http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/ List of the latest topics from our public forum. http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/join-at-the-barkfest/ Print This Article
[Wednesday, January 18, 2012]
Announcing the Barkfest at Bonhams! Bring...]]> Print This Article
[Wednesday, January 18, 2012]
Announcing the Barkfest at Bonhams! Bring Your Dog!
Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 10 a.m. to Noon
580 Madison Avenue, between East 56th and 57th Streets

All art lovers and their dogs are invited to join the AKC at Barkfest at Bonhams, a charity brunch that presents an exclusive opportunity to peruse Bonham’s exquisite collection of dog art just before the ‘Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale’ on February 15th. Enjoy a light brunch while admiring the artwork with your canine companion.

All proceeds from Barkfest at Bonhams benefit the AKC Humane Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity which promotes the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant making.

Admission to the brunch is a $50 donation to the AKC Humane Fund in advance or $60 at the door. For reservations, contact AKC's reservation line at 212 696 8306 or reserve your spot online at https://www.akc.org/humane_fund/donations/index.cfm.

Thank you for your support!]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/join-at-the-barkfest/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:26:34 +0000 erwin926 http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/dogs-22/2010-most-popular-breeds/

2010 Most Popular
Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. G...]]>

2010 Most Popular
Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Beagle
5. Golden Retriever
6. Bulldog
7. Boxer
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/dogs-22/2010-most-popular-breeds/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:21:38 +0000 erwin926 http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/fire-hits-home-with-67-pets/
Have a bearded dragon you can’t take care of? She’ll take it off your hands.

Didn’t think a cute Eas...]]>
Have a bearded dragon you can’t take care of? She’ll take it off your hands.

Didn’t think a cute Easter bunny would be so much work? Hagaman has a home for it.

“I can’t say no,” Hagaman said Thursday as she stood outside of her burned-out house in the 1800 block of Adams Road.

She, her fiance, brother and 77 pets – “there’s at least that many,” she said – now have to find a new home.

At about 10:30 Thursday morning, Hagaman was a few blocks away volunteering at the Animal House Pet Store when she saw fire engines roar by.

“She said, ‘They’re headed in my house’s direction.’ She dropped everything, left her purse and coat,” said Mike Raleigh, one of the pet store owners.

Hagaman raced down the street, saw the firetrucks in front of her house and, she admitted, “I panicked.”

Two police officers “tackled me” trying to stop her from getting to the house. Because she kicked one of them, she was charged and now has to answer to that in court.

“I was hysterical,” she said. She saw six of her terrifieddogs sprint out of the house when the front door opened. She went to the basement and rescued a German shepherd.

All of the rescued animals – an iguana didn’t make it – were taken away, many to the Animal House Pet Store, to be adopted or housed until adoption plans could be made.

Now, Hagaman’s fear is she will be thought of as a freakish animal hoarder. She insists all of her animals are healthy, well cared for, get regular veterinary visits and have their cages cleaned twice weekly.

“It is hard to understand why I have so many,” she admitted. “I take great care of all these” pets.

Kathy Raleigh, also an owner of the Animal House Pet Store, met Hagaman when she was a teen and came to the store for ferret food.

“It’s just sad because she means well,” Raleigh said. “They’re all well-fed and healthy. The problem with Nikki is she can’t say no.”

As Raleigh spoke, Lily, the beagle-mix rescued from Hagaman’s house whimpered in her cage, shaking with fear after the ordeal.

As a volunteer at the store, which gets about 10 calls a day from people trying to get rid of pets, Hagaman couldn’t stand to see pets treated badly or abandoned. Even though it was expensive and crowded her house, she took in many pets. “I’m broke and I don’t have a life,” she joked.

Having that many pets isn’t a violation of Mount Healthy laws “as long as they don’t become a nuisance,” Fire Chief Steve Lawson said.

And it’s not a sign of being mentally unstable.

“It’s not unheard of,” SPCA director Harold Dates said. “If the person has the time and the wherewithal to care for them properly ... and the animals are in reasonable condition, people do that.”

