revised 04-21-08

 

 

HUMANE LINKS & RESOURCES

Puppy Mills/Pet Stores

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Please Do Not Buy from Backyard Breeders or Pet Stores
It is a known fact that Pet Stores that sell dogs get them from backyard breeders or puppy mills. Reputable breeders would never treat their animals as merchandise. Please follow the links in this story to learn more!

bobefore boafter

Bo's Story is just one example of many, but not all stories end as happy as Bo's did.

In  August, during the 100 degree  temperatures,  a dog  was left chained with 10 puppies.  The owner moved and left them behind.   Mom and puppies were flea ridden, wormy,  and mom was emaciated and dehydrated.  Thanks to local independent rescuer, Candy Thomas,  mom and puppies were   placed in a foster home until she could get the10 puppies to Animal House Shelter in northern Illinois.

Although all 10 puppies were thankfully saved and found homes, because mom was not spayed,   there are now 10 less homes to be had.   Mom is now spayed  and will never add to the serious  pet overpopulation problem again.

Mom, who is now named "Bo",  has  severely deformed legs most likely due to "backyard breeding" in which animals are indiscriminately  allowed to breed for profit. Bo can walk but not really run like most  dogs. The best she does is a rapid hobble.

Adopting, as opposed to purchasing, can  help put a dent into such  breeding. With all the homeless ones, there  really is no need to bring more into the world. Bo says, "Please support spaying and neutering."

GOOD NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR PET

Check out Whole Dog Journal for reliable information on the best foods to feed your dog(s). Some of the top brands recommended by Whole Dog Journal are available locally. Animal Crackers in Carbondale carries the top notch and affordable Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul (cans as well as bags). Indian Creek Kennel carries Innova by Natura Pet. Dillinger's Feed Store carries Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul in bags. Neighborhood Co-op offers Pet Guard. All these businesses are located in Carbondale. The cat version of all of these foods are also recommended by other sources for your favorite felines. If you want to read more about the dangers of feeding regular grocery store pet food to your pets, read the new updated Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts about Pet Food For by Ann Martin or The Truth about Pet Foods by Dr. Wysong.

Why Do People Give Up Their Pets?

Why? moving, grandchild is allergic, no reason given, pulled on leash too hard...Most of these reasons fall in to the Top 10 list of reasons for pet relinquishment according to recent studies.

I think most reasons can be attributed to:

  • The owner being unprepared for the responsibilities associated with petcare.
  • Making unwise choices when selecting a companion animal. Dogs and cats come in all different sizes and temperaments. Pick one that will fit into your lifestyle.
  • Animals are often seen as disposable/replaceable objects rather then individuals who are part of the family once you take them into your care.
  • Unrealistic expectations of animal behavior. There are VERY FEW behaviors that cannot be corrected with the skills, time and attention. There are numerous resources online for every problem you could encounter.

There are solutions to every problem. For instance, I know of many people who are devoted pet owners with allergies and even severe asthma. People can take over the counter/prescribed medications and there are ways to reduce cat allergens in your home.

It is heartbreaking to see these animals, who you were so happy to see get a home, have to come back and start the wait all over again. Please think about this when you are thinking of adopting. Make sure yours will be a forever home for these animals. They deserve that.

UNCHAIN YOUR DOG!!

I have seen so many dogs in my neighborhood who live in horrible conditions either in a small inappropriate dirty cage, small inappropriate clean cage, or on a chain without adequate food, water, or protection from the weather. I have commented many times to friends and others, "Why do these people even own a dog?!" You can tell the dog is starved for attention and stimulation. The few possible answers I could think of are:

  • IGNORANCE - the condition of being uneducated, uninformed or unaware.
  • CRUEL EVIL PEOPLE - disposed to inflict pain or suffering.
  • LAZY NEGLECTFUL PEOPLE - inattentive, thoughtless, uncaring, and without empathy.
  • GOOD INTENTIONED PEOPLE WHO TURN INTO LAZY NEGLECTFUL PEOPLE - A dog is not like purchasing a new toy/gadget to fulfull your latest whim. It is a 10 to 15 yr. commitment. This animal will need care every day and attention everyday---anything less in my opinion is unacceptable and cruel.

Aside from the cruelty of it, I hadn't really realized the horrible deaths dogs have suffered accidentally by getting their chain stuck on a fence or falling off a porch.

There are many alternatives to keeping your dog chained and if you do insist on keeping your dog outside there are better ways. There are some very informative and interesting resources for this.

http://www.unchainyourdog.org
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com


Why can't I leave my dog in my locked car in the summer when it is 90+ degrees outside? Some may think..."Do you need to ask?" But apparently there are still some people out there who have not gotten the clue. Some people will even criticize you and become irate if you go to the trouble to take their pet out of a dangerous situation. Their anger is unwarranted and wrong...it is similar to a parent yelling at someone for ripping their child's clothing as they were pulling them from out of the front of a speeding car.

It can cause the animal to suffer a horrible death or have long term damage

  • A dog's normal body temperature is between 101 to 102 degrees.
  • Dogs can't sweat, so in order to keep their bodies from overheating they must pant. If they can't expel heat fast enough their body temperature rises.
  • A rise of 3 degrees to 105 is enough to put your dog into a dangerous situation.
    • Dog can no longer reduce body heat
    • Oxygen demand goes up to where the dog cannot keep up
  • A rise to 108 degrees can be life threatening.
    • Heart, brain, liver,kidneys, and intestines start breaking down at a cellular level at a fast rate. Even with immediate attention the animal can have internal damage that will affect their health in the long term
  • On a summer's day of only 85 degrees, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won't stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, to 120 degrees in 20 minutes.

It is against the law

  • Humane Care for Animals Act Chapter 510, in Illinois states, (Sec. 7.1). "No owner or person shall confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold. In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, an animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or Department investigator who has probable cause to believe that this Section is being violated shall have authority to enter such motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or person." CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT OR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER IMMEDIATELY if you see an animal in distress.

Signs of Heat Stroke and Taking Action

  • Symptoms: Heavy panting, hot dry nose, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.
  • Treatment: Take steps to gradually lower the body temperature immediately.
    • Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
    • Apply ice packs or cold towels to head, neck, and chest or immerse in cool (not cold) water.
    • Let animal drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
    • Take animal directly to a veterinarian.

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