If a Pit Bull - or any aggressive dog, for that matter - bites a person, should that dog automatically be put to death?
That was the question facing a judge in Thibodaux, La., after a dog bit a woman last week, severely injuring her left arm. The woman, 48-year-old Tecla Smith, will require several reconstructive surgeries as a result of the bite.
Local sheriff's officials sought to have the dog, a three-year-old Pit Bull, euthanized, but an animal rescue organization in St. Tammany Parish stepped in and volunteered to care for the dog while its owners make their home safe for keeping a dog deemed dangerous.
The judge, Jerome Barbera, agreed to spare the dog and gave his owners, Jerome and Lillian Jarreau, time to comply with state and parish laws. They include building a fence for their yard, buying a kennel and placing a sign outside their house warning the public of the dog's presence.
"It was an unexpected, pleasant surprise," said Mike Jimenez, sheriff's staff attorney. "We never wanted to have the dog killed, but our greater duty is to the general public. I think with this compromise, everybody will be safe and it will give the Jarreaus a chance to become responsible dog owners."
The dog will be kept by the Pontchartrain Humane Society until the Jarreaus have their home prepared to care for the dog.
I'm happy a dog's life will be spared, but I sure hope the owners exercise better responsibility from now on. When dogs are dangerous, it's the fault of the owners, not the dog.
Pet Product Review - Nature's Best by Hill's Science Diet
I have this friend who is so darling. She works close to Grand Central Station in New York. If you're from New York City, you'll know this location is "sample city". Companies love to give out samples. With that over the course of a week collected for me and my pup Charlie over 20 boxes of daily sample packs of Nature's Best by Hill's Science Diet. What a doll.
Although I accepted them graciously, my pup is too young to have a diet that is changed around frequently. So I took the samples and in turn donated them to a local organization that saves and fosters stray cats and dogs in my neighborhood. With the economy the way it is, they are grateful for any donation.
I did, however ask Marta, the group organizer if she could help me out, and select just one dog and give him the Nature's Best by Hill's Science Diet for a straight 20 days. She obliged. Lucky for me all of the samples were Nature's Best Lamb & Brown Rice Dinner.
Well after the 20 days, Marta called me up and said that dog she was fostering had improved so significantly in such a fast time. Not only did he have more energy, but his coat was fluffy and had a nice shine to it, and he played at the dog run with more glee than before. I'm not sure, but I think the combination of superior dog food and some good home love did the trick.
Now there are many great quality dog foods out there, and many that are not so great. And each one will work differently on different dogs. So I like this product, but I do recommend you ask your vet or breeder what foods they recommend. Nature's Best pet food claims to be the only natural pet food clinically proven to provide complete, balanced nutrition. Go to their website for more details:
While you're there, make sure to sign up for your $5 off coupon so that you can try the food risk free. And check out the link where to buy as Nature's Best by Hill's Science Diet is available at local veterinarians.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Product Review - JERK E. SLABS by Pup E. Luv
are you the type of dog owner that likes to show your dog "The Love" with special treats? if so, I found a great new treat that I like and my dog Charlie likes them to. They are called Jerk E. Slabs, and they're made by company called Pup E. Luv.
What I like about these treats is that they come in convenience and crum free our is or you could say slabs. so you could break off a piece of the bar to a smaller portion is possible. This is good because then you just give a small piece if you're using it for training, and you're not a cumulative all this calories typically associated with pet treats. And I especially like that the price for a 3 ounce bag of this product is only $1.49. I bought them at petsmart..
For more information, go directly to the product website page: http://www.pupeluv.net/products.html
As for nutrition. Here is the chart directly from the product website:
I was never much of a fan of the TLC reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," but I recall that they added a couple of dogs to their brood at one point - two beautiful German Shepherds that seemed to enjoy roaming the family's expansive grounds.
Well, the breakup of the marriage between Jon and Kate Gosselin turned out not to be a good thing for Shoka and Nala, who were returned to their breeder in September.
At the time, Kate Gosselin said "They'll come back, but for now I needed a break." The Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call reports that Kate also said she "never intended to give them back," but the dogs "needed more than I could give them."
Hmm. I don't mean to sound skeptical, but I wonder whether the dogs were little more than a storyline for the TV show. Give the family a couple of dogs, let them wreak havoc on the house for a week or two, then slip them into a few background scenes as the series moves along.
I hope not. But as USA Today blogger Anne Godlasky points out, on the video showing the Gosselins originally picking out the dogs, Kate says, "I could go my whole life without having a dog."
Pet Product Review - Buddy Beds for orthopedic hip dysplasia relief
Are you looking for that perfect holiday gift for your senior dog; one that is not only stylish, comfortable, but practical. I found a great dog bid for you: Dog Beds from Buddy Beds.
Buddy Beds uses only the highest quality of memory foam which has been proven to relieve stress on joints and provide a comfortable rest solution for poor dogs with hip dysplasia. Here is information direct from the manufacturer on the benefits of memory foam:
Memory Foam Dog Beds Take Away the Pain.
It breaks our hearts to watch our beloved Buddy�s suffer from the pain of canine arthritis and hip dysplasia. Buddy Beds are designed for older dogs that need that extra joint support and comfort. Traditional dog beds with traditional materials create pressure points that cut off circulation preventing blood flow through the joint. It is just like oil in a car, the blood flowing through the joint lubricates the joint. Memory foam eliminates ALL of those painful pressure point -- allowing the blood to continuously lubricate the joint as your Buddy rests or sleeps upon their Buddy Bed. You will see as your dog uses their memory foam dog bed, they will not be as stiff and sore in the mornings after sleeping.
Painful pressure points build up, and that is why pets (and humans) toss and turn to find a more comfortable position. Studies have show memory foam to reduce tossing and turning in humans by 90%. Buddy Beds orthopedic memory foam dog beds mold and contours to your Buddy's body, relieving those painful pressure points that cut off circulation.
All beds are:
- Waterproof, breathable fabric liner protects the memory foam
- Cozy, easily removable, washable outer covers
- Guaranteed to last!
To order your Buddy Bed go directly to their website at:
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