Hercules – Amazing Story!!

http://thebark.com/content/rescued-pup-hero-dog-six-hours

What a Beast!!!

Tibetan Mastiff

http://www.akc.org/breeds/tibetan_mastiff/index.cfm

This may be the toughest looking dog of all time!

The Art of Communication

Communicating With Your Pet

Have you ever wished your dog could talk could talk to you? Well, he does; just not with words. Research shows that dogs have their own way of communicating with their owners, as well as with other dogs.

Dog Body Language

Any dog owner will tell you that their four-legged family members speak volumes with their bodies. Here are some typical signals dogs use:

• Face: Dogs will wrinkle or straighten their foreheads to show confusion or determination.
• Eyes: A dog’s eyes brighten when he looks at a creature he considers friendly. When he is afraid, his pupils dilate and he shows the whites of his eyes.
• Lips, teeth and tongue: If your dog is happy or wants to play, he may pull his lips back and show his teeth in what appears to be a smile. This is a gesture that is reserved only for human/dog communication; a dog will not do this with other dogs.
• Ears: If a dog’s ears are raised, he is relaxed or listening. If they are back, he might be signaling submission.
• Tail: A recent study published in “Current Biology” shows that the way a dog wags its tail indicates how he feels. If the tail wags more to the right, it is a sign of positive feelings; left-side wagging indicates negative feelings

How Dog’s Talk to Each Other

Dogs are social animals, and there is universal language they share when communicating with other dogs, according to Marc Bekoff, a biologist and author of “Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues.”

• Play bow: This means let’s play. However, it can also be a sign of apology; it’s a dog’s way of saying, “Oops. I didn’t mean to play so rough. Let’s keep playing!”
• Paw slap: This is like a human coming up and slapping you on the back. This gesture puts the dog at an awkward angle, so it’s also a sign that the dog trusts the dog it is playing with.
• Rearing hind legs: When dogs rear up on their hind legs, it’s a sign of affection. It often looks like dancing when dogs do this together when they’re playing.
• Biting: Again, it’s a sign of play. Dogs are careful to avoid sensitive areas on the other animal.

Barking Dogs

Just like their human owners, dogs like to talk. However, unlike body signals, barking can represent different things to different dogs. The pitch or volume of the bark will increase with the dog’s level of emotion.

And it could be that artificial intelligence is better at distinguishing dog barks than humans are. Hungarian researches recently tested 6,000 different barks from 14 Hungarian sheepdogs using special software. Their study showed that the computer program correctly identified what the dog was trying to communicate 43 percent of the time, compared with 40 percent for humans.

Understanding Each Other

We send our dogs to obedience school to teach them how to understand what we want from them. But they also need to tell us what they need from us, and they do so every day. We simply have to open our eyes, ears and hearts to understand what they are trying to say.

*Information courtesy of VPI

Inaugural Fundraiser Event – Sunday July 24th

The Jack Barklaus Foundation will be holding its inaugural fundraiser on Sunday July 24th at Plump’s Last Shot in Broad Ripple.  This is a unique opportunity for pet lovers to come together and celebrate the very thing that brings us all so much joy, our pets!  Proceeds from the event will benefit The Humane Soceity of Indianapolis.  Please come out, bring your dog, and help us raise money for Indy Humane.  I hope to see you there!
 
 
Here are some additional details about the event:
 
Date:  Sunday July 24th
Time:  1-4 PM
Location:  Plump’s Last Shot – Broad Ripple
 
-All donations are tax deductible
-Each donation will receive a pet friendly gift
-Proceeds benefit The Humane Soceity of Indianapolis
-Dog friendly event
-All Kettle One vodka drinks and Scoobie Snack shots ordered will contribute $$ to the event

 
www.jackbarklaus.org

Dogs: Ideal Weight by Breed

Here is a chart showing healthy weight ranges for the top 100 AKC breeds:

