Bark Radio

Surrey and Sparky are back in agility class and after a long winter off, Terry noticed some nuanced differences in their behavior. Pay attention to YOUR dog’s body language to know what’s going on in that doggy head. Next, Terry talks about lure coursing coming soon to his backyard. Then Dee shares the story of a Lab puppy’s happy ending. It could have easily been otherwise. Finally, Dee shares a little about the temperament testing puppies for Warren Retrievers. Scent testing is part of the test and key in placing dogs in appropriate jobs where scent ability is important. Oh, and that’s Miss Surrey below, doggled up and ready for a jeep ride!

Bark Radio’s condolences go out to Cesar Millan. Daddy, Millan’s 16-year-old pit bull and constant companion, passed away recently. Daddy was an amazing ambassador for his breed and will be missed by many. The conversation turns next to another version of the animal-human bond. American Humane recently launched their nationwide Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS) program. The basic premise is that survivors of domestic violence should not be separated from their family pets when they go into a temporary shelter environment. Bravo American Humane. Great idea! Last on the agenda, Terry and Dee talk about Tootsie’s down and Sparky’s new play ethic.

A few days ago Bark Radio’s Terry Griffith experienced something no dog lover should ever experience. His beloved cattle dog, Surrey, was playing with one of her doggy pals when Winston’s lower jaw became caught in Surrey’s collar. Hear Terry share what happened next, including the nightmare of Surrey’s heart stopping. Terry’s story is a reminder to Bark Radio listeners to be prepared for emergencies. Take a pet first aid course. Educate yourselves.

Red Cross dog first aid book
Canine CPR blog post

Newsworthy items this week: A reminder about the importance of proper identification for your dog in this story of a German Shepherd from Virginia turning up in Florida and ultimately being reunited with family because of his microchip. Did you hear about Poppy the Springer Spaniel and her dive off of a 300 foot cliff? Next, we know puppy mills should be put out of business but how can we make that happen? The HSUS has established a puppy mill tip line. Call 1-877-MILL-TIP if you suspect a puppy mill’s presence in your community. And remember the HSUS Rewards program which offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dog fighting.

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If you are an animal lover living anywhere near Austin, Texas … today’s episode is a must-listen for you. Ellen Jefferson, president of Austin Pets Alive talked with Terry and Dee recently about her organization’s attempts to make Austin a no-kill city. What does that mean? No-kill is a philosophy in which savable animals are not put to death. It limits euthanasia to animals who are irremediably suffering or vicious. Make a difference right now by joining the Austin No-Kill Coalition. You can keep up with the national no-kill organization at No Kill Nation.

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Austin Pets Alive isn’t proposing taking over the entire operation of their local shelter after all. Learn more in today’s episode. Next, Terry and Dee talk about some interesting collars available for our dogs. Can your dog Tweet? Mattel’s new product will help with that. Next there’s the vibrating collar for deaf dogs. Sweet! And then there’s the GPS device from DogTracs that attaches to your dog’s collar. With this one, you create a virtual fence and when your dog wanders out of that area, you get a text message with Fido’s location.

Today’s episode finds Terry and Dee discussing Austin’s Town Lake Animal Center, a shelter with a dreadful kill rate. 6,161 dogs and cats were euthanized there in 2009. The good news: Austin Pets Alive, a local nonprofit, has stepped up to make Austin a no-kill city. And what’s that about Rachael Ray’s dog attacking someone? After setting the record straight on that one, the discussion moves to Terry’s volunteer experience at Bark, a Richmond rescue group and the Richmond Animal League’s new spay/neuter clinic.

The conversation about dog laws continues in today’s episode of Bark Radio. Florida is, once again, trying to pass Breed Specific Legislation. Should the legislation pass, following is the estimated cost. And that’s just the cost in dollars. The cost in lives taken for no reason except perception is much higher.

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Estimated Number of Dogs 3,837,760
Estimated Number of Dogs described as Pit Bulls 266,670 (The most likely type of dog to be discriminated against)

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Breed-discriminatory legislation not only affects owners of the targeted dogs by interfering with their right to own property, but also taxpayers forced to fund its enforcement. Animal control programs already tend to be underfunded. Attempting to enforce breed-discriminatory laws will only deplete limited animal control resources more quickly. Misguided breed-discriminatory laws restricting specific types of dogs will cost the citizens of the state of Florida over $25,669,200, while accomplishing little.

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Costs Associated With Breed-Discriminatory Laws

• Animal control and enforcement costs: $15,955,860;
• Expenses for kenneling & veterinary care: $3,570,920;
• Expenses related to euthanasia & carcass disposal: $3,486,570;
• Litigation costs resulting from dog owners impacted by the legislation: $279,640;
• DNA testing costs: $2,376,250.

Actual costs to the citizens of the community will be higher as these estimates do not include:

• Shelter veterinarian if not already onsite;
• Increased enforcement staffing;
• Capital costs associated with increased shelter space.

[1] American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, (Schaumburg, Ill: Membership & Field Services, American Veterinary Medical Association), 2008.
[2] Calculations based on analysis by John Dunham and Associates, a New York City based economic consulting firm.
John Dunham and Associates: New York

*estimated cost

Information provided by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, The American Bar Association.

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HB429 tanked in Virginia’s General Assembly. Why do Dee and Terry care? Why should Bark Radio listeners care? Because NOT changing the language in the existing law amounts to Virginia agreeing that breed specific legislation is a good thing. It’s NOT! Here’s the existing paragraph from the bill with the new language that should have passed italicized:

. . . . .

Such animal may be euthanized in accordance with the methods approved by the State Veterinarian or disposed of by the methods set forth in subdivisions 1 through 5. However, no pound may euthanize, or prohibit the adoption of, any dog based solely on breed. No pound shall release more than two animals or a family of animals during any 30-day period to any one person under subdivisions 2, 3, or 4.

. . . . .

That proposed language simply states that dogs should not be killed because of the way they look. Have some spare time? Read the bill in its entirety. And here’s who voted for and against. Yes: Knight, Shuler, James, Sickles–4. No: Lohr, Orrock, Marshall, D.W., Poindexter, Bell, Richard P.–5. Talk to your delegate. Contact those who voted yes and thank them. Contact those who voted no and express your displeasure.

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Bark Radio’s Dee Bogetti just published her puppy book: Puppies chew shoes, don’t they? In today’s episode, Terry and Dee discuss why the book’s subtitle is “a user’s manual for people with puppies”. Dee says “this is not a training book but rather a way to successfully prepare for a new puppy.” The book is available online at lulu.com.