 3 weeks old and weighing only 2lbs, now AT NEARLY 5 months old Here's a happy family of 3, all refugees from Hurricane Sandy, flooding attacks, etc. WELL DONE, ED! Can anyone help? Thanks so much and if you can, we will list your name and your business name of a special dog, person, etc in the back of this book, working title: "Saving Bella & Buddy; a Holistic and Spiritual Guide to Rescuing Bait Puppies" We have a volunteer graphic artist ready to design the cover already! thank so much Keywords: Bella bait puppy, NYC, inured bait dog, Bella bait puppy, Irene A. Masiello, Buddy bait puppy, victims of dog fighting, stop dog fighting, puppies, kittens, guinea pigs come from Craigslist, no free animals from Craigslist, write to Craigslist, NJ Humane society bait puppies small price to pay for a $20,000 puppy from the litter of a fighting dog that is a killer, bait kittens, bait dogs, bait guinea pigs, bait rabbits, bait rats, craigslist source of bait animals, Coco found on streets of LA, reward for turning in dog fighting rings, Long Island upscale neighborhoods, backyard breeders, stop dog fighting, bait puppies found on Long Island, book Saving Bella, sick bait puppies, rescue dogs, healing injured dogs

........... about pit bulls from an informed writer on Craigslist, Long Island

CL > long island > all community > pets Reply Reply to: qghtz-3703370937@comm.craigslist.org [?] flag [?] : miscategorized prohibited spam best of Posted: 2013-03-25, 4:44PM EDT Re: LOOKING FOR STUD (United States) Pit Bull dogs have a long road to adoption, often thwarted by prejudices, laws and bans. Yet, would you be surprised to learn that Pits are the number one dog being bred in America? That's right - the dogs that have the hardest time finding homes are also experiencing a baby boom of overpopulation. It is estimated that there are 3-5 million Pit Bulls in the U.S. The term 'Pit Bull' encompasses mainly three breeds of dog: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Considered a 'bully breed' and subject to Breed Specific Legislation, they are by far the most euthanized breed. Debates rage over the validity of accusations against them but one thing is certain....they are being killed in shelters at shocking rates. Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes average about 33% of shelter intakes nationally, but in large cities the numbers are as high as 40%-65%. About 75% of municipal shelters euthanize Pit Bulls immediately upon intake, without them ever having any chance at adoption. Those that are offered for adoption are usually the first chosen for euthanasia when overcrowding forces the shelter's hand and decisions have to be made. Studies estimate that up to 1 million Pits are euthanized per year, or 2,800 per day. Some estimates are up to double that number. In the Los Angeles area alone, 200 per day are put to sleep. A study by the organization Animal People reports a 93% euthanasia rate for Pit Bulls and only 1 in 600 Pits finding a forever home. Read that again. Only ONE in 600 Pit Bulls will have a forever home. Further, euthanasia estimates don't include the misery and death Pit Bulls face as the #1 dog-fighting breed. Fought dogs that don't die in the ring often suffer excruciating abuse, neglect, abandonment, and eventually death even worse than humane euthanasia. Our animal shelters are not to blame. The staff who have to 'choose' which dogs to put down are not to blame. Those who carry out the euthanization are not to blame. It's simple math....there are too many Pits and not enough people willing to adopt them. Shelters are overwhelmed with dogs who demand space and funds for their care and medical treatment and something's got to give. It's the animals, very often Pit Bulls, and what they give is their very lives. Until we can educate the public and move them to spay and neuter, we're just putting a band-aid on a gushing wound. One female dog can produce two litters of 6-10 pups per year. In 6 years that female and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs! Often, it is the cost of sterilization that keeps Pits intact to reproduce. Great work is being done to curb the Pit Bull overpopulation by organizations such as the San Francisco SPCA. The facility offered one month during which all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes were sterilized free of charge. It went so well that they have extended the program indefinitely! "We know first-hand through previous initiatives...the positive effect efforts like this can have in the community, " says Jeannette Goh, D.V.M., Director of the SF SPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic. "We're excited to offer this service free of charge from here on out." San Francisco has a legal requirement that all Pits and Pit mixes be spayed or neutered because over 60% of the dogs euthanized in the city are Pit Bulls. The SF SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic is part of the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center and is on track to perform more than 9,000 sterilizations this year. During the first month of free sterilization for Pit Bulls at the facility, spay and neuter surgeries on Pit Bulls rose 350% from the previous month. Sterilization of dogs also may increase their lifespan by 1-3 years, as it greatly reduces the risk of cancer and also curbs their urge to roam. Roaming can lead to a short, harsh life on the streets, or...you guessed it...landing in an animal shelter and facing euthanasia. Kudos to every shelter facility that offers low cost or free sterilization of all dogs, but especially of Pit Bulls. Google to find one in your area and get it done!