The fire started, Hagaman believes, because she used a heat light used to keep reptiles warm, in place of a non-working bathroom light. She fears it got too close to a towel.

She had no homeowners insurance.

To be considered to adopt Hagaman’s pets, call the Animal House Pet Store, 931-6139.

Mt. Healthy Fire Chief Steve Lawson says the pets included:

• 12 Rabbits
• 2 Guinea pigs
• 1 Hedgehog
• 7 Finches
• 2 Cockatiels
• 5 Hamsters
• 10 Mice
• 18 Rats
• 9 Cats
• 1 Chinchilla
• 2 Iguanas
• 1 Bearded Dragon]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/fire-hits-home-with-67-pets/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:39:11 +0000 erwin926 http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/storm-bring-lost-pets/

Thought everyone should read!

It was raining cats and dogs this week. And as a result of those storms, the Austin Animal Center is overflowing with...]]>

Thought everyone should read!

It was raining cats and dogs this week. And as a result of those storms, the Austin Animal Center is overflowing with lost pets.

Pets often respond poorly to extreme weather, and after heavy rainstorms blew through the Austin area, dozens of dogs and cats were taken to the Austin Animal Center. The City of Austin has taken note, stating:

On Jan. 25, the day after the storm, 33 dogs and 5 cats were found and turned into the animal shelter -- the highest animal intake for the year.

These pets do not have identification so there is no easy way to locate the owners. Many of the found pets are believed to be owned, as they are well groomed and healthy. The dogs most likely got scared and ran away due to the thunder and lightning.

The Animal Center has posted some photos of new animals believed to be pets. You can also search for lost pets online.

The city emphasizes that lost pets sans identification can only be held for three days before they become eligible for adoption. That means lost pets could be adopted out starting tomorrow.

The center, located at 7201 Levander Loop, is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/storm-bring-lost-pets/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:18:07 +0000 erwin926 http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/pets-struggle-to-survive-after-fire/

NEW HAVEN -- While everyone was able to safely escape a fire Saturday at Da Legna restaurant in New Haven, something special was left behind in the ru...]]>

NEW HAVEN -- While everyone was able to safely escape a fire Saturday at Da Legna restaurant in New Haven, something special was left behind in the rubble.
To those watching the flames rip through the State Street apartments, above the restaurant, it was obvious there would be some major damage. However, once the fire was out and crews started tearing the apartments down they found a surprise.
"All of a sudden a big pit bull sat up in the middle of the debris," said Kevin Plummer of United Cleaning and Restoration. "We grabbed him by the collar and brought him down to the ground. He didn't bark. He didn't growl. He's a good dog."
The pit bull, named Spooky, was immediately taken across the street to the animal hospital.
Another dog, named Mona, and a cat, Sammy, were rescued from the fire and all three are on oxygen from the fire. Their owner was hospitalized after a car crash last week, and wasn't home at the time of the blaze.
Three cats didn't make it out.
"It does injure the lungs where they can't process oxygen and they can't breathe as well," said veterinarian Kim MacDonald. "It predisposes them to other problems like pneumonia."
The workers are still amazed they saw Spooky staring at them. The dog was able to survive the fire and frigid weather by hiding in a closet.
"Everything else you can replace, but an animal is like a child," said Plummer.
The workers feel for Spooky's owner who lost their apartment and the owner of Da Legna, which has only been open around a month after taking over the former Amato's Pizza, but they're hoping Spooky will remind them something good always comes out of something bad.
"It just put a nice sunshine on a little bit of a gloomy day," said Pat Deleva of Cherry Hill Restoration.
The State Street neighborhood is rallying around the owner of the apartment, whose name is Mike Simonelli, a veteran, who was in a car accident on Friday, and in serious condition in the hospital when his apartment caught fire on Saturday.
"He is a really good guy," said Lisa Siedlarz, of New Haven, "He served our country. He has lived here a really long time and to have this happen it is a series of tragic events."
While the animals recover in the vet clinic, Simonelli is recovering in the hospital. Neighbors are hoping everyone will be released soon.
In the meantime, neighbors are raising money for the vet bill and already have more than $1,000.
"On top of that there are people out there who want to donate items for Mike because he lost everything," said Siedlarz. "We have kitchenware lined up, we need to find out more about clothing size. People are really stepping up for this."
Those interested in making a donation can visit the SoHu Neighborhood Association's website (http://bit.ly/Ap567X).


Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Pets-struggle-to-survive-after-fire-2578341.php#ixzz1jjEtYbhy]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/pets-struggle-to-survive-after-fire/ Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:14:50 +0000 skittles20 http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/behavior-training-37/project-slim-down/ Is Fido getting fat? Rover a bit too round? Does Muffin sport a muffin top? Nestle Purina and Jenny Craig have teamed up to help your portly pet and y...
The new online program encourages pet owners to register and take advantage of several features, including tips on feeding, how to track your pet's progress, ways to share information with friends and family, and advice on exercising with your pet.

"Project: Pet Slim Down recognizes the potential for pets and their owners to get fit together, and have fun doing it," said Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian for Nestle Purina in a news release. Then she added this: "Pets are loyal, nonjudgmental, and supportive. They are the ideal weight-loss partners."

Let's get real. By "pets" she means dogs. I have two cats who judge me constantly. In fact, I'm sure one of them completely disapproves of the outfit I'm wearing today. As I left the house this morning the disdain in her eyes said it all: "You're not actually going out in that, are you? Wow."

Supportive? They're supportive of me putting food in their bowl. Loyal? We're not even going to go there. Trust me, if I were to choose a weight loss partner it would not be an animal that is comatose 18 hours a day.

But you should check out the videos on the site. Zeus is a 20-pound tabby owned by Matt, who adores this big boy so much he has a mug decorated with a heart-shaped picture of the two of them. That's love.

When Matt gets the bad news that Zeus weighs as much as a Thanksgiving turkey that serves 10 adults, he's taken aback. "I just thought he was sturdy," Matt says.

We also meet Sage, a Weimaraner owned by Walter, who is a chef. That's bad news for Sage, since for Walter, food equals love. "She absolutely loves people food," Walter says. "Lamb chops, osso bucco. She prefers nice braised, winter foods." Honestly, that sounds so good we can't really blame Sage for being overweight.

Tubby pets can be cute, but they're at risk for some of the same diseases and conditions humans are, such as diabetes and heart disease. Excess weight can also put stress on joints.

Many fitness experts recommend exercising with your pet--in fact, this Web chat with Jacqueline Epping, a public health scientist in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contains a wealth of information about exercising with your pet.

She offered this great suggestion: "Many dogs need to be trained to run with their person. The dog should know how to 'heel' and it's best to start with walking. Depending on your dog, fast walking or even bicycling with your dog on a lead could be options. Safety is important, though, so if your dog can't be trained to stay at your side, skip the bicycling!"

Pet foods have evolved in recent years as pet owners have become more health-conscious about their own eating habits. Foods without preservatives or fillers have become more popular, as have raw foods that contain no byproducts.]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/behavior-training-37/project-slim-down/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:14:26 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-to-let-battered-women-keep-pets-read-2/


A dog that saved one battered woman's life may go on to save many more -- by changing the role beloved family pets play in the lives of domestic ab...]]>


A dog that saved one battered woman's life may go on to save many more -- by changing the role beloved family pets play in the lives of domestic abuse victims.

Last year, the heroic Great Dane had thrown himself over the body of a woman who had been nearly beaten to death by her boyfriend who repeatedly struck her with both sides of a hammer.

The dog leapt into the bloody scene, and absorbed most of the blows the man threw at them - before he threw the dog and the woman out a second-story window.

The desperate woman called the Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, M.O., where arrangements were made for the woman only - the dog, sadly, couldn't stay.

But the woman, who has chosen to identify herself, refused to abandon “her angel,” Susan Miller, the center's chief executive said.

“She was not going to leave her pet alone with him,” Miller said. "He saved her life."

