Not only can you track your kids nowadays via GPS technology but now Positioning Animals Worldwide, Inc. can help you track your dog that might have a tendency to stay out past curfew chasing tail like your teenager, but cat tails that is. The Spotlight GPS device fits onto your dog’s collar and provides 24/7 real-time locating services. Tracking can be done via the internet, calling AKC Companion Animal Recovery (1 888 DOG-LOC8) or now via a free iphone application.

The SpotLight GPS Pet Locator mobile iPhone app is a free download at Apple iTunes . To view and download visit:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spotlight-gps-pet-locator/id351109362?mt=8.

The device is not cheap, $249.99, but becomes very reasonable considering the value it could bring to you and your family. In addition to the cost of the device there is also a monthly charge of $7.99 to $19.99 depending on how many times you plan to have to utilize the locator.

The only thing I wish was different about this product is its size or location. While it could be invaluable for recovering your dog when he/she gets lost it is probably only marginally effective at preventing dognappers. God forbid you dog gets stolen, but one of the first things the thief is going to do is get rid of any proof of ownership or in other words the dogs collar. Once the thief does this the tracking capabilities value significantly decreases. If your dog is microchipped, obviously that evidence would still be there but it’s only good if you know where the dog is at. This may sound a little like Gattica, but I would be in favor of some sort of implantable GPS device.

I certainly do not agree with what Mr. MacQuattie did but I am not sure how they classify this as unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine. That law is aimed at unlicensed veterinarians who open up a practice and profit from the practicing of veterinary medicine. Mr. MacQuattie was simply doing what he probably thought was best for his dog. Doesn’t mean it was the right conclusion to come to but nonetheless I do not think he thought he was doing anything wrong. If they are going to apply this law in this manner then where do they draw the line? If I accidentally injure one of my dogs while trying to clean their ears or eyes am I unlawfully practicing veterinary medicine?

Source: MSNBC

Humans are not the only ones prone to periodontal disease! Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders. Do you know the best way to prevent periodontal disease? If you brush your teeth than you do! So take a moment to visit the AVMA website this month which gives detailed instructions on how to go about brushing your pets teeth and dedicate yourself to your dogs dental health!

Note: Unfortunately brushing your pets teeth is not always as easy as it sounds, just ask any of my pets.

Story: AVMA

I think this is a great idea although outside of California I think similar ordinances will have a harder time gaining traction. However there is evidence that the business model can work, both Petsmart and Petco refuse to sell puppies and kittens.

Story: HSUS

Photo: Pearland Historical Society

Note: I am not personally condoning the sharing of alcoholic beverages with your pets or livestock. I am simply sharing a humorous story about what my suburb of now nearly 90,000 people used to be like before the master planned communities, outdoor malls, and supercenters dominated the scenery.

Years ago, prior to my conception, there stood a bar about 20-25 miles south of Houston called “Country Place.” Country Place was owned by a gentleman who understood the intricacies of marketing, J.B. Choate. Mr. Choate knew he needed more than just a bar out in the country to attract enough patrons to stay afloat. Like the bars and beer companies of today, Mr. Choate could have organized female mud wrestling, wet t-shirt contests or beer drinking game competitions but he wanted a family friendly facility and what’s more friendly than a beer drinking buffalo named Buster? Buster became an attraction and more importantly made a trip to Country Place a trip worth taking. Many “old-timers” in my neighborhood have fond memories of taking their kids out to Country Place to see Buster and have him demonstrate his talent for guzzling beer. Locals and tourists would stop in and buy Buster a beer so they could see him devour it in seconds. Mr. Choate was a genius; he probably sold more beer for Buster’s consumption than he did to his actual customers. More importantly Mr. Choate proved you do not need to revert to crude, degrading marketing tactics to sell a beer.

Story: Pearland Historical Society and Houston Chronicle

Duncan - Karel Navarro, AP

In what appear to be one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in modern history; many search-and-rescue task forces are relying on sniffer dogs to scour the vast amount of rubble for signs of life. Even in the high-tech times we live in with robots, listening devices and search cams, none of these devices can cover such a large area of rubble as quickly and effectively as man’s best friend.

Sniffer dogs are highly-trained to detect the scent of human life, not deceased humans. Debra Tosch, the executive director of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, says only one of every one-hundred dogs they test for entrance to their training program gets accepted. Tosch says the best breeds for the job tend to be: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, border collies and German shepherds.

The sniffer dog’s job is to locate find areas where there is a scent of human life. At that point search-and-rescue teams rely on high tech equipment to verify the presence of a survivor either by camera or very sensitive listening devices. Once they feel confident they have located survivors they must figure out how to get them out from underneath the rubble safely. This involves slightly more mechanized equipment like saws that cut through steel and rebar cutters to cut through reinforced concrete.

At some point the search-and-rescue dogs will give way to the cadaver dogs and the mission will change to a recovery. However, survivors have been found alive 7 days out in similar disasters so the search-and-rescue dogs will continue to climb ladders and maneuver through the vast amounts of rubble.

Story: The Science of Sniffer Dogs, by: Alan Boyle

The FDA issued a warning on Thursday stating through routine testing they had discovered Salmonella in Merrick Beef Filet Squares manufactured by Merrick Pet Care. The Merrick Beef Filet Squares in question were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan resealable plastic bag. They are labeled “best by 111911.”

In contrast to the common belief that dogs cannot get sick from eating raw meats they actually can be sickened by Salmonella which is commonly found on raw processed meats. Much like it does in humans it can cause your dog experience vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Good rule of thumb, wash your hands after feeding your dog any kind of treat. You would not want to sicken your dog and yourself. It also goes without saying as good as some dog treats smell these days probably best to fight the temptation and not try them. Trust me they do not taste anything like they smell.

FDA Warning

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Molly was just a regular pony until a vicious dog attack led to an amputation of Molly’s front right leg below the knee. The operation was performed by surgeons at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. After the surgery Molly was fitted with a prosthesis which is pretty rare among horses. Since using a prosthetic limb requires training it takes a pretty intelligent and patient animal for it to be successful, turns out Molly is both. Now that Molly is back on all fours she is helping inspire other amputees and people with disabilities. She seems to be especially effective at helping the children of amputees/disables with understanding and acceptance.

Video: MSNBC

Story: KHOU

If you have never owned a Bernese Mountain Dog here are some of the things you are missing out on in life.