one step towards saving bait puppies from Saving Bella an ebook that can help us start a pit bull rescue especially for injured bulls

when we found Bella and Buddy and they were so injured and weak, my son and I did this first: we sort of baptized each puppy, asked for God's help in saving them, we prayed, we named them, we welcomed to the world and told them we would care for them everyday of the rest of their lives. Then when we went to the vet next, each puppy had a name, their name was reinforced, they were welcomed as well by the vet's staff...we did our best to anchor each of their souls to earth. As a certified holistic counselor, I did everything I could do to speak to their little puppy souls and let them know they were wanted, loved and a commitment was being made to care for them. There will be more on this in Saving Bella-A Holistic Guide to Saving bait puppies, an e-book, with proceeds to helping them completely recover and being able to donate to other bait animals recovery www.savingbellaboo.com.blogspot.com This was Bella when she received a baptism of sorts...we wanted her soul to hear us and know she could live and never be mistreated again: During a celebration of her life, Bella laid quietly, dazed, fractured skull, starved, wounded horribly. She was welcomed to the world and a group of like minds and kindred prayers prayed for her. Bella and Buddy are about to move after some very anxious moments brought about by the damage of Hurricane Sandy and their home being flooded. Their Daddy was forced to move because of damage to their little home but he refused to give up Bella and Buddy...at great personal expense and sacrifice we have to do right by these little puppies. We will be putting up pictures once they get were they are going. Please pray that all goes well. thanks

update Bella and Buddy, bait puppies, who were saved on Long Island; this is the result of training dogs to fight-beware people cruising CraigsList for cheap kittens, puppies or rabbits, they will pay for a small animal for their would be dog fighter to kill as part of traning

The NJ Humane Society made us aware of the pandemic all of the county of people crusing CraigsList for free of animals with "small rehoming fees" to train their dogs for dog fighting. Please get references for anyone wanting to adopt your dog, kitten, cat, rabbit, Guinea pig as these animals are targeted often for young "fighters" being trained and to "build the confidence of a would be dog fighter." It took finding 3 bait puppies, gnawed on, bitten, starving, bleeding for me to realize that even in an urban area like NY and vacinty this is the reality today. And, people interested in dog fighting have incentive to pay you for an animal you don't want any longer. A puppy from a dog that is a successful winner/fighter might go for $20,000 or more. Please make sure you do your research if you love the animal you no longer want? Here's suggestions from the NJ Humane Society re: rehoming dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits, etc. 1_ get a copy of some kind of identification from the would be adopter 2_ get a list of references (neighbors, coworkers, vet, etc) PRIOR to allowing a stranger to remove any animal from your care 3_ call the references 4_ ask for an in-home visit prior to and after the placement of your pet in the adopter's home 5_ contact your local shelter/rescue for a list of known animal abusers Please, we don't want to see puppies like Bella and Buddy torn up with bites, bleeding, fractured skulls, trauma that might last a life time, please use good judgement. Bait puppies lying on the streets this summer after liters are born may be a health hazard. Do we want them attacked by wild animals, further injured and having kids pick them up as one recent story revealed? A little kid picked up a bleeding, oozing puppy and had the poor little thing inside her jacket to keep it warm. Fortunately, the puppy was saved by this young lady's compassionate efforts. Come summer time, the warm weather furthers the spread of diseases like distemper, parvo, rabies...do we need our wonderful, kind, compassionate kids exposed to diseases like this and endangering pets at home as well as themselves? This may be a possible public health hazard. Please talk to your kids about this and ask them to come and tell you if they happen across a little puppy that looks like Buddy did when he was found so you can take caution of using rubber gloves to pick up a puppy and keep it isolated if you have other pets at home, call the Humane Society, the newspapers, tell your doctor that your child may have been exposed to a sick animal, use caution, and, I sincerely hope, you will find the joy we have in saving the life of a precious bait puppy. Please ask your vet to help you with the expenses of saving a rescued bait puppy as many vets will reduce their fees to help out a bit. See below. Buddy is wrapped in the leopard print blanket, chewed up, had a deep would on his back paw, one on his neck, 2 over his eyes and his ears were a mess. Thanks for your help in assisting everyone who loves animals. Here's Buddy: BEFORE: at 2 lbs and 3 weeks old: AFTER: at 4 months old and about 22 lbs: Keywords: Bait puppy, bait puppies, Long Island, New York City, injured puppies, puppies on the roads in Nassau County, puppy found on road, injured puppy, starving puppy, puppy that is ill found on Long Island, dog fighting victims, do not post free animals on Craig's List, bait kittens, bait dogs, bait rabbits, bait pets, rehoming fees, get references when adopting out a pet, call resuces for lists of known animal abusers, dog fighting in New York City, CoCo in Los Angeles saved