The dog had suffered serious injuries including a broken and hip, ribs and other broken bones, and with the woman clinging to her trusted companion, the shelter had to make an exception.

Forty percent of the women will not leave their pets, so they live in their cars or they stay. They risk their own life or the life of their children.

Another woman lived in her car for four months while waiting to get into a pet-friend shelter.

Realizing how much a difference it makes in the lives of abuse-escapees, now the shelter is now in the process of adding seven kennels, and expanding the shelter to accommodate another 25 beds.

“They provide so much comfort, and to have to leave that pet behind is so heartbreaking,” Miller said. “It has become abundantly clear that the incredible therapeutic benefits that pets can have on a family greatly outweigh the cost and inconvenience of housing them.”

Miller said seven out of every 10 women in the United States say they are unable to escape abusive relationships in part because the abuser threatens to harm the family pet. Two out of five women say they don't leave because they worry about what will happen to their dog.

To donate to the Rose Brooks Center and contribute to the crucial expansion project, follow this link: http://www.rosebrooks.org/



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-battered-women-pets-article-1.1006063#ixzz1jReyRJIT]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-to-let-battered-women-keep-pets-read-2/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:07:18 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-to-let-battered-women-keep-pets-read/


A dog that saved one battered woman's life may go on to save many more -- by changing the role beloved family pets play in the lives of domestic ab...]]>


A dog that saved one battered woman's life may go on to save many more -- by changing the role beloved family pets play in the lives of domestic abuse victims.

Last year, the heroic Great Dane had thrown himself over the body of a woman who had been nearly beaten to death by her boyfriend who repeatedly struck her with both sides of a hammer.

The dog leapt into the bloody scene, and absorbed most of the blows the man threw at them - before he threw the dog and the woman out a second-story window.

The desperate woman called the Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, M.O., where arrangements were made for the woman only - the dog, sadly, couldn't stay.

But the woman, who has chosen to identify herself, refused to abandon “her angel,” Susan Miller, the center's chief executive said.

“She was not going to leave her pet alone with him,” Miller said. "He saved her life."

The dog had suffered serious injuries including a broken and hip, ribs and other broken bones, and with the woman clinging to her trusted companion, the shelter had to make an exception.

Forty percent of the women will not leave their pets, so they live in their cars or they stay. They risk their own life or the life of their children.

Another woman lived in her car for four months while waiting to get into a pet-friend shelter.

Realizing how much a difference it makes in the lives of abuse-escapees, now the shelter is now in the process of adding seven kennels, and expanding the shelter to accommodate another 25 beds.

“They provide so much comfort, and to have to leave that pet behind is so heartbreaking,” Miller said. “It has become abundantly clear that the incredible therapeutic benefits that pets can have on a family greatly outweigh the cost and inconvenience of housing them.”

Miller said seven out of every 10 women in the United States say they are unable to escape abusive relationships in part because the abuser threatens to harm the family pet. Two out of five women say they don't leave because they worry about what will happen to their dog.

To donate to the Rose Brooks Center and contribute to the crucial expansion project, follow this link: http://www.rosebrooks.org/



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-battered-women-pets-article-1.1006063#ixzz1jReyRJIT]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/hero-dog-revolutionizes-shelter-policy-to-let-battered-women-keep-pets-read/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:04:41 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/castaic-animal-care-center/
The 21-year-old Saugus resident spends much of her spare time helping the homeless...]]>
The 21-year-old Saugus resident spends much of her spare time helping the homeless pets at Castaic Animal Care Center.

As a volunteer, Strahan helps prepare dogs and cats for adoption events. She does this first by playing with them to release some pent-up energy, then by loading up the truck that will transport the pets to an offsite location to meet potential adopters.

“When you see a dog get adopted by a perfect family, that’s the best part,” Strahan said. “That and the people here. The other volunteers are like my family.”

One of six Los Angeles County care centers, Castaic Animal Care Center relies on volunteers, such as Strahan, to help achieve its mission.