Ideal Weight Ranges of Top 100 AKC Breeds Breed Average Weight Range (lbs) Afghan hounds 58–65 Airedale terriers 40–65 Akitas 75–115 Alaskan malamutes 70–95 American Staffordshire terriers 55–65 Australian cattle dogs 30–35 Australian shepherds 40–65 Basenjis 20–25 Basset hounds 45–65 Beagles 18–30 Belgian Malinois 55–75 Bernese mountain dogs 85–110 Bichon frises 7–12 Bloodhounds 80–110 Border collies 27–45 Border terriers 11–15 Borzois 60–100 Boston terriers 10–25 Bouviers des Flandres 95–120 Boxers 50–75 Brittany spaniels 30–40 Brussels griffons 6–12 Bull terriers Miniature: 24–32; Standard: 45–80 Bulldogs 40–50 Bullmastiffs 100–130 Cairn terriers 13–18 Cardigan Welsh corgis 25–30 Cavalier King Charles spaniels 10–18 Chesapeake Bay retrievers 55–80 Chihuahuas 4–6 Chinese crested Less than 10 Chinese Shar-Pei 45–60 Chow Chows 45–70 Cocker spaniels 23–28 Collies 50–70 Dachshunds Mini: 8–10; Standard: 10–12 Dalmatians 50–55 Doberman pinschers 65–90 English cocker spaniels 26–34 English setters 45–80 English springer spaniels 40–50 Flat-Coated retrievers 60–70 French bulldogs Two standards: 19-22 and 22-28 German shepherds 75–95 German shorthaired pointers 45–70 German wirehaired pointers 60–70 Giant schnauzers 55–80 Golden retrievers 65–75 Gordon setters 45–80 Great Danes 110–180 Great Pyrenees 85–100 Greater Swiss mountain dogs 130–135 Havanese 7–12 Irish setters 55–75 Irish wolfhounds 90–150 Italian greyhounds 6–10 (two sizes: less than 8 or 8–10) Japanese Chin 4–15; Two classes: under 7 and over 7 Keeshond Two standards: 35–45 and 55–65 Labrador retrievers 65–80 Lhasa Apsos 13–15 Maltese 4–6 Mastiffs 150–160 Miniature pinschers 8–10 Miniature schnauzers 12–15 Newfoundlands 100–150 Norwegian elkhounds 40–60 Norwich terriers 10–12 Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers 37–50 Old English sheepdogs 60–100 Papillons 7–10 Parson Russell terriers (Jack Russell terriers) 14–18 Pekingese Sleeve: less than 6; Mini: 6–8; Standard: 8–10 Pembroke Welsh corgis 23–27 Pomeranians 4–7 Poodles Mini: 11–17; Standard 45–65 Portuguese water dogs 35–55 Pugs 13–18 Rhodesian ridgebacks 65–90 Rottweilers 70–135 Samoyeds 35–65 Schipperkes 12–18 Scottish terriers 18–21 Shetland sheepdogs 18–20 Shiba Inu 15–25 Shih Tzu 8–16 Siberian huskies 35–60 Silky terriers 8–11 Soft-Coated Wheaten terriers 30–45 Saint Bernards 110–200 Staffordshire bull terriers 23–38 Standard schnauzers 30–45 Tibetan terriers 20–24 (18–30 based on conformation) Toy fox terriers 4–7 Vizsla 45–60 Weimaraners 50–70 Welsh terriers 20–21 West Highland white terriers 13–21 Whippets 25–45 Wirehaired fox terriers 13–20 Yorkshire terriers Less than 7

Cat Safety Tips: How to “Cat Proof” Your Home

Information courtesy of thecatsite.com

Here are 10 tips to help keep your home safer for your cat:

1. Keep your windows screened at all times. Never assume that your kitty will be able to keep her balance on the window sill. Even the most agile of cats is bound to take a dangerous fall given enough trips to an unsecured window sill.
2. Always keep your cat ID’ed. You never know when your indoors-only cat will somehow get outside unsupervised. A cat collar with a clear ID tag that contains your name, phone number and a request to call that number if the cat is ever found outdoors, can truly save your cat’s life and bring her back to you.
3. Refrigerate canned cat food within minutes of opening the can. Cat food can go bad quickly when left outside on a hot day and cause a food poisoning. Never leave moist food out for more than half an hour. Any leftovers should be removed and refrigerated.
4. Stir cat food that was heated in the microwave and make sure the food isn’t too hot. Microwave-heated food can have hot spots hidden inside and these could easily give your cat a nasty burn.
5. Store poisons away from the cat’s reach. Make sure that poisons, such as detergents and medicine, are securely locked away behind latched doors. Detergent bottles, even when tightly shut, can have drips of poisonous content over them. A cat rubbing against them could end up licking poison off her coat.
6. Triple check appliances where your cat may hide. Stories of cats caught in a washing machine or a dryer aren’t just urban legends. Don’t allow these appliances to become playing or resting areas. Keep their doors shut when not in use. And when you do use them, always triple check before running them!
7. Keep sharp utensils away from your cat’s reach. A sharp knife can cut a curious tongue or paw, if left on the table or counter, still covered in tempting gravy.
8. Clear your house of anything that your cat might ingest. Hobbies that involve threads, needles, glue and small pieces can turn your home into a kitty minefield. Especially when dealing with active kittens, make sure that anything that might be ingested is out of reach.
9. Keep your toilet lid closed when not in use. If you have a kitten in your home, you could be saving her from jumping in and drowning. An older cat may be tempted to drink from the toilet water. Not only gross, but a risk of ingesting some of the disinfectants used in toilets.
10. Remove poisonous plants form your home. Check lists of plants that are toxic to cats and simply take those out of your home. While not all cats nibble on greenery, it’s best to avoid the risk, especially when bringing home a new cat or kitten.