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE of 16 COMMON DOG MYTHS by Debra Primovic

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE 16 Common Dog Myths By Dr. Debra Primovic Not sure what to believe when it comes to the health of your dog? Well, look no further! Petplace.com helps to put a muzzle on the myth. 1. Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed. This is not true. Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. In fact, spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections. 2. Dogs are sick when their noses are warm. The temperature of a dogs nose does not indicate health or illness or if they have a fever. There is an "old wives tale" that cold wet noses indicate health. And Warm or dry noses indicate a fever or illness. The only accurate method to access a dog's temperature is to take it with a thermometer. Normal dog temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F. 3. Mutts are always healthier than purebred dogs. This is not true. Both mutts and purebred dogs can be unhealthy. Both can have diseases, however, mutts generally do not have many of the genetic diseases common in purebred lines. 4. All dogs like to be petted on their heads. Some dogs do like to be petted on their heads but many do NOT. 5. Happy dogs wag their tails. This may be true but aggressive dogs often wag their tails too. There are several physical body motions and cues that help dogs to communicate their intent. A wagging tail can mean agitation or excitement. A dog that wags his tail slowly and moves his all rear end or crouches down in the classic "play bow" position is usually a friendly wag. Tails that are wagged when held higher, twitches or wagging while held over the back may be associated with aggression. 6. Only male dogs will "hump" or lift their leg to urinate. This is not true. Female dogs, especially dominant female dogs, will lift their leg to urinate and "hump" other dogs or objects. This can be true even if they are spayed. 7. Table scraps are good for dogs. Some table scraps such as bones and pieces of fat can be dangerous to some pets. They may not digest the bones and the fat may cause gastrointestinal problems such as pancreatitis. 8. Garlic prevents fleas. Garlic has not been proven to be helpful for flea control. Large amounts of garlic can even be harmful. 9. Household "pet dogs" don't need to be trained. This is not true. Every dog should be trained. 10. Dogs eat grass when they are sick. Dog descended from wild wolves and foxes that ate all parts of their "kill." This included the stomach contents of many animals that ate berries and grass. Many scientists believe grass was once part of their normal diet and eating small amounts is normal. 11. Dogs like tasty food. Dogs have very poor taste buds and eat primarily based on their sense of smell. 12. Licking is Healing. It is natural for a dog to lick its wound but this not necessarily always "healing." Too much licking can actually prohibit healing. 13. Dogs will let you know when they are sick. This is not true. Dogs generally are very good at hiding that they are sick by survival instinct, thus not to appear vulnerable to "prey." Often by the time they show you that they are sick, their disease or condition is quite advanced. 14. Dogs that are mostly indoors don't need heartworm prevention. This is not true. Indoor pets are also at risk for heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes which can come inside. 15. Dogs eat rocks, lick concrete or eat their or another animals stools because of nutrient imbalances. No one knows why dogs eat "stuff" that they shouldn't eat. Some veterinarians believe that some dogs that eat "things" may be trying to get attention or acting out of boredom. It is important for dogs to eat a well balanced diet that will fulfill their dietary and nutrient requirements. 16. Dogs don't need to housebroken--they naturally know where to go. Oh, if only this were true. You need to train your dog on where to go. This preferably happens when you start young and give him positive encouragement for jobs well done.