“All of us have the same common denominator: We want to get these animals adopted,” Karen Stepp, Castaic Animal Care Center manager said. “Volunteers bring something different to the table with all their varied backgrounds. We don’t have enough staff, and volunteers help fill that void.”

Pebbles, a 1-year-old stray pit bull, is an example of how the volunteers help in ways staff can’t, Kim Schumann, an animal control officer and volunteer liaison at the center said.

The dog, who had scars all over her face, was intimidated by everything and everyone.

“She didn’t have the easiest life,” Schumann said.

Volunteers Clare Storey and Kyle Harris worked with Pebbles, coaxing the dog out of her shell with treats and affection, walking her and properly introducing her to other dogs. Schumann is confident that Pebbles will now find a home, thanks to their efforts.

“We don’t always have the time to provide beyond the standard of care set by the county. The volunteers give these animals love, a sense of normalcy and something to look forward to,” she said. “Without the volunteers, the animals wouldn’t get the extra care and the second chance they need to get out of here alive.”

According to Rohmi Reib, director of volunteer services for Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, there are currently 85 volunteers at the Castaic location. Tasks range from walking dogs to public outreach to grooming.

Committed volunteers who come on a regular basis are especially crucial, Reib said.

“They know a lot about the animals firsthand and are able to sell them, if you will, to prospective adopters,” she said. “The more committed volunteers we have, the higher the adoption rates.”

Denise Martin, of Canyon Country, has been a volunteer for six years, coming to the care center on Saturdays and Sundays, and as her schedule permits on weekdays. Usually, she brings along her camera.

“My favorite thing is to photograph the animals,” she said. “We use those photos to network the animals and try to find them homes. I feel like that’s how I can best serve them.”

The shots Martin takes are colorful, happy and a far cry from the animals’ intake photos from when they first arrive at the
shelter, scared and uncertain. Those intake photos, on display on the county’s website, are not always appealing to potential adopters.

That’s why Lynda Hill, a volunteer from Newhall, will upload Martin’s or her own photos of the pets to the website and also display them on Facebook to reach a wider audience.

“A good photo is worth a thousand words,” Hill said. “Their intake pictures look like mug shots. This shows them so much better. I’ve had people tell me they come down to meet a dog based on one of our photos.”

Training for volunteers takes place once a quarter, with the first 2012 sessions taking place on Jan. 21. The three-hour classroom-style orientation is followed by three separate hands-on training sessions at the care center on dog and cat handling, as well as other procedures.

There’s also a special class for volunteers interested in fostering a care center pet. This temporary home environment is extremely beneficial to animals who need additional socialization or are suffering from medical issues that causes them to get overlooked at the care center.

“Fostering makes our pets highly adoptable,” Stepp said.

Beautifying the care center, which was built in 1972, also helps.

In 2011, long-time volunteer Kimberly Kehl led the charge for Castaic Animal Care Center to take part in Big Sunday, a national event with a mission to build community through volunteer service.

Over one summer weekend, the center was overhauled with a fresh paint job, signage, lighting, landscaping, additional dog runs, a cat habitat and more.

“They changed the whole place. It helped show people that we’re out here and that they should come here to get their next pet,” Stepp said. “Our volunteers mean so much to us and to the animals.”

For more information on volunteering at Castaic Animal Care Center, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov, click on volunteer opportunities and complete the online application, or call (661) 257-3191.

The next volunteer training session takes place at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21 at Castaic Sports Complex. Interested parties need to register by Jan. 15.]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/vet-clinics-36/castaic-animal-care-center/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:59:40 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/celebrity-pets-43/golden-globes/ On Sunday January 15th, the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards will air on NBC to the fanfare of moviegoers and television audiences everywhere. The best...
So what could this celebration of the silver screen possibly have to do with pets? This year, a couple of animal / pet-infused films are up for Golden Globes, as is one high profile celebrity pet owner.