Pet Chronicles: Hermes

MICKEY MANTLE HERMES GEGENHEIMER

Black and Tan Miniature Dachshund born May 19, 2008

I did not grow up in a household that had any pets, unless you count short-lived goldfish won at the church festival or a hamster named Snowball that my older sister brought home from school one day – he also was not long for this world. No matter how much my sisters and I begged, our parents would not budge. They already had four daughters, and adding a dog to the mix would be more than a handful.

So it was quite a surprise to my parents when one summer night I brought home a black-and-tan Miniature Dachshund pup named Mickey Mantle Hermes Gegenheimer – whom we call Hermes. At first they did not believe that Hermes was my dog; it was unprecedented to just come home with a puppy and expect my parents to accept and deal with it. As predicted, they immediately fell in love with Hermes, and soon they were talking to their friends and any fellow-Miniature-Dachshund owners about their grand-dog.

Hermes loves to go on long walks and play fetch. He also enjoys leisurely drives with his grandparents to historic sites around Indiana – the Lanier Mansion in Madison, IN being his favorite. Also a bit of a trouble-maker, Hermes likes to sneak into the laundry room and find any loose socks or panties – women’s thongs are his favorite. As swift as his namesake Hermes the Greek messenger god, Hermes has participated in the Franklin Dachshund Derby; he has made it to the finals of the Cocktail Weenies division but has yet to win overall – 2011 will be his year to win the gold.

Hermes is very close with his cousin Turpie who is also a Miniature Dachshund. He tried to date the neighbor’s Miniature Dachshund Dutchess, but she moved away shortly after they met. He also keeps in touch with his friends Suge (Pit Bull) and Haans (Doberman Pinscher) via Facebook since they all have busy schedules.

I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and Hermes is living proof. There was a reason why Hermes was the last of his litter remaining when I decided to stop on my commute home from work at a house with a “Miniature-Dachshund-Puppies-For-Sale” sign in the front yard. I have had Hermes now for almost three years, years during which his unconditional love comforted me as I dealt with my own personal struggles. Having him around when I really needed love was the best thing for me, and I love Hermes for everything he has done for me.

I could have the worst day, say or do the most embarrassing thing, or be going through a tough time, and I know that Hermes will not only be there for me, but that he will also never judge me. Instead of buying into my “I’m-okay” façade, Hermes can sense something is wrong and do the sweetest thing to comfort me – beg to sit with me and lick my face until I relax and realize that everything will be okay. Truly, Hermes is my best friend, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hermes’ Favorites

TV show – QVC Black Hills Gold hour

movie – The Ugly Dachshund

color – black velvet

actress – Halle Berry

song – Maneater (Hall & Oates)

human snack – popcorn

one-hit-wonder song – Right Here, Right Now (Jesus Jones)

carnival ride – tilt-a-whirl

Olympic sport – synchronized swimming

adult beverage – Mickey’s

meteorologist – Angela Buchman

“toy” – soccer ball

quote – “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

(Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Dog Safety Tip: CPR

What would you do if your dog stopped breathing?  What if you don’t have time to drive to a vet?  Do you know what to do?

Check out this video on how to perform CPR on your dog:

For more information on CPR, Rescue Breathing, and General First Aid Procedures check out this useful link.

Incredible Story

http://www.carbonated.tv/scripts/player/player.swf

What would you do?

Pet Chronicles: Snickers

SNICKERS (1992-2009)

Snickers lived a long and privileged life.  Born into trouble, he immediately found his life flipped upside down as he landed at The Humane Society of Indianapolis, with no direction of where his life would lead next.  Blessed with good looks and a rambunctious style, his time in the shelter was short-lived.  He immediately found a home with a caring family, and the rest is history.  His owners took the utmost care in making sure that Snickers had the best things life had to offer.  Cooked Salmon, Pig’s Ears, Pupperoni, you name the delicacy and he had it.   He truly had a taste for the finer things in life!

Snickers was a very playful dog.  He loved to fetch, always up for a good wrestling match, and he loved a good unexpected session of Catch Me If You Can.  There has never been a dog more advanced in the art of escape.  Although kind-hearted and always looking to play, Snickers had a dark “protect the pack” side that often overshadowed who the real Snickers was.  Neighborhood domination was always Snicker’s staple.  Whether it be a mailman, family friend, or the Chow Chow walking down the street, if you weren’t a part of the pack, you were going to get warned, Snickers style!  This often times involved a relentless scowl complemented with a very wolf-like growl, intimidation was the name of his game.  Ask any neighborhood kid about Snickers, and they remember!

A majority of Snickers adult years were spent traveling the country making his mark everywhere he landed.  He has always been infamously famous, and he wouldn’t want it any other way.  Like many well-to-do dogs, his golden years were spent in sunny Southern California.  Although aged and not as agile as he once was, there were certain moments where you could see the puppy that still existed within, which never went away. Snickers had a great life and died a very happy dog, perhaps as proud of a dog as there ever was!

RIP Snickers!