Gracie, one of Michael Vick’s dogs, was in the news recently. Hear about Gracie’s new life and her friend, Michelle. Next, the conversation turns to other Vick dogs in the news. And it’s mostly GREAT news. Bravo to all the folks who were part of rescuing these fabulous dogs, including Jonny Justice. In today’s episode there is also a shout-out to the Richmond Animal League. Visit their website and check out the summer newsletter to get more details about the dog formerly known as Emily.
A few weeks ago a bunch of us attended a great dog event near Richmond, VA. While at Dogs Day, we talked with some folks including Lisa from Rescue of Chained K9s (ROCK). Learn how this terrific organization is making a difference, one dog at a time. Next we talked with Dean Frazeur, pastor of Goochland Church and our host for the day. This is a great guy whose mission on Dogs Day was sharing the love between people and their dogs. Mission accomplished, Dean! And finally, a shout out to the great folks at Meals on Wheels for their Meals for Pets program.
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is back in the news. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is tackling breed discrimination. Why? Because Denver has a 25-year-old law banning pit bull type dogs. So what has that city done that got the attention of the Feds???? They seized a veteran’s service dog. Big fat mistake. Why? Because Federal law trumps local law and in this case it is the DOJ’s Americans with Disabilities Act that trumps Denver local law.
Condolences to a couple of our Bark Radio friends. First, to Cathie Smith – we are so very sorry you lost your Ellie. Then there’s our friend, Ginger, who lost her Heart Dog Pete. We love you, Ginger. A shout-out today, as well, to Murphy from 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. Murphy walked from Austin to Boston with brother Great Pyrenees, Hudson, and human Dad, Luke. After a recent cancer diagnosis, this wonderful dog is going through radiation treatment. Hang tough, Murphy!
This is the first episode ever of Bark Radio that does not deal with dogs. So why Wild Mustangs? Because at this very moment there are more Wild Mustangs in government holding pens than in the wild. Because the Bureau of Land Management is “managing” the herds to extinction. The story of these beautiful horses and their family units – now being ripped apart – is way too reminiscent of the history of Native Americans. Don’t miss this informative interview with Maureen from Grassroots Horse.
In today’s episode learn about Grace, the beautiful dog who was shot with a 12-gauge shotgun and survived. Check out Richmond Pet Lovers’ for more information. And what’s this about bird food for dogs? On a very serious note, our friend Luke Robinson’s Great Pyrenees, Murphy, has been diagnosed with cancer. After a grueling 2000+ mile walk from Austin to Boston over the last two years to put the spotlight on canine cancer, Murphy’s diagnosis was absolutely heart wrenching. Please consider donating to Murphy’s treatment. We love you Murphy!
Why are so many people considering their dogs disposable? Get a dog, dump a dog? Millions of dogs are surrendered to rescues annually with up to 4 million being euthanized EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Why does this epidemic exist? Part of it is the economy. Is there help for folks who are struggling financially? In many communities, yes. Check with your local shelter to see if a program exists that can help with vaccinations and even food. Behavior problems? Enlist a trainer. Considering bringing a dog into your home? Think carefully about the long-term commitment required.
Bark Radio salutes two canine heroes in today’s episode. First there is Chief, a Pit Bull in the Philippines, who saved a grandmother and granddaughter from a Cobra. Then it’s back to the U.S. and another Pit Bull named Thor who saved his family from a fire that engulfed their home. Next, four paws way up to the State of Delaware for passing groundbreaking legislation: “The Delaware Companion Animal Protection Act mandates collaboration between shelters and rescue groups. A shelter cannot kill an animal if a rescue group is willing to save that animal’s life. But that is just the beginning. It also makes convenience killing illegal—shelters can no longer kill an animal when there are available cages or the animals can share a cage or kennel with another one.” And, last but definitely not least, Kentucky bikers teamed up with the humane society for a “2 Wheels 4 Paws” fundraiser.
Did you know that Mary Tyler Moore has a diabetic alert dog? And he’s is a pitbull. How cool is that? Next, Terry tells us about a natural cedar treatment for pests including fleas and ticks. The version for yards even turns snakes around and sends them scurrying the other way. And today’s vent is about Terry’s run-in with an idiot and a big lesson about how NOT to train a dog. Argh! And finally a tip of the hat to the Dingo, Australia’s wild dog.
Search and rescue dog handler Susannah Charleson has written a real page turner – Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog. Susannah talked with us recently about her Dallas-based SAR team and her partner, six-year-old Golden Retriever, Puzzle. Susannah’s insight about dogs in general and SAR dogs in particular makes this a great read. Here she is … describing puppy Puzzle after an early “find” in training: “She flops down in the green grass, snitzes once and tosses her head, with a grin so wide it eclipses the rest of her face. She looks like a little blond Halloween pumpkin laughing there, full of merry confidence and more than a little mischief.”
http://www.scentofthemissing.com/