At the 2012 show, three animal-related films will be competing against each other for the top prize in the Best Animated Feature Film category: The Adventures of Tintin, a movie based off of a successful Belgian graphic novel which features the journalist Tintin and his pet sidekick Snowy; Rango, which features Johnny Depp reanimated as a lizard in a comedic Western; and Puss in Boots, which features the adorable cat Puss in Boots in a spin-off from the wildly successful Shrek franchise.

Also at the 2012 show, one animal-infused film received a prestigious nomination for Best Motion Picture (Drama): War Horse, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and chronicles the trying times of a horse during World War I (based off of the children's novel and play). War Horse also received a nomination for having the Best Original Score in a Motion Picture.

In addition to these nominations for animal-infused films, one notable pet owner has been nominated for a trio of Golden Globes.

George Clooney, who made headlines last year for the quirky way in which he adopted his most recent pup, Einstein, is up for a couple of awards for his involvement with the film The Ides of March, including Best Director for a Motion Picture and Best Screenplay for a Motion Picture. Additionally, the actor has been nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) for his role in the critically acclaimed film The Descendants. We’re pretty sure Einstein is going to be cheering Clooney on!]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/celebrity-pets-43/golden-globes/ Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:57:19 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/dogs-22/ending-the-cold-war-between-dogs-and-masters/ “Russian Dog Wizard” Vladae Roytapel has always had a natural affinity with animals. Growing up in the fo...]]> “Russian Dog Wizard” Vladae Roytapel has always had a natural affinity with animals. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, Vladae was just 6 when he began what would become a lifelong journey working with animals, eventually becoming one of the most sought-after animal behaviorists in both Europe and the U.S.

I met Vladae earlier this week at the home of my friends Deidre and Peter, whose adorable Maltese, Riley, has been having some separation and barking issues. I watched in amazement as Vladae worked patiently and effectively with them; it is clear this is his life’s calling.


Vladae Roytapel uses a relaxation technique on Riley.

Dee said it best: “Wow.”

Her husband was smiling. Riley wagged his tail with fervor. Clearly, things were on the right track and she tells me that since just that one session, she has seen improvement and plans to schedule a series of sessions as a result.

Training the owner, says Vladae, is just as crucial to success as training the dog.

“If you expect change only from the dog, the problems will likely continue,” he says.

Vladae told us that growing up with a grandfather who was a famous Soviet zoologist known for his “Pavlov-style” research on wild animal behavior had a profound impact on him. It also gave him access to all types of animals early on.

By the time he was 13, he was the youngest Russian “schutzhund” competition champion, essentially winning the Super Bowl of dog training in his country. As his career unfolded, he began training dogs for the Red Army – as guard, paratrooping and patrol dogs – and even trained spy dogs for the KGB.

With all the military training in his background, one might think Vladae’s approach would be harsh. In fact, the exact opposite is true. His method is gentle and essentially mimics how a mother dog treats its pups.

Vladae has refined and perfected his techniques into “doglish,” and this has become his unique trademark. It is an integral part of his successful training and behavioral instruction, which is rooted in balancing positive reinforcement, structure and discipline.

Vladae went on to tell us that he, his wife and two small children came to the U.S. when the former Soviet Union collapsed and significant civil unrest in the Muslim state of Azerbaijan, where he was born and raised, became unbearable. So with only $100 cash in their pockets, they moved to Michigan to start a new life.

It wasn’t easy, but Vladae worked tirelessly and over the past 15 years he has been featured on countless television and radio shows including CNN, NPR, NBC, FOX, ABC and CBS affiliates, even making an appearance on David Letterman’s show. In Michigan, he had a regular show on the local news station FOX Detroit, and he is a regular contributor to many print and online news outlets.

“My dream has always been to have my own dog show, and I knew I needed to be closer to the entertainment capital of the world,” says Vladae. So they packed up again and moved to sunny Southern California.

Vladae currently hosts a segment on Animal Radio® called “Ask Vladae the World Famous Russian Dog Wizard” and has recently finished filming a pilot for his show currently under consideration by Animal Planet.

Now living in Newport Coast, Vladae works with clients locally and across the country. As a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, he is not just a trainer; he is a certified dog behaviorist and firmly believes in integrated training.