Why little dogs out live big dogs By Charles Choi

By Charles Choi LiveScience Big dogs apparently die younger mainly because they age more quickly, researchers say. These new findings could help unravel the biological links between growth and mortality, the scientists added. Normally, across species, larger mammals live longer than their smaller counterparts. For instance, elephants can get up to 70 years old in the wild, while house mice reach only 4 years. Puzzlingly, within species, the opposite seems true — in mice, horses and perhaps even humans. The apparent cost of bigger bodies is especially conspicuous with dogs, a species that people have bred over the millennia to come in an extraordinary range of sizes. The heaviest known dog may have been Zorba, an English mastiff that weighed 343 pounds (155 kilograms), while the smallest dog alive may be Meyzi, a terrier less than a quarter-pound (110 grams) in size. Large breeds often die young compared with smaller ones, with a 155-pound (70-kilogram) Great Dane having an average life span of about 7 years, while a 9-pound (4-kilogram) toy poodle can expect to live up to 14 years. [The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds] To shed light on the possible tradeoffs of large size, researchers analyzed ages at death in 74 breeds, using data from more than 56,000 dogs that visited veterinary teaching hospitals. The researchers focused on why large dogs lived shorter lives on average. "My main scientific interest is life-history evolution. I'm also a bit of a dog nerd in private life," said researcher Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany. The scientists found that large breeds apparently aged at faster rates. The speed at which the risk of death increased with age was greater with larger breeds than smaller ones. Indeed, among dog breeds, an increase of 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) in body mass leads to a loss of approximately 1 month of life expectancy. "Their lives seem to unwind in fast motion," Kraus told LiveScience. The investigators now want to follow the growth and health histories of a large number of dogs and pinpoint the leading causes of death for large dogs. For instance, bigger canines apparently suffer from cancer more often, which could make sense; large dogs grow more than smaller breeds do, and cancer is rooted in abnormal cell growth. "This research should be feasible in dogs, since I found that dog people in general seem very open, interested in and interested to contribute to research on their favorite species," Kraus said. Kraus and her colleagues Samuel Pavard and Daniel Promislow detailed their findings in the April issue of the journal American Naturalist. Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience, Facebook or Google+. Original article on LiveScience.com.

Bella and Buddy are bait dogs, they are pitbulls and here's what the ASPCA advises about what you can do to STOP dog fighting that brings this brutal consequences

From the ASPCA: 1. Ask your U.S. representative to support the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act. The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 23, would make it a federal offense to knowingly attend an organized animal fight and would impose additional penalties for bringing children to animal fights. Violators would face up to one year in prison for attending a fight, and up to three years in prison for bringing a minor to a fight. You can help the bill along by contacting your rep. We’ve made it easy at the ASPCA Advocacy Center, and we promise it only takes a few minutes, tops. 2. Download our new anti-dog fighting toolkit for citizen advocates. If you’re as horrified by dog fighting as we are, and you think you might want to commit more time to stopping dog fighting in the near future, download our new toolkit developed with the U.S. Department of Justice. It’s got everything you need to know to get more involved. (We admit, actually reading it will take more than three minutes, but you get the idea.) 3. Fight Pit Bull prejudice via social media. Pit Bulls and dogs who look like Pit Bulls get a bad rap because of their reputation as fighting dogs. Fight it by becoming a tireless advocate for them on your social networks. Start by posting the profile of a cute, adoptable Pit Bull-type dog on Facebook (we suggest Pet of the Week Champion) or sharing a happy tail about a Pit. You can even share the story of a rehabilitated ex-fighting dog, like Ninja or Dragon. Oh, and of course, a bonus fourth thing you can do: Share this post on your social networks. Easy, right? Together we can make a huge difference, and to the dogs who are suffering right now at the hands of fighters, it means the world. To learn about a few more ways to fight back against blood sports, view our 10 ways to help end dog fighting and get educated about the issue on our dog fighting page.

