1. ASPCA Managing Operations in Mississippi Puppy Mill Investigation
Yesterday, the ASPCA assisted in the rescue of 75 dogs from a local puppy mill in Marshall County, MS. The dogs, which include Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers, Corgis and Chihuahuas, were discovered living in filth and feces-encrusted pens. The animals have been transported to an emergency shelter site at the Marshall County Humane Society, where they are receiving veterinary care. Read More...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/02-05-10.html

  2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Love Is Blind
Handsome Apollo lures his many fans with hugs around the neck and kitty kisses. Learn how his new pet parent fell for this affectionate feline’s wily ways.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/02-05-10.html#2

 3. Haiti Update: ASPCA Responder Files Field Report and Photos
An international animal welfare team is examining and vaccinating animals in Haiti. Check out our emergency responder’s field report and photos from the heart of Port-au-Prince.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/02-05-10.html#3

 4. Ask President Obama to Back USDA’s Rules for Organic Milk
The USDA has proposed regulations to ensure the proper treatment of cows on organic dairy farms. Learn how you can help protect America’s bovines from inhumane treatment!
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/02-05-10.html#4

FIGHT ANIMAL ABUSE!

Christy, an eight-year-old Pit Bull mix and one of the many victims of our troubled economy, first arrived at the ASPCA Adoption Center in October, when her worried, homeless pet parent turned to the ASPCA as a last resort. Christy was in pretty rough shape—she had surgery for breast cancer at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, and then spent some much-needed time recovering in our Adoption Center.

Luckily for Christy, the generosity of members like you allowed for her full recovery and now she brings constant joy to her new and loving forever family. It is because of member support, dogs like Christy can find a new lease on life at the ASPCA…but the tragic fact remains, our work is far from over.

Plus Video

You may have noticed a recent increase in the number of news exposés on the dairy industry—particularly the “organic milk” industry. This increase is due to the soaring popularity of organic milk, coupled with the jarring reality that all is not as it should be on the farms that produce it.

Far from the lush green pastures depicted in commercials and on milk cartons, an estimated 30-40% of the nation's organic milk supply comes from large factory farms. Many of the largest organic dairies in the country confine their cows in barns and/or dry lots, which are simply dirt pens. These cows never see a blade of grass in their lives, meaning the milk they produce is probably less healthful, and certainly less humane, than consumers are led to believe.

However, there is good news on the horizon: the U.S. Department of Agriculture is in the process of creating new regulations to better enforce the existing requirement that organic cows be allowed to graze in pastures. These new regulations currently are awaiting the approval of the President's Office of Management and Budget.

*DOG TIP*

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Let him run in the yard or take him on frequent walks or runs in the park. Play with your dog and make it feel a part of the family.

*CAT TIP*

Does your cat bite when he plays? Respond as a cat: hiss at him. Or scream in painful agony; he'll stop (though he might not play with you for a long while). I had a cat that accidentally drew blood while we were playing - I put my arm up to his nose so he could smell the droplets of blood, and he never bit again.

Eukanuba Partners With Cat Fancy(R) to Launch Cat College
Full story: TechWeb.com

January 27, 2010 IRVINE, Calif. , /PRNewswire/ -- The second semester of Cat College has commenced, but it's not too late to register at http://www.CatChannel.com/catcollege . The program runs through February 28, 2010 .

Pig Lungs Could Be Transplanted Into Humans by 2015
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 

Pig lungs could be transplanted into humans following an Australian medical breakthrough bringing new hope to patients awaiting life-saving operations.

Until now pig organs have been incompatible with human blood, meaning the blood would clot almost immediately and could not pass through the lungs.

But scientists at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital were able to remove a section of swine DNA called the Gal gene and add human DNA to control blood clotting and rejection in humans.

They have kept pig lungs functioning with human blood, paving the way for animal-human transplants — called xenotransplantation — in as little as five years.

Dr. Glenn Westall said the discovery made in the past three months meant pig-human lung transplants were a real prospect.

"The blood went into the lungs without oxygen and came out with oxygen, which is the exact function of the lungs," he said.

"This is a significant advance compared to the experiments that have been performed over the past 20 years."

Approximately 900 lung transplants are performed each year in the United States, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584552,00.html

3 layer Banana Cake for Gerbils and Hamsters

This cake will bring delightness to your gerbil or hamster.

Ingredients
Creamy peanut butter
3 Slices of banana
Crushed sunflower seeds (seeds must be crushed after opening the outer layer of the seed) 

Directions

1. First, get a banana slice, spread peanut butter on it, then repeat that process until the third slice, but still at the top spread peanut butter.

2. Sprinkle the crushed sunflower seeds on the the top of the cake. There you go, it should look like this without the peanut butter and sprinled crushed sunflower seeds.

*DOG TIP*

Do not overfeed your dog! This will do nothing but make the dog obese and shorten his life span. Don't leave food out, only water. Schedule times of the day to serve them. This will become a routine.

*CAT TIP*

When a newborn kitten is nursing during its first one to two days of life, it receives protective antibodies called colostrum from its mother's milk. By weaning, at six to eight weeks, this immunity begins to disappear. At this time, the kitten's immune system should be stimulated to provide its own antibodies. This is why vaccination programs should be initiated shortly after weaning.