“My philosophy encompasses three simple guidelines,” says Vladae. “The value of prevention (training before bad behavior surfaces); the importance of providing a loving but structured, disciplined environment; and making sure that both the owner’s as well as the dog’s needs are being met.”

To watch Vladae in action, visit his website at socialdogtraining.com or listen at animalradio.com/ARNPROG.html. To schedule a behavior modification or canine training camp consultation, call 949-274-3445 or 949-244-0615.

Vladae encourages dog owners not to wait to call him until bad behavior arises. “As my grandfather always told me, ‘don’t try to cheat Mother Nature, you will always lose.’”]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/dogs-22/ending-the-cold-war-between-dogs-and-masters/ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:11 +0000 Management http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/shelter-celebrates-senior-pets-month/ This month Orphans of the Storm celebrates Senior Pets Month. Senior dogs and cats are often passed over for yo...]]> This month Orphans of the Storm celebrates Senior Pets Month. Senior dogs and cats are often passed over for younger puppies and kittens. However, there are many reasons to adopt a senior pet. They sometimes come with wonderful qualities that younger animals take years to grow into. For example:

* They reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.

* You can usually avoid “puppy purgatory” all together. Seniors know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house NOT! They also usually understand that slippers are not chew toys.

* Senior pets are lower key and more laid back than their younger counterparts.

* They love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.

* Senior pets can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.

Orphans of the Storm featuring two senior pets this month: Both are male Chihuahuas. Nicky has been waiting at the shelter for his forever home for four years. He would love a nice soft lap and a person of his own to love. Chippy is a dear little senior citizen who loves attention and cuddling. His tail never stops! For more information on either dog visit www.petfinder.com .

Orphans of the Storm is a no-kill animal shelter committed to serving Armstrong County by matching loving animals with loving people since 1969. Visit the shelter the next time you would like to add a family member to your household. Or, enrich your life by volunteering with the animals. For more information, call (724) 548-4520 or visit the shelter’s Web site at www.orphans-of-the-storm.org.]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/rescue-adoption-45/shelter-celebrates-senior-pets-month/ Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:26:28 +0000 Kringle http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/laws-legistration-52/aspca-asks-the-white-house-to-address-puppy-mill-cruelty/
Puppy Mill Dog

In late September, the Obama Administration launched an online program named “We...]]>
Puppy Mill Dog

In late September, the Obama Administration launched an online program named “We the People” on WhiteHouse.gov. We the People is a new way for Americans to create and sign petitions calling on the Obama Administration to take action on important issues. Any petition that garners 5,000 digital signatures within 30 days of its posting will be reviewed by a standing group of White House officials, who will ensure that it is sent to the appropriate policy experts and issue an official response by email to all signatories.

On September 23, the ASPCA seized on this important opportunity. In conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States, we posted a petition asking the President to take executive action to crack down on puppy mills. Specifically, we are asking that the White House work with the USDA to close the current legal loophole that allows large-scale, commercial breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to avoid regulation under the Animal Welfare Act.

We are thrilled to announce that our puppy mill petition has already surpassed 11,000 signatures—more than twice the number needed to guarantee an official response. It is currently the most popular animal welfare petition on the site. However, we would love to see our petition become one of the most popular overall, which would help ensure that the Administration takes this issue seriously. Please be their voice: If you are against puppy mill cruelty, sign our White House petition today!]]> http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/laws-legistration-52/aspca-asks-the-white-house-to-address-puppy-mill-cruelty/ Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:10:26 +0000 PhineasFerb http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/frogs-26/frogs/ Has anyone bought a frog! Thinking of buying one! Has anyone bought a frog! Thinking of buying one! http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/frogs-26/frogs/ Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:49:49 +0000 PhineasFerb http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/hamsters-28/toys/ Do you have a run around ball!I run all over the house!I feel free!I always want to go in the ball! Do you have a run around ball!I run all over the house!I feel free!I always want to go in the ball! http://www.petsplaces.com/forum/hamsters-28/toys/ Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:03:23 +0000 skittles20