Bella...one magical itty bitty pitty-rescued bait puppy gets so much help it's overwhelming

Bella was an 8 lb 2 month old bait puppy found just prior to Hurricane Sandy on Long Island. She was wandering in the streets late at night, frightened, dazed, sick. Vet examination later proved that she was badly injured. In addition to the nasty, oozing and large wound on her backside, puncture marks on her neck from bites, she was diagnosed with a fractured skull. Vets at Blue Pearl in Forest Hills told my son and myself to make her grow as fast as possible to expedite her healing so the bones in her cracked skull filling her head with spinal fluid would mesh. We turned everything into a food source. We bought one of the best vitamins there are. We fed Vet's Choice food on the recommendation of a pet store owner on Long Island, we gave her light chicken broth (1/3rd chicken broth, 2/3rds water) to make water more appealing and we took a holistic approach not only in feeding her good food, but, we addressed her spirit. Can any dog lover deny that dogs have a spirit that some times gives up? We will go into that more when our e-book is published as I have been a certified holistic counselor, adult educator and stress management consultant for years and I always loved dogs and cats (actually, all critters large and small) but little did I know that those very techniques that were so helpful for humans would be even more successful for dogs who were minus the agendas and resistances people seem to struggle with. Yesterday, February 22, 2013, my son, Ed, and myself, along with Bella and little Buddy also found on the street, a badly damaged 2 lb 3 week old puppy, taken away from his mother, and apparently attacked as a bait dog, journeyed out to Vets Choice in Deer Park, LI to collect a prize from a drawing. Buddy and Bella won a year's supply of Vet's Choice dry dog food. Bella ran victory laps around the office...she seemed to know she's a winner. Make your dogs winners too with Vets Choice.


A WORD OF CAUTION: please consult your vet on all questions about dog and cat health. The purpose of this blog is to suggest adjunct modalities to professional vet care. THIS BLOG IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED A REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR VETS TREATMENT OR his or her professional guidance and treatment!


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Vet visit today: Dr. Jack proclaimed Bella cured of D. mange! She was diagnosed on Dec. 19th and we were told she would need meds 6-9 months but then...

I am a budding student of canine nutrition gathering every ounce of research I can find. D. mange is non contagious; an immune system problem. So, I studied how to boost a puppy's immunity and, guess what, good, healthy nutrition is the cure along with some gentle vet care and I salute Dr. Jack for progressing so gently with Bella and meds. She only got to 6cc of meds while increasing food, water, nutrition, a few medicated shampoos baths and she is CURED in 60 days. Just like with our own health and wellness, we want instant cures but the truth is there is NO replacement for healthy nutrition, love, gentle care and patience. All the secrets of how we saved Bella will be included in our e-book...she went from an 8 lb dog critically injured to a happy healthy dog in 3 months! We are going to share how we did it...stayed tuned....and we did what Blue Pearl would later recommend...she was given all the food and water we could feed her and she gained 14 lbs in one month...fractured skull healed!


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Bella and Buddy won $500 worth of dog food from our favorite brand Vet's Choice Holistic Life Extension

Right from the start, Bella has proven to be magical...people go out of their way to help her...blessings come to her...she's a magnet for people and love....and the love and blessings continue....Vet's Choice Holistic Health Extension dry dog food sent us an email and proclaimed SAVING BELLA the winner of $500 worth of dog food...thank you so much! We can thank Pet Lovers pet shop in Mineola, NY for being generous and giving us samples and telling us that this is the best food around. We can look back and thank this brand for its quality as it has played a major part in Bella's amazing recovery...Buddy's also. >




Bella and Buddy and their owners thank you so much...a New York company we love!


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