1. Pets Rescued from Mississippi Shelter on Their Way to the ASPCA
On January 24, the ASPCA dispatched members of our Field Investigations and Response Team to assist in the rescue of more than 400 cats and dogs from the City of Clarksdale Animal Shelter. Several of the animals are on their way to other rescue groups, including the ASPCA, where they'll soon have the opportunity to find their forever homes. Read More...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-29-10.html

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: California Dreamin’
Adopted from the ASPCA, a Yankee pooch named Rocket moved cross-country with his new pet parent. After exploring countless new sights and smells, he’s thoroughly enjoying the good life—Cali-style. 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-29-10.html#2

3. ASPCA Grants Additional $25,000 to Katrina-Ravaged Community
Devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Hancock County, MS, has pulled together to give its neediest animals the shelter they need. Learn more about the ASPCA’s contributions to the community’s efforts.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-29-10.html#3

4. Coping with the Loss of a Pet
Facing the death of a beloved animal is overwhelming. If you have questions about caring for your pet in his final days, coping with the loss or discussing it with your children, the ASPCA can help.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-29-10.html#4

More Articles:
5. Give a Gift that Costs You Nothing Now (Or During Your Lifetime!)
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-29-10.html#5\

How Much Food Is Enough for Aquarium Fish?
Adapted From: Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Hobbyists new to aquarium keeping get such constant reminders not to overfeed their fish that they sometimes end up underfeeding them. Too much food in an aquarium tank can also build up and foul the water or increase the risk of disease.

You want to make sure that your aquarium fish receive all the nutrition they need. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. If your fish resemble overinflated tires, cut back on the grub. Remember that your fish's stomach is no larger than its eye.

Excess food around the edge of the substrate is one sign of overfeeding. This wasted food accumulates on the bottom of the tank, turns muddy brown, and begins to spoil. Spoiled food can cause health problems for your fish if they happen to eat it. If excess food piles up, decrease the amount you feed and try putting the food in a different area of the aquarium.
 
Excess food breaking down on the substrate surface also can cause an overabundance of harmful ammonia. If you do happen to overfeed, remove the excess with a standard aquarium vacuum.

The general rule is to feed only what your fish can eat in a period of three to five minutes per feeding. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to stand around with a starter's whistle and stopwatch at every meal. Just check to make sure that your fish polish off all the food within five minutes. Another option is to purchase a plastic feeding ring that keeps most dry foods confined to a small area on top of the water. A feeding ring can keep most of the food from quickly falling to the bottom of the tank.

If possible, feed adult fish three small meals per day instead of just dumping a bunch of food in at one time. Juvenile fish and fry need be fed more often to insure that they grow properly, so give them a couple of extra light feedings each day.

*DOG TIP*

 Dog Bathing / Grooming Tips - If you brush your dog before his bath, his tangles will be a lot easier to get out.

*CAT TIP*

Is your cat digging in your potted plants? You can drape foil loosely over the surface of the soil to make it less attractive. Popsicle sticks pushed into the dirt may also discourage digging.

*BONUS TIP*

Avoid nonstick pans. An overheated nonstick pan can kill pet birds, and it gives off chemicals that may be bad for other pets and people too. Try cast iron instead.

Study: Dogs Also Suffer From Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

If you think your dog might be a little obsessive-compulsive, you may be onto something, HealthDay News reported.

Scientists have identified a gene in Dobermans that makes the dog susceptible to obsessive compulsive disorder.

The study, which appears in the journal "Nature Molecular Psychiatry," was authored by Dr. Nicholas Dodman of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, who said the gene is the same in humans as it is in dogs.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583639,00.html

CHAINED AND ABANDONED

How old is your kitty in human years?  

A kitten's first year in life is equal to about 16 human years. By the end of the second year she is about 21 human years. Then for each additional year she will age about four human years.  Got that? (That's about four parties a year!)  
Here's a chart to help you keep it all straight so you can plan the celebrations accordingly:  

CAT YEARS-----------------------HUMAN YEARS  
   1--------------------------------16  
   2--------------------------------21  
   3--------------------------------25  
   8--------------------------------46  
  10--------------------------------54  
  15--------------------------------74  
  20--------------------------------94 

*DOG TIP*

Dog Bathing Tips - Use a conditioner especially made for dogs. This will add nutrients to their coat and detangle it, making it softer and easier to brush.

*CAT TIP*

Is your cat suddenly becoming clingy, when she is normally otherwise shy and aloof? Is she seeking you out, wanting to constantly sit on your lap or be near? She may be trying to tell you something. Behavior changes sometimes can be due to an underlying medical condition. Contact your veterinarian.

*BONUS TIP*

If you suspect your deck was made with arsenic-treated wood, treat it with a sealant every six months and don’t let pets play or sleep underneath it. Wash with mild soap and water, but never power wash!

