Friday, May 6, 2011

Update on Bella - Japanese Refugee Dog Reunited with family

Bella, a 3-year-old Springer Spaniel, was evacuated from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent events. Bella traveled by airline crate over 8,400 miles and was hosted by a temporary foster family in Austin.

Bella reunion

Bella & her family reunite

We're happy to report that Bella's family arrived in Austin to pick up Bella and reunite the family!

Update from Bella's family: They're working with Bella, continuing to teach her to enjoy her crate and to tolerate periods of separation from her family. By consistently reinforcing the crate as a fun place to be by using toys, treats, and soft bedding, Bella is starting to see her crate as her own private den. Her family is also using puzzle/chew toys and Kongs to keep Bella occupied during their absence. Bella has responded well to the philosophy of "a busy dog is a happy dog".

Best of all, we're thrilled to see a family reunited and a happy ending to Bella's travels.


Update and Story from ADA Logo

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Dogs Available for Adoption in Austin

May is National Pet Month. If you're looking for a new four-legged best friend, check out Austin Dog Aliance's available dogs ready for adoption! The selection of available dogs is always changing as new dogs join our Foster Program and existing dogs are adopted into their forever homes.

ADA Adoption Managers carefully choose dogs from area shelters after screening them for temperament and friendliness. Each dog is hosted by an Austin Dog Alliance foster until their forever family is found. Most of the dogs are adopted into forever homes within a few weeks.
Hank adoptable dogShaggy adoptableJanie for adoptionBuck SDSNSophie Special Dog adoptable

Join the Foster Program -- the more fosters they have, the more families they can make happy with wonderful dogs. Our Special Dogs for Special Needs program has a wait list. If you enjoy training dogs, contact us for more information about training a Special Dog. The typical commitment is about a month. To find out more about fostering, see the Foster Program page or contact Judy McCarthy, Adoption Program Manager.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Beat the Heat this Summer! Warm Weather Safety for Dogs

Temperatures in Central Texas have already reached 90F and above. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans when it's hot outside. Pets can't sweat like humans do; they perspire through their paw pads and rid themselves of excess heat primarily by panting. It's important, therefore, to protect our pets during hot months.

Some tips to help our canine friends stay safe and healthy during hot days are:

  • If possible, bring pets inside, and avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity
  • For pets that must stay outside during the day, ensure they have a shaded and well-ventilated area to stay in throughout the day, as the sun changes position. (Most dog houses trap heat, and aren't a suitable option for shelter on hot days).
  • Ensure your pet has access to fresh water; keep water bowls in a shaded area
  • Walk or exercise your dog during the cooler times of day, early morning or very late in the day.
  • When walking your dog, remember that pavement and sidewalks can become very hot during the Texas summer, and in extreme cases can burn a dog's paws. Avoid or limit exposure to these extremely hot surfaces.
  • Yes, dogs can become sunburned - depending on the coat of your pet and amount of exposed skin. Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas and/or limit exposure, just as a human would.
  • Make sure your dog is clean and properly groomed. Dogs with longer hair and thicker coats are able to remain cooler and healthier with the proper grooming and cut during warm months.
  • Provide a small wading pool, with fresh water, for your dog to cool off. Small pools can be found at Wal-mart, Target, HEB-Plus!, Sears, Toys-R-Us, Petsmart, and other stores.Dog In Wading Pool
  • During warm months, never leave a pet in a car or confined in a hot space. Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
  • In summer, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more prevalent. Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate preventative and/or treatment to keep your dog free of these parasites
  • Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat. Watch your dog carefully when exposed to heat if your dog is in this group (e.g., Pug, Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Pekingese, and others).

If your dog is exposed to high temperatures, be alert for signs of heat stress and/or heat stroke:

  • Excessive/hard panting
  • Glassy eyes
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Deep red or purple gums
  • Unsteadiness, disorientation, staggering, stumbling
  • Lack of responsiveness
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse

The AVMA recommends that, if you suspect your pet is suffering heat stroke, put a cool, wet towel around the animal's neck, get them into an air-conditioned car, and take them to a veterinarian for immediate evaluation and treatment.

See a short AVMA video on summer pet safety created in 2010 in response to a series of heat waves that affected the US.


Article From: ADA Logo

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuit and Bones

Bentleys Logo

Bentleys Pink Paws Logo

May 4 (6:00pm) Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

Enjoy wine, spirits, and treats for the two-legged and four-legged.

1/2 Price nail trims, too!

Sponsored by Bentley's Biscuits & Bones and Bark 'n Bubbles.

More details here

Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

(In the Anderson Arbor Shopping Center)

13359 N. Hwy. 183, Suite 405

Austin, Texas 78750

512-918-3900

www.bentleysaustin.com

Bentleys Logo Dog Face