Ten Most Common Pet Poisons of 2009

This past year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, proving that many everyday items in our homes can harm pets. Find out what these pet-unfriendly substances are—and avoid an accident in 2010. Read More... http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html

ASPCA Happy Tails: Language of Love

After overcoming some serious obstacles, Christy is living the good life with her new family and five feline siblings. Read this get-along pooch’s heartbreaking story and how she found her way home for the holidays.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html#2

Domestic Violence Linked to Animal Cruelty

The connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty is undisputed—as many as 88% of families in abuse situations also report cases of animal cruelty. Learn how you can help stop the cycle.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html#3

Operation Chihuahua Update!

Last week, we introduced you to 15 jet-setting Chihuahuas from California. Get ready to learn who’s been adopted, who’s found love, and who’s taking a bite out of the Big Apple.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html#4

Help stop animal abuse and neglect!

Repeated vomiting is a sign of illness or hairballs and should be discussed with your veterinarian.  Regurgitation of recently eaten undigested food, however, falls in to the category of embarrassing nuisance.  The best solution is to try to avoid its cause. 
Some possibilities to consider are:

Food served too cold, straight from the refrigerator.  (Warm it to room temperature.)

Being a piggy and eating too much at one time. (Try frequent, smaller servings, or if he’s not overweight, keep a bowl of dry food out for him to snack on when he chooses.)

Being a piggy and eating too fast (Same remedy as above)

Competition – separate feeding areas of several pets.

*DOG TIP*

The first sustenance that a newborn puppy receives from his mother is called colostrum. This milk-like substance contains antibodies and other protective nutrients that the newborn lacks. Puppies that fail to receive colostrum can be especially prone to infectious diseases and have poor survival rates.

*CAT TIP*

Invest in a scratching post and train your cat to use it. This will help save your drapes, furniture, and other "scratchable" items. Know that this won't keep your cat from scratching on other things altogether, but it will help. If they have a designated place to scratch, they'll be less likely to scratch elsewhere.

JANUARY IS ADOPT-A- RESCUED-BIRD MONTH
Let a feathered friend fly into your heart this month. Here are four tweethearts of the more than 1700 on Petfinder who need homes.

NEXT MONTH:
Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month
 
Did you know that rabbits are one of the most popular household pets? This means that they often end up homeless in shelters and rescue groups. If you are considering adding a bunny to your family, search over 6,000 adoptable rabbits on Petfinder.com.

Tasty Treats That Dogs Love
By Gray Rollins

Dogs all over the world are treated as treasured family members. Since these fabulous four legged friends deserve to be treated in the best possible manner most dog owners are anxious to know what the best possible treats are for their dogs. Here are several great ideas of treats that you could be giving to your dogs that are sure to make them very happy.

There are many dog owners out there today that are extremely conscious about the health of their dog. It is for that very reason that many dogs owners have decided to start giving their dogs homemade dog treats. Homemade treats for dogs have become hugely popular over the last several years and can be located everywhere from the World Wide Web to your local coffee shop. Homemade dog treats can be anything from a simple biscuit to tasty treats that resemble things like doughnuts or even a slice of pie. Many dog owners prefer to make their own treats for their dogs, as then they know exactly what their dogs are consuming. There are tons of recipes for homemade dog treats that can be found by simply doing a search on the Internet. This can be a very fun hobby to start and your dog is sure to be a very willing taste tester.

Another great gift idea for those looking for more healthful treat options for their dogs is to give them treats that they can not eat. Items like tennis balls, a piece of rope that is knotted at both ends and of course the ever popular squeaky toy can all be great treats for your dog. These types of treats can really contribute to the overall health of your beloved pet. Non-edible treats will also generally last longer then treats that your dog is able to eat.

Of course the most popular type of treats for your dog are the ones that can be found at your local grocery store. Dog bones, dog biscuits and chewy treats flavored like things such as bacon can all be found at very reasonable prices.

Be sure to remember what you plan to accomplish with the treats that you are purchasing or making for your dog. Do you want to help them loose weight? Are you training the to be able to do a specific task or are you just looking for something to help spoil them rotten? Knowing that will help you be in a position to select the best possible dog treat for your dog.

*DOG TIP*

To find a good doggy day care for your pet ask your veterinarian, groomer, dog trainer or other pet owners for a recommendation. Consider touring the facility noting any odors, how the dogs are playing together and the attitude of the day care staff. There should be a ratio of no more than 10 dogs for every one human staff member. Be sure to select a facility that requires vaccinations to be up to date.

*CAT TIP*

Is your cat waking up earlier and earlier every day to be fed? If you oblige your cat, you are reinforcing this behavior. Consider keeping the bedroom off-limits for your feline friend. After a few mornings of noise outside your door, your cat will learn that she can no longer set the feeding schedule.

*BONUS TIP*

Reptile Exercise Net -  By total accident we came across a great tool for exercising your reptile in the yard and allowing time in the much needed sun.  My son has a "throw & field" net found at your local toy store or athletic store.  It has a sturdy metal frame and 2 inch square netting tightly attached to the frame.  When I was exercising the snakes in the yard, they both gravitated to this toy and loved winding around the netting and hanging out in the sun.  Because the frame and netting is black it was warm which I think they liked (be sure that it is not hot to your touch before putting your reptile on it).  Never leave your reptile unattended.